photo by Dustin Brunson
All too often, our so-called strength comes from fear, not love; instead of having a strong back, many of us have a defended front shielding a weak spine. In other words, we walk around brittle and defensive, trying to conceal our lack of confidence. If we strengthen our backs, metaphorically speaking, and develop a spine that’s flexible, but sturdy, then we can risk having a front that’s soft and open, representing choiceless compassion. The place in your body where these two meet—strong back and soft front—is the brave, tender ground in which to root our caring deeply.
Roshi Joan Halifax speaks to Buddhists and non-followers alike on such universal topics as compassion, suffering, and what it is to be human. Influenced by early experiences as an anthropologist-world traveler, passionate end-of-life pioneer, and her work in social and ecological activism, she eloquently teaches the interwoven nature of engaged Buddhism and contemplative practice. She encourages a wholistic approach to life and training the mind, “that we may transform both personal and social suffering into compassion and wisdom.” Roshi Joan’s personal practice includes creative expression through photography, brush painting, and haiku as explorations in “beingness” and joy. As Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya, her vision for the Zen Center embraces comprehensive Buddhist studies, meditation, service, dharma art, and environmental action as integrated paths cultivating peace and interconnectedness.
photo by Melissa J White
photo by Kitty Leaken
photo by Noah Roen
Upaya Zen Center:
a place of refuge
For many years, I longed to nourish a refuge of practice, learning, and service that would meet our complicated and fraught world with life-giving hands. I had worked with dying people over the decades, and from this work was aware of how precious this life is, how we can use it to end suffering. I had been practicing meditation since the mid-sixties and knew that, at least for me, it had been life-saving. Also, in my early years as an anthropologist and social activist, I had a profound appreciation for the importance of cultural diversity. These threads are woven throughout the cloth of Upaya, and I hope that they will be strengthened even more in our future.
This vision has long been supported by the generosity of others. In the 1990’s, the Upaya House was given to me by Laurance Rockefeller and Richard Baker Roshi. My father's estate came to Upaya, making possible the growth of the center, the social action work we were doing, as well as acquiring land surrounding Upaya, preserving it from development. Strong teachers from various Buddhist schools have generously taught here, as our way is very inclusive. And science, and the work of Francisco Varela and the Lindisfarne Fellowship, have played an important part in how we have structured and focused the center.
A tree has roots, a trunk, a crown, but that is not all... a tree is the very earth it is planted in. For Upaya, that is the American Southwest. Its trunk upholds vows and commitments that make our center strong. The crown of the tree gives shelter to many. This, I hope, is how Upaya will live into the future... strongly rooted in this very earth, with vows in its heart, giving refuge to all.
— Roshi Joan Halifax
To learn more about Roshi Joan Halifax and Upaya Zen Center go to Upaya Zen Center.
THE EXTRAORDINARY NEW BUILDING AT UPAYA: QUERENCIA REBUILD AND TAIZANDO (SERENE MOUNTAIN HALL)
Become a founding donor
In early 2020, with a seed donation of $2 million from a good friend, we embarked on a building project that would not only serve as a testament to Upaya's vision of socially engaged Buddhism but also serve the evolving needs of our community. We needed better housing for residents and practitioners, a new library, a media room, a commons area, a modern kitchen, new offices, and more. However, as you might guess, challenges, from the pandemic to supply chain disruptions etc, led to costs doubling and the timeline almost doubling as well.
After three years, we are at last just finishing this extraordinary building project, nearly two years late and double in cost. It is one of those things that once we began, we had to continue, in spite of the challenges of the pandemic and the concomitant cost increases in everything.
This beautiful building of nearly 17,000 square feet takes the pressure off of our limited facilities and gives Upaya’s future depth security as we meet a world that is so complicated. It truly provides a place of deep practice, dedicated action, and learning, and it is Roshi Joan’s last project in this lifetime, as she feels that this extraordinary asset will serve to guarantee a robust future of service, practice and learning for Upaya and will serve so many.
It has taken every resource that Upaya has, and more, to bring the project to its fruition. As we move toward completion, we are asking friends to consider making a significant donation to help with my last big endeavor in order to support Upaya’s present and future.
There is no other place like Upaya, where social and environmental engagement is such an integral part of the Buddhist stream. Our next generation leadership know this and are moving forward with this in their foreground. And the building represents our resilience and our commitment to the future.
We humbly request your support in ensuring the completion of this monumental project.
Roshi is grateful for the unwavering faith of so many in Upaya's mission.
You may donate here to the building fund, and your gift will be acknowledged in a special plaque of donors in the Taizando (Serene Mountain Hall) of this beautiful building. www.upaya.org