About this event:
How can Buddhist teachings help us live with more clarity, connection, and compassion in a divided world? This talk introduces the heart of Flower Garland (Huayan) Buddhism in a clear and practical way. At its core, this tradition teaches that everything is deeply connected and that our everyday lives, relationships, and communities all matter. Rev. Ben Connelly will share how these teachings can guide us in responding to real-life challenges, drawing from his recent experiences supporting community-based, nonviolent responses in Minneapolis. These efforts are part of a broader pattern of community care and mutual support that has emerged in response to recent violent ICE actions and their impact on local communities . The session will include time for reflection, conversation, and questions, offering participants a chance to connect the teachings to their own lives and experiences.
Location and schedule:
The event is online-only via Zoom.
Saturday, May 23, 2026 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm Eastern Time (Click here for a time converter.)
Fees:
The Soto Zen Buddhist Association relies on the generosity of its supporters to offer programming. All fees offered through registration will be shared with speakers and panelists. We suggest a sliding scale registration fee of $10-15 for online participation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
About the speaker:
Rev. Ben Connelly is the guiding teacher of the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center. He also teaches mindfulness in a wide variety of secular contexts including police training and addiction recovery groups, and works with multi faith groups focused on social and climate justice.
Ben travels to teach across the United States, has written for Tricycle and Lion’s Roar magazines, and is author of Inside the Grass Hut, Inside Vasubandhu's Yogacara, Mindfulness and Intimacy, Vasubandhu's "Three Natures", and Inside the Flower Garland Sutra.
This event is supported by the Hemera Foundation, the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism and the generosity of our community.
