Taking One’s Shoes Off: Reflections On Danger And Refuge

The Buddha also teaches us that we can find refuge in a dangerous world. What does it mean to find safety despite the inevitability of danger? What are the conditions for refuge?

The Buddha teaches us that there is danger inherent in the very fact of existence, the very fact of being alive, the very fact of having to act in the world for survival. The Buddha also teaches us that we can find refuge in such a world. What does it mean to find safety despite the inevitability of danger? What are the conditions for refuge? Drawing on my experiences in prison and as a firefighter in prison, I explore the ways in which I have found safety in dangerous places.

A talk shared with the White Heron Sangha on January 8th, 2023.

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