The 6 Paramitas and The Black (W)Hole: Socially Engaged Art With Brett Cook
This workshop features Order of Interbeing Member Brett Cook, an interdisciplinary artist and longtime practitioner, who provided an inspiring presentation blending Buddhist teachings with socially engaged art.
Beginning with an introduction to the six paramitas of Buddhism, Cook connected these principles to his community art project, The Black (W)hole, which memorializes Oakland youth lost to violence through collaborative art and dance. Throughout the session, Cook emphasized the significance of creativity as a lifestyle, the role of youth engagement in social change, and the importance of building community amid challenges. The Black (W)hole was a healing, celebratory experience that mourned and honored the lives of six young people who died in and around Oakland California before the age of 32.
This workshop is a part of our Deer Park Monastery's Monthly Engaged Buddhism Series featuring Lay Dharma Teachers and OI Members in the Plum Village Tradition. This series is for mindfulness practitioners around the world who want to learn more about engaged practice and how to build service-based mindfulness communities.