My teacher Thich Nhat Hanh describes upekkhā as the practice of inclusiveness. It’s the ability to stand firm, and at the same time not take sides, to include many perspectives. He emphasized the need for openness and not being ideological, dogmatic, or imprisoned in our views. Being inclusive means we both give and have spaciousness. But how do we face the world as it is, especially in these times, and keep our hearts spacious?
Kaira Jewel Lingo, MA
Residential Retreat Teacher
Kaira Jewel Lingo is a Dharma teacher with a lifelong interest in spirituality and social justice. Her work continues the Engaged Buddhism developed by Thich Nhat Hanh, and she draws inspiration from her parents’ lives of service and her dad’s work with Martin Luther King, Jr. After living as an ordained nun for 15 years in Thich Nhat Hanh’s monastic community, Kaira Jewel now teaches internationally in the Zen lineage and the Vipassana tradition, as well as in secular mindfulness, at the intersection of racial, climate and social justice with a focus on activists, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, artists, educators, families, and youth. Based in New York, she offers spiritual mentoring to groups and is author of We Were Made for These Times: Ten Lessons in Moving through Change, Loss and Disruption and co-author of Healing Our Way Home: Black Buddhist Teachings on Ancestors, Joy and Liberation from Parallax Press. Her teachings and writings can be found at www.kairajewel.com.
Kaira Jewel Lingo's Upcoming Programs
Retreat | Online
Sunday, April 6 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Healing Our Way Home: Ancestral Wisdom for Joy and Liberation
In this half-day retreat, we’ll explore how mindfulness can connect us to our ancestors, deepen joy, and touch liberation, grounded in Healing Our Way Home (2024). Through Dharma talks, mindful walking, meditation, singing, journaling, and group sharing, we’ll honor ancestral wisdom and reflect on how it informs us in the present moment. This practice offers space for individual and collective healing, reconnecting with our roots, and cultivating joy and liberation on our spiritual journey.
Kaira Jewel Lingo
Retreat | On-Land
April 9 - April 16, 2025 | Wednesday - Wednesday | 7 nights
Insight Meditation Retreat
Registration Open. This is a silent retreat suitable to those new and experienced in the practices of Insight Meditation (vipassanā). The retreat includes systematic instructions on vipassanā meditation—both in stillness and movement—as well as lovingkindness practices, meetings with teachers, and evening talks highlighting the central teachings of the Buddha and their practical application in our lives. This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
Upcoming Drop-Ins
Drop-in | Online
Wednesday, February 19 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday Morning Meditation & Talk
Our Wednesday Morning Meditation & Talk is led by Sylvia Boorstein, Donald Rothberg, Heidi Bourne, or other guest teachers. This group welcomes beginners and experienced practitioners to explore the Dharma.
Kaira Jewel Lingo
Drop-in | Online
Wednesday, March 19 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday Morning Meditation & Talk
Our Wednesday Morning Meditation & Talk is led by Sylvia Boorstein, Donald Rothberg, Heidi Bourne, or other guest teachers. This group welcomes beginners and experienced practitioners to explore the Dharma.
Kaira Jewel Lingo
Dharma Library
Can't join us live online or on the land? Study and practice at your convenience with Kaira Jewel Lingo through our new library of recordings, articles, and self-paced online courses.