July 21, 2016

Beyond Empathy: A Call to Skillful Action

Summary:

In this sermon, the speaker calls for a transition from passive empathy to meaningful personal action in response to societal hatred and negativity. Drawing on his life in Boulder and his practice of yoga, he uses the imagery of the deity Shiva to illustrate how individuals must simultaneously destroy ignorance and create love. He argues that true change requires moving beyond bubbles of comfort and confronting the unfamiliar with an open heart. By sharing anecdotes from his careers in music and academia, he emphasizes that education involves discarding old assumptions to make room for new growth. Ultimately, the speaker encourages his audience to approach each day as a beginner, using their unique skills to counteract fear through disciplined, selfless deeds.