In this talk, we'll explore the deep evolutionary and spiritual currents that shape our lives—the pull of fear and separation, and the quiet, persistent call toward love, compassion, and belonging. Drawing on stories, reflections, and contemplative practices, this talk invites us to remember that caring is our true nature, even when it feels distant or obscured.

Through mindful awareness and heart-centered practices, we begin to sense how our awakened heart calls us—through both the pain of disconnection and the longing for love. As we learn to turn toward our inner experience with kindness, we naturally widen our circles of compassion and deepen our capacity to meet others with presence and care.

In this talk, Tara explores:

✨ How compassion is the foundation of human connection and collective healing
✨ The two forces within us: fear-based reactivity and the call of the awakened heart
✨ Why "caring about caring" is itself a doorway to love and transformation
✨ Practices for turning toward vulnerability and deepening empathy (including Tonglen)
✨ How widening our circles of compassion can help heal both personal and global suffering

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

True listening arouses an open receptive presence that can be truly healing. This meditation awakens a listening presence; first bringing that receptive awareness to sensations and sounds, and then offering that presence to the tenderness and vulnerability of our heart.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music

In this conversation, Tara is joined by Mohsen Mahdawi—Palestinian refugee, Buddhist practitioner, and courageous voice for justice—whose life bridges worlds that are so often held apart. Growing up in a refugee camp and later emerging as a student leader and advocate for Palestinian dignity, Mohsen brings a rare integration of spiritual depth, clarity and dedication to societal transformation. Together they explore how inner awakening can ground fearless activism, what it means to stand for justice amid profound asymmetry of power, how to resist dehumanization in a polarized world, and whether a spiritually rooted movement for collective liberation is quietly emerging in our time. This dialogue is an invitation to reimagine activism as an expression of love, belonging, and courageous presence.

Our introduction music is from "Opening" by Adrienne Torf, © 2025 ABT Music