The Nalanda Institute Community is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equity, justice, kindness and wisdom. We are grounded in the values and the timeless truths that each and every human being— regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, size, ability, class, or religion—has the natural power and right to live a life fully realized: healthy, happy, creative, connected, and liberated.
In the clear awareness that we live in a culture conditioned by ideologies that uphold multiple forms of systemic oppression, we as a society, community, and as individuals too often fall short of realizing and embodying our most deeply held values of deep equity and liberation for all. We focus on embedding equity in everything we do because when equity is achieved, inclusivity, diversity, accessibility and belonging are more possible and achievable in a sustainable way.
We are committed to unconditional compassion and deep social justice and dedicated to helping all find their way in the world as individuals and as members of a truly equitable community of shared belonging. We strive to do this in every aspect of our communal and personal lives, and in our programs, classes, events, and offerings.
Here are some of the ways you can engage in deepening equity at Nalanda Institute…
Affinity Groups
Affinity Groups are a way for people who share similar identities and cultural backgrounds to come together in a brave and safe space for the purpose of exploring the ways systemic oppression affects our lives and the lives of others. The intimacy of a small group helps us to understand more deeply where we are located in an arc of learning, and how to support one another in the growth and development needed for a beloved, non-harming community to emerge and flourish. Gathering in groups of a shared background/social location helps create safety to explore our own bias and reactivity and to be vulnerable enough to make room for our own healing. These groups serve as a kind of ‘think tank’ in which we can process what it means to be following the contemplative path, investigating our internal and embodied experiences of intersectional identity, while remaining committed to social engagement and working to alleviate forms of inner and outer suffering that manifest through systemic oppression.
The Affinity Groups meet monthly in a contemplative circle of mutual support and compassion, with the understanding that true healing comes from listening, sharing, and learning in relationship with each other. Meditation practice, reading resources, and mindful dialogue foster authenticity, compassion and wisdom for courageous and caring conversation and healing.
To learn more about these groups, please contact one of the people below:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) affinity group contact Chantelle Brown, chantelle@nalandainstitute.org
- LGBTQIA+ affinity group contact Moustaffa Abdelrahman moustafa@nalandainstitute.org
- White affinity group, contact Geri Loizzo, geri@nalandainstitute.org
- Undoing Patriarchy affinity group, contact Joe Loizzo, joe@nalandainstitute.org
Affinity Group Facilitators: Moustafa Abdelrahman, Chantelle Brown, Rahshaana Green, Ray Gannon, Rachel Hammerman, Geri Loizzo, Joe Loizzo, Zachary Model, Chris Panzica, Susanna Reimer, Heather Shaw.
Peer Ombuds
The peer ombuds is an informal, neutral, independent, and in most cases, confidential resource for new and continuing Nalanda Institute students to raise questions or concerns about any aspect of their training experiences. The peer ombuds serve as a sounding board who also connects students to resources within the program and within the institute. Click here to read more about the Peer Ombuds role and how to contact the Peer Ombuds (pdf).
Community Agreements
Community Agreements help us provide a foundation and boundaries for creating a safe and brave culture that allows us to share meaningful and generative space together. These encourage us to care for ourselves while holding space for others. While this list is not exhaustive, it’s a place from which we can challenge ourselves and each other while still recognizing that we’re all coming from different places of knowing and transforming. View the agreements in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Somatic Self-Care (weekly Lunchtime Meditation)
Join Director of Equity and Contemplative Psychotherapy, Rahshaana Green for a weekly “Somatic Self-Care” Lunchtime Meditation. Currently online only, Fridays 1:00–1:45 pm. View details in our Calendar.