WHAT IS THE RITUAL OF CALLING IN OUR ANCESTORS?
The ritual of calling in our ancestors is a way to spiritually connect with those who have come and gone before us. We all have blood ancestors, chosen ancestors, spirit ancestors, and benevolent ancestors known and unknown. Honoring them helps ground us into our own cultural experiences and histories. The practice acknowledges that our own lives rest within the foundation of their sacrifices. It reminds us that we're all connected to our ancestors through a wider web of life, and that their support can be a meaningful source of healing, wisdom, and love. We may ask for their blessings and guidance and express our deep gratitude for their holding and support. This practice may benefit current and future generations to come. Learn more about how to honor your ancestors here.
WHAT IS THE DEDICATION OF MERIT?
When we engage in different forms of spiritual practice, we are cultivating
"merit" which is being or doing something that creates value. Dedicating the value of merit to all living beings expands the goodness of our practices beyond our ourselves and acknowledges the true interconnectedness between all. We can dedicate merit for any action -- planting flowers, doing dishes, or taking a mindful walk. On our podcast, we will be dedicating the merit of every episode - either explicitly with our listeners or behind the scenes. Learn more about dedicating merit here.
"merit" which is being or doing something that creates value. Dedicating the value of merit to all living beings expands the goodness of our practices beyond our ourselves and acknowledges the true interconnectedness between all. We can dedicate merit for any action -- planting flowers, doing dishes, or taking a mindful walk. On our podcast, we will be dedicating the merit of every episode - either explicitly with our listeners or behind the scenes. Learn more about dedicating merit here.
What does the sanskrit term, CITTA, mean?
"Citta" in pali / sanskrit is means heart and mind. It is the belief that the mind is in the heart. We work with the mind/heart in meditation practices.
WHAT is intergenerational trauma?
"Transgenerational trauma, or intergenerational trauma is a psychological term which asserts that trauma can be transferred in between generations. After a first generation of survivors experiences trauma, they are able to transfer their trauma to their children and further generations of offspring..." Learn more here.
What is the land acknowledgement you do at THE beginning of your podcast?
To create a more grounded and respectful connection to the land and Indigenous communities whose land we are residing on. We say the names of native tribes whose land this belongs to acknowledge that we recognize the harm and violence that these tribes have experienced from European settlers. Learn more here.
If you are in Ohlone Territory (SF Bay Area) and you want to do more on a practical level, to help the the Ohlone people regain their sacred relationship to their land, got to: Sogorea Te' Land Trust.
If you are in Ohlone Territory (SF Bay Area) and you want to do more on a practical level, to help the the Ohlone people regain their sacred relationship to their land, got to: Sogorea Te' Land Trust.