• DANCE-ers join locals and other protesters at the anti-fracking demonstration in Preston New Road, near Blackpool

PLEASE NOTE: Due to technical issues this website is no longer maintained. For up-to-date information please visit this temporary website. If you have the skills to help us build a brand new site please do get in touch!

Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (DANCE) is a space for connecting to explore the breadth of possible Dharma responses to climate change and related issues.

As well as an opportunity to network and form more localized groups of support, activity and political action, a wide range of creative ideas and experiments in passionate and compassionate engagement may be shared, incubated, and hatched together through this space.

It can also serve as a more central forum to discuss perspectives and to voice feelings about the environmental crises we face; and as a hub for information on relevant events and resources, including related retreats, workshops, artistic and other enterprises.

Rob Burbea

Rob Burbea, 1965-2020

On the Vesak full moon just gone the world sadly said goodbye to Rob Burbea, a much beloved dharma teacher and a co-founder of DANCE.

Here is a short tribute and a couple of lovely photos.

What Rob gave to his students and to the world was extraordinary. He will be greatly missed.

Earth

Touched by This World

a meditation retreat with Kirsten Kratz

9-12 July 2020 // Gayles Retreat, Sussex

Touched by This World: The Power of Connection, Contemplation and Action. Nourishing our courage for the great adventure of global justice and ecological renewal.

For full details check the event page.

Fireman and koala

Could Love be the Answer to the Climate Crisis?

an article by Tynette Deveaux

“As the climate crisis worsens, and the window to solve it is quickly closing, we have a choice to make: we can shut down in fear or lean in and open our hearts even more.”

Tynette is editor of Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly. You can read her article on Medium.

Love in the Time of Extinction – Yanai Postelnik

Dharma Practice, Non-Violent Civil Disobedience, and Extinction Rebellion

Sat 6th April: Bodhi Tree Brighton (2pm-4.30pm)
Sun 7th April: The Pulse Studio in the Mansion, 36 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5RP (6.45pm-9pm)
Tue 9th April: Bristol Insight Meditation (7.15-9.30pm)
Thurs 11th April: St Ethelburga’s, 78 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG (6.30pm-9.30pm)

I know there are many in our sangha/community, who like myself have engaged with, or are considering engaging with Extinction Rebellion, or have questions about it. As a young, but quickly growing and inclusive movement, “XR” is calling for non-violent mass civil disobedience in London (and in capitals around the world) from 15 April, seeking to pressure the government(s) to act proportionately and urgently, in responding to the climate and ecological emergency we face. This is the over-arching ethical issue of our times, and a matter of urgency and profound morality. My wish is to share my experience of engaging in peaceful non-violent civil disobedience, and to reflect on this as a natural expression of spiritual practice, awakening and courageous compassion, deeply aligned with the spiritual path of dharma practice. ~ Yanai

Ekuthuleni1-240

Ekuthuleni Retreats 2019

www.ekumeditation.com

Ekuthuleni is a small, back to basics retreat place in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. For details on the wonderful retreats they’re running this summer and autumn head to their Events page.

Show the Love with the Climate Coalition!

Take a pledge, find resources, and join with others to show your enduring love for our precious blue-green home. #ShowTheLove #WakeUpEarth
 
Climate Coalition: Show the Love

Staying Alive

Staying Alive to the Environmental Crisis

2nd Feb / 2nd March / 30th March in London

This series of three workshops, inspired by the work of Joanna Macy and using practices such as mindfulness, group work, and dyads, will explore our connection with the Earth and each other.

See the event page for more details.

Dharma and Civil Disobedience

This November Gaia House teachers Yanai Postelnik, Catherine McGee, Rob Burbea, and Kirsten Kratz, along with many Dharma practitioners from the wider Gaia House community, participated in a series of planned actions of non-violent civil disobedience in London, part of an attempt to galvanize the UK government to urgently implement a truly appropriate response to the emergencies of climate change and mass species extinction.
Read more about it here.

What Would Buddha Siddharta Do About Climate Change? (Part 2)

an article by Bob Hodson-Smith and Jules Wagstaff

Three years ago Bob and Jules wrote What Would Buddha Siddharta Do About Climate Change? (Part 1), and suggested that he would organise and establish a means for ordinary people to walk away from the economic system that is driving the harm.

Now, in Part 2, Bob and Jules present a possible action plan, and since the first instalment have created the charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) ‘Climate and Community’ as the legal structure necessary to making this a reality. Have a read, and see the post below too, with their invitation to organise a climate conservation camp.

You can contact Bob and Jules on climateandcommunity@btinternet.com

A Land-based Dharma Work Camp

an invitation from Bob Hodson-Smith and Jules Wagstaff

Are you interested in a land-based dharma work camp focused on social impact and environmental change? It could help wake people up to the dangers of climate change through practical actions and common sense. The proverb says ‘Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water’. There are challenges to be dealt with and we can learn to use the practical tools and skills to deal with them. Turn the wheel for the environment.

Why a camp? Experience from the climate camps, other projects such as the Sarvodaya village project in Sri Lanka and the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930’s America teach us that camps are a humanising bigger-than-self experience which ground a person and encourage cooperation.

We have the tools for chopping wood and some containers with a trolley for carrying water…

For more information see What Would Buddha Siddharta Do About Climate Change? (Part 2) or contact Bob and Jules on climateandcommunity@btinternet.com

Real Media coverage of DANCE London’s latest protest

DANCE London continue their regular anti-fracking protests outside Barclays bank, and their efforts have now been documented with a great video and write-up by Real Media (“The News You Don’t See”) – you can find it here.

Trump Visit London Protest

Donald Trump is visiting London on 13th July and protests are planned: www.stoptrump.org.uk.
If you’re interested in meeting up with other DANCE folk please email mark@thedancewebsite.org.

Breaking the Silence, Changing the Story: Buddhism versus Neoliberalism

DANCE member Yogaratna has written an insightful, helpful, and thought-provoking introduction to the vast territory of neoliberalism – from a Buddhist point of view. Find the whole thing here as a PDF.

Report from ‘No Faith in Fracking’ event at PNR

Joe Mishan reports back from the No Faith in Fracking event at Preston New Road. Read about it, see some of his pics, and watch a couple videos here.

A Year at the Anti-fracking Camps

A member of DANCE has written a wonderful piece about their experiences over the last year, supporting the anti-fracking protests in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Find the article here, along with a link to a fantastic and heart-warming film made by some non-DANCE folk.

Ekuthuleni1-240

Ekuthuleni Retreats 2018

www.ekumeditation.com

Ekuthuleni is a small, back to basics retreat place in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. For details on the wonderful retreats they’re running this summer and autumn head to their Events page.

No Faith in Fracking Week

Preston New Road, nr Blackpool // 23-27 April 2018

In preparation for the United Resistance action taking place at Preston New Road, Quakers from the North West are working alongside people of all faiths and none to co-create a week of faith and spirit presence at the Cuadrilla fracking site at Preston New Road from 23-27 April. DANCErs will be in attendance – come join us!

Check the event page for more information.

New DANCE group in Sheffield!

‘DANCE Sheffield’ is starting to take shape. Please contact Julian Briggs on J.Briggs@phonecoop.coop for more information.

Dharma for Stormy Weather

a talk by Kristin Barker for DANCE Bristol

In February 2018 DANCE Bristol were delighted and honoured to host Kristin Barker, co-founder of One Earth Sangha. Her talk from that night, “Dharma for Stormy Weather” can be found here.

We Are Planetary

Sat 3rd March // The Canvas Cafe, 42 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL

On Saturday 3rd March DANCE London will be offering an afternoon of meditative practices, sharing and reflection, with a showing of the film Planetary. This will be a precious opportunity to connect with others. To express, share, and honour our deep care and concern for all of life, exploring ways of responding from a wise and compassionate heart that knows the undeniable truth that every living thing is connected.

For more information see the event page.

Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth
Regenerative Tree Planting Retreat

8-11 March 2018 // Bronhaul Farm, Banc-y-felin, SA33 5NQ Carmarthen

Are you interested in spending a few days in the fresh air of the green shires of West Wales planting trees, deepening your connection to nature and your own well-being in Spring 2018?

Bronhaul Farm are hosting their first retreat, Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth, a regenerative tree planting retreat combining physical work in restoring the land and contemplative activities to deepen connection to nature and ourselves, awaken new and more vigorous life and set down roots of regenerative intentions for our own lives.

They’ll be joined by facilitators Gareth, from the Centre for Alternative Technology (and DANCE), and Jason, from Avon Wildlife Trust, for tree planting, time in the woods, hearty vegetarian food and the chance to retreat, reconnect and regenerate..

Find all the information you need on Facebook
Or alternatively take a look at the information pack on Google Docs

Working Towards a Sustainable Future: A spring work retreat

29th May – 4th June 2018   //   CAT, mid-Wales, UK

facilitated by Gareth Fysh-Foskett and Julia Wallond

This retreat offer a unique opportunity to combine meditation, inquiry and reflection, including exercises from Joanna Macy’s ‘Work that Reconnects’, with working outdoors at the ecological flagship Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). The retreat is open to all, those new to meditation as well as those with experience.

See the event page for more info.

Anti-fracking: Reflections from Yorkshire

by Jill Bird and Jonathan Fishwick

At the end of November, Jill, Jonathan, Gareth and others travelled to Yorkshire to join the hardy souls at the Kirby Misperton Protection Camp in solidarity and peaceful protest.

Click here to read some of their reflections from the trip.

Barclays “Listen to the Earth!” Vigil

14th October 2017 11am-1pm // Golden Square, London, W1F 9

DANCE London invites you to join them for a silent protest vigil outside Barclays Bank in Piccadilly Circus in London.

Full information about the event can be found here: www.facebook.com/events/848058568696173/

“Not Turning Away”: The 2017 All Night Vigil

2nd December // Gaia House (and other locations)

DANCE is organising the 6th sponsored All Night Vigil at Gaia House, an opportunity for practice and reflection to inspire compassionate responses to the climate crisis. All proceeds will support the great work done by 350.org.

See the event page for more details about how to get involved and how to donate.

The Dharma of Disobedience: Combating Climate Violence at Ende Gelände

by Lindsay Alderton

This August close to 6000 people gathered in Germany to shut down Europe’s largest coal mine in a mass act of civil disobedience. Lindsay joined with Kirsten and Juha to share the experience together.

Click here for some personal reflections of how it went.

Stop the Arms Fair

4-11 September 2017, London

On Tuesday 5 September different faith groups are coming together to disrupt th set-up of DSEI with prayer, worship, meditation, music, talks and nonviolent action, saying “no faith in war!”

On Shifting priorities from arms to renewables would help tackle climate change and could provide alternative employment for arm trade workers. Get involved in the Arms to Renewables creative action on Wesnesday 6 September.

Join feminist, queer, migrant and anti-borders groups on Thursday 7 September.

On Saturday 9 September Conference At the Gates will be a day of protest and learning run by academics, students and others at the entrance to DSEI.

On Sunday 10 Setember join War Resisters’ International and anti-militarist activists from across the world to hear about the consequences of the deals made at DSEI and international resistance to the arms trade.

And on Monday 11th there will be a candlelit vigil organised by East London Against Arms Fairs.

More information on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stopthearmsfair/.

Barclays Bank: Meditation Vigil and Earth Dance

Saturday 2nd September 2017, 11am // Golden Square, London

Barclays is one of the highest investors in fossil fuels of any high street bank – investing over £15 million of assets in oil, gas and coal extraction.

We invite you to join us for a silent protest vigil outside Barclays Bank in Piccadilly Circus in London.

Full details on the event page.

Anti-fracking: Responses to the Rolling Resistance

by Andrea Hosfeld, Julia Wallond, and Henry Wilcox

In July a group of DANCE-ers journeyed to Preston New Road near Blackpool to add their bodies and spirits to the anti-fracking demonstration. Click here for some beautiful poems and pieces inspired by that trip.

Mindfulness in Action: Reconnecting to ourselves and the Earth

Saturday 23rd September // Eastbourne // Free entry

Addressing environmental issues has been called one of the most pressing issues of our time: from climate change and plastic pollution to mass species extinction, it is clear global efforts are needed. How can we do this without feeling paralysed and overwhelmed?

Inspired by the work of Joanna Macy and through practices such as mindulness, peple are invited in this workshop to reconnect to themselves, each other, and the Earth, and explore how this can be translated into action.

Click here for a PDF of the flyer

Rolling Resistance: Stop the Frackers

July 21st-24th // Preston New Road, Lancashire

This event has now passed – have a read of some of the poems and pieces inspired by the trip.

For the first time in the UK the fracking industry is attempting to extract gas commercially.
In Preston New Road daily protests by local groups have already delayed construction by months, and at least 5 suppliers have pulled out. Resistance is already happening but they need our support. Reclaim the Power have organised a ‘Rolling Resistance’ throughout the month of July, and a group from within the DANCE network will be joining over the weekend beginning Friday 21st.

On Friday activities will run from 8am – 4pm and include a roadside sit down lunch banquet of locally produced food (wear your finest overalls) a stall space to sell produce and small roving workshops on everything from Propagation for Kids to a Brief History of Land Rights. The day will be followed by workshops over the weekend on activism, organising and many other interesting topics. Monday will be an opportunity for small group direct actions. We would love to see you there that weekend, but of course you can join any other weekend as well.

If you would like to join us, please email action@thedancewebsite.org
If you’re interested in coming along and are based in the West Country, coach transport will be available from Bristol on Thursday 20th July. Please email bristolcoordination@gmail.com to book your place as soon as possible.

For full information about the whole month visit the Rolling Resistance webpage or the Facebook event page

GEA-250

Green Earth Awakening

20-24 September 2017 // Blackdown Hills, Somerset

A convergence of engaged Buddhism, community living, land skills, and creative responses towards social resilience. A drug and alcohol free forum for exchange and exploration, with bodywork, dance and music.

More info on the event page.

“Planetary” DANCE London screening: 21 April 2017

The Canvas Cafe, 42 Hanbury Street, E1 5JL

As part of the launch of DANCE London’s affiliation with Friends of the Earth, we are inviting Friends of the Earth local groups and Dharma practitioners to this event. There will be an opportunity for reflection, to share reactions to the film and to learn about current and future DANCE campaigns. Refreshments provided.

For more information see the event page.

Global Divestment Mobilisation: 5-13 May 2017

globaldivestmentmobilisation.org/europe/

Fossil fuel companies have been driving the climate crisis and delaying action on climate change for decades. From 5-13 May join thousands of people everywhere to highlight the impacts of our institutions’ investments in fossil fuels and demand they do the right thing: divest!

Ekuthuleni1-240

Ekuthuleni Retreats 2017

www.ekumeditation.com

Ekuthuleni is a small, back to basics retreat place in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. For details on the wonderful retreats they’re running this summer and autumn head to their Events page.

Regenerative Activism: Sustaining Resistance

a weeklong course with Guhyapati and Alex Swain // 7-15 July 2017

Those of us involved in social change face enormous challenges. Daily we meet injustice, loss, and suffering in the world around us. We also meet our own responses to that: our fears, frustrations and anger. How can we best work with these responses creatively to achieve our goals? And what collective tools can we use to enable our groups, organisations, and networks to better embody our values? This workshop will offer a range of tools – collective and personal – which can make our activism more effective and sustainable.

For full details check the Freely Given Retreats website.

The Heart of the Matter

Barefoot Barn, Devon // Sunday 22nd January, 10am-4pm

A peer-led day to explore how Buddhist heart practices Metta (Loving Kindness) and Karuna (Compassion) can resource us, and inform our personal and unique responses to climate change.

Full details on the events page.

Vegan Dharma Challenge: January 2017

The Vegan Dharma Network would like to invite you on a journey of exploring compassion, ethical conduct, and renunciation by following a vegan diet for one month. Deepen your personal practice and protect the world!

Website: vegandharma.org
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/344472329272952/
Twitter: twitter.com/VeganDharma

I-pledge climate cycle of New Zealand

Paul Woodward’s blog

Paul Woodward (one of the group that did the I-pledge ride in 2014) is now undertaking a 3000km climate change awareness raising cycle across the length of new Zealand, promoting the I-pledge initiative.

The route he is following is shown here and updates are on his blog.

wtsf2017-150

Working Towards a Sustainable Future: A midsummer work retreat

18th – 23rd June 2017 // CAT, mid Wales, UK

facilitated by Gareth Fysh-Foskett and Julia Wallond

This retreat offer a unique opportunity to combine meditation, inquiry and reflection with working outdoors at the ecological flagship Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). The retreat is open to all, those new to meditation as well as those with experience.

See the event page for more info.

splashmob

Splashmob!

25th September 2016 // British Museum, London

Upcoming event: Anti-BP Splashmob coordinated by our Art not Oil partner BP or not BP. 25th September at the British Museum.

Email info@bp-or-not-bp.org for the full details on how to join this mass public underwater-themed finvasion.

http://bp-or-not-bp.org/splashmob/

staygrounded

Stay Grounded Flashmob

1st October 2016

Stay Grounded Flashmob and Critical Mass hosted by Reclaim the Power at a London airport. Midday.

https://reclaimthepower.org.uk/.

International Monsanto Tribunal in the Hague

The Monsanto Tribunal is an international civil society initiative to hold Monsanto accountable for human rights violations, for crimes against humanity, and for ecocide. Eminent judges will hear testimonies from victims, and deliver an advisory opinion following procedures of the International Court of Justice. A parallel People’s Assembly provides the opportunity for social movements to rally and plan for the future we want. The Tribunal and People’s Assembly will take place between 14 and 16 October 2016 in The Hague, Netherlands.

Full details here: www.monsanto-tribunal.org

Shell Centre

Monthly vigil outside London’s Shell Centre

Every 4th Sunday of the month at 10am

The aim of these monthly events is to honour the preciousness of our one fragile earth and to bear witness to the activities of Shell Oil which continues to do it serious harm. We will be there throughout the year to mark our deep concern for the future and our undying hope for change.

More info on the event page.

GEA-250

Green Earth Awakening

14-18 September 2016 // Blackdown Hills, Somerset

A five-day camp to explore engaged Buddhism, community living, land skills, nature connection and creative responses. This year GEA will be hosting DANCE by offering a limited number of free placements to active members.

More info on the event page.

wake up

Sacred Earth, Sacred Trust: Meditation Flashmob

10am // 12th June // Shell Centre, London SE1 7NA

As part of the Sacred Earth, Sacred Trust day organised by Our Voices, and in collaboration with Wake Up London, there will be a meditation flashmob staged at 10am outside the Shell Building on the South Bank. If you’d like to join in please wear black or dark clothing if you can and bring a black umbrella if it looks like rain. The meditation will last for about half an hour outside, so do also make sure you’ll be warm enough. You are invited to write a brief (polite) message to the CEO of Shell UK which will be left outside the building under a small stone or posted through the letter box (to be discussed). The message could be asking him to respect the earth, urgently move to renewables, show wisdom in the face of the climate crisis etc; you might want to sign personalise it by signing with your first name.

Hope to see you there – nearest tube is Embankment or Waterloo 🙂

Update: For photos of the action see the event page.

Greece

All Night Vigil 2016

10th September, Gaia House (and elsewhere?)

For this year’s all night vigil we will be sitting with the refugee crisis in our hearts. In collaboration with Mandala Trust and Lighthouse Relief all funds raised from the event will be used to support those still coming into Greece, now mostly women and children.

More info on the event page.

wellcome-240

Practice Meets Protest at the Wellcome Museum

Feb 28th: DANCE call on the Wellcome trust to divest from fossil fuels

On the closing day of the Wellcome Trust’s exhibition on ‘Tibet’s Secret Temple’ members of DANCE, supported by members from BP or not BP, visited the museum in London for an unannounced protest.

Read all about it here. Yogaratna has also written a personal reflection on the meeting of practice and protest which you can find here.

Ekuthuleni1-240

Ekuthuleni Retreats 2016

ekuthuleni-retreat.blogspot.co.uk

Ekuthuleni is a small, back to basics retreat place in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. For details on the wonderful retreats they’re running this summer and autumn head to their Events page.

Rob-100

An Ecology of Love

a talk by Rob Burbea

A recent talk about love, eros, metta, and the Dharma; about our sense of the Earth, and a sense of the sacred.

Cut into four parts, this talk is now available on Dharmaseed: dharmaseed.org/retreats/2757

 

wtsf140

Working Towards a Sustainable Future

19th – 24th June 2016 // CAT, mid Wales, UK

facilitated by Kirsten Kratz

This work retreat offers the opportunity to combine working outdoors at the ecological flagship Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) with meditation and listening practice, as we nourish and express our care for life on Earth and our wish for a more sustainable world.

See the event page for more info.

This retreat has now passed – take a look at participant Julia Wallond’s write-up for a beautiful sense of what it all meant.