Pride and Prejudice: A ZOOM-based Theatrical Exploration (Z’Opera) of the Ambattha Sutta (DN 3)

A Sati Center Z’Opera (Zoom-based opera)
Three sessions: Aug 8th, 10th, and 12th (Mon-Wed-Fri), 8:30-10:00am PDT – Via Zoom
With David Lorey, Ying Chen, Diana Clark, and Kim Allen

Please register to receive Zoom link and other information about this course.

Our exploration of the Ambattha Sutta of the Dīgha Nikāya (DN 3) will seek to recreate the high drama of the exchanges between the Buddha, an arrogant Brahmin student, and that student’s teacher. Bringing these ancient exchanges to life in a theatrical play form, with attention to the context of a culture of oral storytelling and public debate in which they occurred, allows for a new way to communicate core teachings of the Buddha—including the gradual training, what constitutes a “true brahmin,” non-attachment to views, and the four noble truths. Although the setting of DN 3 is the ancient world, its treatment of caste, superiority conceit, and prejudice remain strikingly relevant for our lives. Sessions will include guided meditation, short teachings (dharmettes), small-group discussion, and Q&A.