Sharon Salzberg + Serene Jones + Lydia Mason

In a world facing crisis, we need more than politics as usual. We need the kind of deep, transformational change that spiritual practice brings—in how we relate to ourselves, to each other, and to the earth.

Real Change: How Spirituality Can Power Activism, a panel discussion on the power of spiritually-inspired activism, is presented by Lion’s Roar as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. This fascinating and important discussion will feature renowned Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg, Christian progressive leader and Union Theological Seminary President Serene Jones, and NYU student Lydia Mason, one of the next generation of black secular teen activists.

This is the second of three panel discussions Lion’s Roar is hosting this year at the Rubin Museum. The series will offer Buddhist perspectives on important issues of our time.

About the Speakers

Mission-driven and community-supported, Lion’s Roar provides Buddhist teachings, news, and perspectives so that the understanding and practice of Buddhism flourishes in today’s world and its timeless wisdom is accessible to all. They do this by providing as many entry points as they can: print and digital publications, website, video, social media, live events, practice retreats, and more. Lion’s Roar tries to bring dharma to people right where they are, knowing what a difference it can make in their lives.

Sharon Salzberg is a well-known Buddhist teacher of Insight Meditation and author. She is one of the founders of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and the author of many books including the New York Times bestseller Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection.

Serene Jones, a highly respected scholar and public intellectual, is the 16th President of the historic Union Theological Seminary in New York City. The first woman to head the 182-year-old institution, Jones occupies the Johnston Family Chair for Religion and Democracy. She is a past president of the American Academy of Religion, which annually hosts the world’s largest gathering of scholars of religion. She is the author of several books, including the forthcoming Call it Grace: Finding Meaning in a Fractured World, due out in March.

Lydia Mason is a pre-med student at New York University studying politics and bioethics. She is passionate about women’s rights and health, advocacy, politics, volunteerism, education, and the separation of church and state. In her free time, she enjoys doing medical research, writing, and working on her education startup, Pro BoKnow. In the future, she aspires to become an OB/GYN and eventually run for public office.