Talk Title: Doomscrolling, Dhamma & the Middle Way
Talk Summary (as stated by Doug): “Whether we are newshounds or not, or consume media compulsively or not, we are all doomscrollers* now. The sheer bulk and velocity of deeply disturbing news is unavoidable today, and we tend to absorb it osmotically. How is one to cope without collapsing? A good starting point is the Buddha’s description of Dhamma as going “against the stream,” and his teachings for doing that. In this talk, I’ll bring my experience of 30 years as a journalist at The New York Times, Bloomberg News, and as a freelance writer, to explore going “against the stream” today. That is, how to engage meaningfully with world news and events while at the same time maintaining warm-heartedness towards all beings, compassion, joy and equanimity.”
* “Scrolling through an endless stream of negative news and information, particularly on social media and news websites,” according to ChatGPT.
Doug’s Biography: “I’ve meditated since my college years, starting with relaxation tapes and Transcendental Meditation. In my 20’s and 30’s, as a staff reporter at The New York Times, I used these techniques—plus weekends binge-reading Jiddu Krishnamurti—to cope with the stress of daily journalism. In the mid-1990’s, I read “The Art of Living” by S.N. Goenka and learned insight (“vipassana”) meditation, which became my root practice. In 2013, I met my non-dual teacher and friend, Rupert Spira, who taught me the Direct Path. In 2004, I founded the Rochester Meditation Center, in Rochester, MN, and was the Guiding Teacher there until 2020. In 2019, I edited “Relax and Be Aware: Mindfulness Meditations for Clarity, Confidence and Wisdom,” by Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Since 2013, I’ve published “The Daily Tejaniya,” a daily email practice reminder. Since 2020, I’ve led online weekend retreats based on the Buddha’s Four Foundations of Awareness; and a weekly online group meditation, Monday Friends.”
Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center 