Peace Class with Mandy Kahn (9/30)

Once and only once, we met live at PRS, March 22, 2026. We may do it again. Stay tuned.

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Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm PT (prs.org)

Join FREE online gathering to build inner peace as well as world peace with Mandy Kahn, now in its sixth year.

Peace Class is led by activist and poet Mandy Kahn. It is a free weekly gathering for participants around the world to come together to build peace in themselves and therefore world peace as a community.

To attend, simply join this Zoom link at the West Coast start time every Wednesday at 6:00 pm (PT). us02web.zoom.us/j/82150472713 

Peace Class is presented by the Philosophical Research Society (prs.org) in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.

Peace Class is now in its sixth seventh year. Each class meeting presents a short talk that elucidates some aspect of the true nature of peace. The talk is followed by a journaling-based practice to give each participant the opportunity to develop a set of peace-building tools to use at any time.

• LIVE: Mandy Kahn's Peace Class (9/30)

Nature is a remedy that brings peace as plants soothe and heal us, communicating via mycelia

 

Mandy cross under Kahn billboard, LA

Each hour-long session also includes a collective peace meditation (such as metta bhavana or the cultivation of "universal Buddhist loving-kindness," agape or boundless friendliness to all).

Teachings about pioneer peacebuilders like Peace Pilgrim and the opportunity to share participants’ personal peace-building discoveries with the group.

Each Peace Class meeting presents a stand-alone lesson; participants are invited to drop in for any single class or the full class series.

Mandy Kahn and PRS are grateful to be joined by peace advocates and would-be activists from around the world in this supportive online space.

Instructions

Talk, guided meditation, sharing, inspiration

Zoom link at its local start time: every Wednesday night 6:00 pm (Pacific Time). This class is FREE and is open to ALL.

• us02web.zoom.us/j/82150472713
• DETAILS: Attendees are welcome to participate in the interactive aspects of class or simply observe.

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  Holy Doors: Poems (Mandy Kahn)

  ABOUT: Mandy Kahn is a California poet and peace teacher raised in Los Angeles and educated at UC Berkeley. She’s the author of three collections of poetry, the most recent of which is Holy Doors (2023). Her poems have been included in the Best American Poetry anthology series, have been featured on BBC Radio, and are seen in the nationwide newspaper column American Life in Poetry. She presented a program of her peace-building immersive poems at the Getty Museum in 2019.
• She is a frequent feature of Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal with fellow UC Berkeley graduate Editor Dhr. Seven, presenting the text of past Peace Class presentations.

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  Peace Piece: Poems Mandy Kahn

  She was also the subject of Courtney Sell’s feature-length documentary Peace Piece: The Immersive Poems of Mandy Kahn, which is available from IndiePix. In 2021, Kahn presented a two-day peace concert at Meditation Mount in Ojai in conjunction with Dot Maver, director of the National Peace Academy, Fumi Johns Stewart, executive director of May Peace Prevail On Earth International, and Michael Lindfield, Meditation Mount’s board president. Mandy Kahn has been a featured speaker at many peace events, including at Peace Week, World Unity Week, and One Planet Peace Forum. Mandy Kahn serves as the Philosophical Research Society’s contributing writer and previously served two years as PRS' artist-in-residence.
• Questions? Please email events@prs.org or phone (323) 663-2167

• PEACE CLASS with Mandy Kahn Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
• Tools for Being Human: Buddhist Practices ONLINE WEEKLY WORKSHOP Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite

Sumerian: historic Anunnaki civilization

• Mysterious Old World: Sumerians, did they invent everything? They claim to have invented nothing. It was all given to them by the Anunnaki, those who came from the sky. Ask Zecharia Sitchin. But 6,000 years ago and longer, in a place called Sumer (reminiscent of Mt. Sumeru in Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cosmology), there lived a people in Mesopotamia doing miraculous things they should not have been able to do.

10% Happier with Beth Upton (Dan Harris)

There's happiness that does not depend on external things the Budda called piti (rapture)

Beth Upton as Brit Buddhist nun in Burma

Friends, at the beginning of the year, I made a commitment to write more. Since then, I have actually done a little writing every single day. Five gold stars!

Writers tell me it is important to keep up the habit, that practice makes progress. Obviously, it’s the same with meditation, so I am humbly practicing what I preach, trusting that if I just keep writing, eventually something good will come of it.

At the same time, it would be a huge help to know what readers actually want to read about.

Awesome enlightened teacher Pa Auk Sayadaw

My strength, if I dare say so myself, is attending and attuning to the person sitting in front of me. I’ve never been great at addressing a large or anonymous audience. It’s never quite clear what’s being requested of me with such an audience.

So when I sit down to write, I’m often left with a sense of well, What do readers want to know?

A few weeks ago, I recorded a podcast (see above) with the charming Dan Harris. As one can see, I enjoyed the conversation. He asked great questions and did a wonderful job of playing proxy for the average viewer who doesn’t know too much about the world of advanced Buddhist meditation.

• How contemplating reincarnation can upgrade your life
• Journey to Pa-Auk Forest Monastery? (Pa-Auk Tawya)

The first time Pa Auk Sayadaw came to America, he was invited to California in Napa

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For me, it was my first real foray into addressing an audience I do not know. The same issue crops up here. Of all the precious and hidden gems the Dhamma (the Buddha’s Teaching) has to offer, which of them should I give this hour to? Again, instinct prompts me to ask, What does anyone want to know?

Podcast interview

Venerable Sayadaw Ashin Revata

Dan and I touch on past lives, absorption (jhana), science, and its relationship to the Buddha’s “Doctrine in Ultimate Terms” (Abhidhamma), eventually landing on a topic dear to my heart: the skillful and wholesome (kusala).

But the topic choice from my side was basically just a series of guesses. I don’t really have a clue what the average viewer of Dan’s podcast, or the average reader of my newsletter might want to know more about.

So please let me know at bethupton.com. Let me know in our next one-on-one meeting, or on a group call, or better still, in the comments below.

Also, if anyone would like for me to do more podcasts like this one with Dan Harris, please take a moment to like the video and leave a comment there.

Let us know in the comments which kinds of things the world would want to hear more from me in future videos.

Another successful Western female student of Pa Auk Sayadaw: Dr. Nikki

Happy Hour: Practicing Equanimity in Challenging Times (Dr. Mirghafori)

Where is the Buddhist hermitage they mention?

And for those of wondering where the button is to book one-on-one time with me, I am sending out monthly newsletters, interspersed with these ones that are just me writing about things. Open and read them all, just in case it’s the one with the button. 🌝

All of my work is done on a donation basis, which means that all of this is only possible because of generous voluntary support. Support this work at bethupton.com.

With much metta and gratitude, Beth Upton

What is the “Happiness Recipe,” Dan?

Recipe for happiness: unpacking kusala

There are two kinds of happiness, ecstatic (piti, rapture) and extended (sukha, blissfulness).

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I feel ecstatic!

Key takeaways: Kusala states = happy states: Kusala, drawn from the Buddhist psychology of the Abhidhamma—a system that breaks down experience into its most granular mental and emotional components—refers to a constellation of virtuous, skillful mind states.

Beth Upton calls it a “Buddhist happiness cake,” made from ingredients like generosity, mindfulness, uprightness, loving-kindness, and more.

One entry point unlocks the rest: We don’t need to cultivate them all at once—because focusing on just one quality (like loving-kindness, integrity, or gratitude) invites the rest to arise. These mental states are “best friends” who tend to show up together.

Letting go feels better than giving in: Our culture glorifies small, fast pleasures—like scrolling, snacking, and checking out—but deeper, more lasting happiness comes from subtle, wholesome states.

Letting go of ego and craving isn’t a sacrifice; it’s a relief. It’s not just for monastics: We don’t need a cave or a meditation cushion. Kusala can be woven into daily life—as we parent, commute, chop vegetables, or write emails. More

• Beth Upton, July 2025, Dan Harris (podcast), Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Poetry events in Los Angeles (7/26)

This week is the end of Love's Labour's Lost and start of Doctor Faustus at Griffith Park

The Bard: Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford

This town is full of rebellious writers, standing up to Trump's fascist agenda with his Gestapo ICE. But LA does it differently, with flare and pizzazz, poetry and spoken word. Come out to Santa Monica's historic Rapp Saloon inside the Youth Hostel to see it live. There's more going on. On Sunday, the Village Poets have a regular reading at Bolton Hall in Sunland/Tujunga, right in the foothills. Next weekend, the Eagle Rock Library hosts an open mic with that this month features Lynda Crawford. The SPARC (South Pasadena Arts Council) has a reading every Third Thursday. For anyone looking for the Bard himself, IndieShakes.org is at Griffith Park all summer with FREE Shakespeare in the Park. Or, if Hollywood is your bag, the Emmys are coming up soon.

• What happens at these poetry readings?

Eagle Rock is on the Eastside of Hipsterville

Next weekend, in the afternoon, Eagle Rock Library (part of LA County's system) has its bimonthly Open Mic: Open Mic Poetry | Los Angeles Public Library

• 5027 Caspar Avenue
• Eagle Rock (Los Angeles), CA 90041
• Phone: (323) 258-8078
• lapl.org/branches/eagle-rock
• Instagram

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Share your original poems, lyrics, spoken word, or just enjoy listening. Each poet will have five (5) minutes to read an original work. To read, sign up on arrival.

Poetess Lynda V. E. Crawford (Poets & Writers)

The featured speaker will be Lynda V. E. Crawford, who says of her poetry, "I write poems to sneak behind eyes, blow through ears, and stretch voices." Crawford was born and raised in Barbados and now lives in California. Both home countries sway her writing. The Pushcart Prize nominee's work has appeared in national and international journals including Prairie Schooner, ArtsEtc Barbados, The Caribbean Writer, The Galway Review, The Bookends Review, California Quarterly, and Exposition Review. Crawford is the author of the poetry collection Washing Water (World Stage Press, October 2024).

For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event. Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento. More

3-minute history of Los Angeles' Rapp Saloon in Santa Monica

What happened?

3rd Thursday Poetry: SPARC (7/17)

It's every third Thursday (except December). Tonight's show put the spotlight on two artists featured on Wisdom Quarterly, an environmentalist and a poet dealing in race and esteem issues as a Vietnamese American poet. We discovered a new talent that stole the show, painter Ekaterina Sky. She was performing Earthcentric slam poetry, passionate about restoring nature from all of our manmade disasters.

What else you got?

There is no ART without ARTists who share.

Poetry is running rampant across the city, spreading culture and resistance, saying "no" to Trump and ICE, fascism and racism, Tinsel Town excesses and the dumbing down of a digitally-addicted society. There's more. Tonight (Friday, July 17, 2025) is Rapp Saloon's 14th anniversary with Hostess Elena Secota at the Youth Hostel in Santa Monica.

• The Rapp Saloon (historical 1st brick building)
• Hostelling International, Santa Monica
• 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica
• FREE/all ages (donations appreciated)

Sunday inside historic Bolton Hall

Bolton Hall Museum historical landmark (Sunland/Tujunga, Southern California)

 

Poetess Maja Trochimczyk

Village Poets of Sunland/Tujunga is happy to welcome poets Hilda Weiss and past Poet Laureate Maja Trochimczyk on the Third Sunday (July 20th), 4:30 pm at Bolton Hall Museum. There is also an open mic where poets are invited to participate in the open reading segment of the event. It is hosted by Alice Pero.

• Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga
• Bolton Hall Museum
• 10110 Commerce Ave. (off of Foothill),
• Tujunga, California 91040
• Village Poets of Sunland & Tujunga: Calendar

Bolton Hall is a Los Angeles Historical Landmark built in 1913. Reading starts at 4:30 pm and goes to 6:30 pm. Refreshments served. Free street parking available and at Elks Lodge, 10137 Commerce Ave. Park, behind the building, a short walk from Bolton Hall, across the street and down the block.

• Independent Shakespeare Co., Griffith Park, Los Angeles
• Ashley Wells, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Jon Stewart mocks Trump, Colbert fired

Jon on Trump’s Epstein meltdown, MAGA's mutiny, Elmo’s antisemitic tweets | The Daily Show

What, Trump kicked my @$$?

Call it another win for Dictator Donald. He sued CBS and they settled instead of fighting it because they need some corporate favors. And just by coincidence, they fired his nemesis 15mil-a-year Colbert, who is his weakest critic among the Boys Club of late night comedians who all recycle the same jokes and, apparently, the same pool of writers. He used to be so funny on Strangers With Candy, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report. This corporate gig was his worst work ever, so maybe he'll make a comeback to something risky and actually funny?

• CBS cancels 'Late Show with Stephen Colbert' after Paramount settlement rant | Watch
• The End of an Era: Stephen Colbert’s Late Show canceled by CBS after 30 years
• Jimmy Kimmel sends love to Stephen Colbert after 'The Late Show' axing
• Jordan Klepper charts Trump's long history with child molesters Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell | The Daily Show
• VIDEO: Nick Offerman on Trump's attack on America's National Parks
• Trump admin prepares to reopen Alcatraz 62 years after its closure: See how the notorious island prison (built on land stolen from American Indians) looks today

(Occupy Democrats) Trump stays out of UK prison but gets humiliated

Vegan Pool Party Book Release, LA

This is a pool, not the beach, so please consider donning a sarong when not in the water (IV).

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Plant-based hemp swimwear, (Natasha Tonic)

Guests gathered surrounded by greenery in the hills of Los Angeles near Mulholland Drive, ordering dinner plates for Chef Rawsheed's vegan creations. The DJs arrived to set up, but first Vanessa led us in a yoga class as most people looked on and socialized, eating fresh fruits spread all around and sipping cold drinks.

Hemp bikinis (Natasha Tonic)

The shocking announcement was made after introductions by Paige for Samantha about the goals and aims of Plant Based Treaty. Justine covered the Campaign for Banning the Retail Sale of Animals in L.A. The shock was that Vanessa is moving to the south of France to start a vegan commune (intentional community) around a chateau, where she will then run for mayor and create a vegan city. First she writes a book on fairies, loses her health clinic (ElloraWellness.com) in the Eaton Fire, and decides to uproot and resettle in Europe. But she will travel between here and there and is still leading a tour to the ancient Mayan archeological sites in Mexico in 2025 (after a successful trip to Egypt). Post party we made plans to eat Thai vegan food at THE VEGAN JOINT, 980 S. San Pedro St., DTLA

Invitation design by illustrator and vegan chef Annie Vitality (A. Vandenheuvel)

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Vanessa Marsot (Ellora Wellness)

Vanessa Marsot and Annie Vitality launch their new book, Dreams of a Dragonfly, and sign copies of this vegan fantasy story on Saturday, July 12th, poolside in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California. Enjoy mindfulness meditation, Native American land acknowledgement, yoga, vegan food, swimming and splashing, socializing, fun and games, a literary launch, and a summer night under the full moon.

Chef Rawsheed is preparing a special vegan meal, including fresh juice, appetizers, salad, raw and cooked pizzas and desserts (menu subject to change).

🎟️ TICKETS include:

• 
  Chef Rawsheed’s enchanted vegan meal (magical dinner) 🦜
• Exotic beverages 🐠
• FREE yoga class 🧘‍♀️
• Donation to Campaign for Banning the Retail Sale of Animals in LA
• 🎟️ $20 Venmo or @lalawkitty with questions or to get the address. Email: lalawkitty@gmail.com
• RSVP: Book Launch Pool Party, Sat, July 12, 2025, 3:00 PM

Free to attend

Sign: "Do not be deceived. You are headed for Hell! [for wearing skimpy swimwear, heathens]"

What is there to eat on this green planet?

No ticket purchase is necessary to attend! However, for magical dinner, individual tickets are only $20. Please note in your RSVP "No Ticket" if planning to opt out of dinner. That way we have an accurate count for supplies.

Time to play in the pool under the Cali sun

FOOD ABUNDANCE: Guests are welcome to bring fruit and vegan snacks and drinks to share. Guests are encouraged to bring a swimsuit, towel, lawn chairs, and outdoor or pool games. Prepare to dance, sing karaoke, swim and play.

Dreams of a Dragonfly

O, Buddha, do dragonflies dream and, if they do, what about?

Dreams of a Dragonfly

SYNOPSIS: What happens when a girl dreams of becoming a fairy so hard that she gets her wish and enters the magical world of animals and learns some of their secrets?

Join her on this fantastical adventure and you, too, could learn their secrets and how to advocate for them. More

CO-HOSTS

Vanessa Marsot, Annie Vitality, Justine Block, Kim Delgado, Paige Parsons Roache in coordination with:

• Ellora Wellness
• Vegan Spirituality
• Plant Based Treaty
• Celebration of Fruit
• Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal
• Dharma Buddhist Meditation (LA-wide Meetups*)

Native Tongva/Kizh land acknowledgement and mindfulness practice with Seven

What should I wear? Seven hot sexy but unnatural vegan bikini pics (collegepill.com)

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  Illustrator vegan chef Annie Vitality

  VEGAN POOL PARTY BOOK RELEASE
• Saturday, July 12, 2025, 3:00-11:00 pm
• Dinner served 5:00-8:00 pm
• (For guests arriving after 8:00 pm, we are unable to guarantee dinner availability)

• RSVP FREE: Book Launch Pool Party, Saturday, July 12, 2025, 3:00 PM | Meetup 🐢

10 Spots for Vegan and Gluten-Free Food in Los Angeles 2025 (Veggies Abroad)

What is the "California" lifestyle? - Well, The Graduate comes close.

What time will the monks arrive for the ceremony?

• *(Disclosure Project) Vegan Pool Party and Book Release in Bel Air (FREE or with dinner included), Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 3:00 PM | Meetup
• (Nature Center) Vegan Pool Party and Book Release in Bel Air (FREE or w/ dinner included), Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 3:00 PM
• (PasaDharma) Vegan Pool Party and Book Release in Bel Air (FREE or w/ dinner included), Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 3:00 PM
• Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Jen B. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly