Over Six Saturdays from Feb. 1 to March 8, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Emmanuel Parish Hall, learn about Buddhism through an interfaith lens. Consecutive attendance encouraged; drop-in optional, free of charge; donations welcome.

This will be an engaging series for those new to Buddhism, seasoned practitioners or those simply “Buddhist curious.”

In each class, Rev. Susan Shannon will present the basic teachings of Buddhism in inaccessible and inclusive language and offer tools and perspectives to navigate our complex world skillfully. Join Shannon and Fr. Berto Gándara-Perea for lively and exploratory group discussions interpreting and integrating the essence of these teachings into your daily life, regardless of your faith path. Each session will include short meditations, teachings, handouts and group discussions

Shannon has been married to the dharma since the early ’70s. An ordained interfaith minister, her work is based in the fields of social and emotional literacy and restorative justice. Before returning to Orcas, she served as the Buddhist chaplain in San Quentin State Prison’s Death Row. In 2019, she founded Buddhist Prison Ministry, now spreading Buddhist wisdom to thousands across the country.

See more at https://www.chaplainoftheheart.com/ and https://www.buddhistprisonministry.com/.

Gándara-Perea is the rector at Emmanuel Church. Born in Puerto Rico, Gándara-Perea has served as a priest for 32 years in the Dominican Republic, Belgium, Spain, Puerto Rico and Harlem in New York City before coming to Orcas in 2014. He is a lifelong learner, passionate about Christian mysticism, contemplative practices, and interreligious dialogue. Gándara-Perea strongly believes in Hans Küng’s dictum: “No peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions. No dialogue between the religions without investigation of the foundation of the religions.”