Rothberg Lecture Links Spirituality, Social Change

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2010) − Learn how to connect your inner spiritual nature with social change at the upcoming lecture "The Engaged Spiritual Life: Connecting Inner and Outer Transformation" given by Donald Rothberg. The free and open to the public lecture, is presented by the University of Kentucky Buddhist Studies Club and Lexington Shambhala Meditation Center. The lecture will be given at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2 in 363 Student Center.

In his lecture, Rothberg will provide insight on how the spiritual and social can come together in a contemporary way and how this connection between the two and help when faced with extraordinary challenges. He will give his knowledge based on his recent book "The Engaged Spiritual Life: A Buddhist Approach to Transforming Ourselves and the World." In addition, his knowledge of integrating the two paths comes from 20 years of scholarship, teaching and activism. Rothberg will show that even though there have been examples of Ghandi and King, the inner spiritual nature and social change have been disconnected.

Rothberg, a former faculty member of UK's Department of Philosophy, is one of the nation's best known leaders in socially engaged spirituality. For over 25 years he has practiced Buddhist meditation and has been influenced by other spiritual traditions including Judaism and Christianity. He was also a former board member for the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. Rothberg writes and teaches a variety of topics including; meditation, daily life practices, transpersonal psychology and socially engaged Buddhism. He is a member of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center for Teachers Council in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rothberg directed three training programs that focus on integrating individual and social transformation, the training programs went on from six months to two years. He is the co-editor with Sean Kelly of the book "Ken Wilber in Dialogue: Conversations with Leading Transpersonal Thinkers" and the author of "The Engaged Spiritual Life: A Buddhist Approach to Transforming Ourselves and the World." Rothberg lives and teaches in Berkeley, Calif. He is working on a book about transforming the judgmental mind.

The purpose of the UK Buddhist Studies Club is to create a forum for dialogue among all Buddhist traditions, provide students with meditation instruction, and educate those interested in Buddhist thought and philosophy, presented by its constituents and other available resources. For more information about the UK Buddhist Studies Club visit the organization's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=142644659106029.

Lexington Shambala Meditation Center offers programs and opportunities which encourage individuals to explore and embrace their basic sanity while engage with the world. The center offers meditation instruction, Buddhist teachings, and training in advanced contemplative practices.

For additional information about Rothberg or on the lecture, contact Lance Brunner at (859) 420-4613 or by e-mail brunner@uky.edu.