In her recently published book, Summoned by the Earth, Cynthia Jurs embarks on a journey focused on healing and contemplation, addressing the urgent issue of humanity's impact on the planet. Through her roles as both a dharma teacher and a sharer of her spiritual journey, Cynthia Jurs not only enlightens her readers but also seeks to impart the importance of sacred activism, particularly relevant in our current era. For those interested in delving deeper into Cynthia Jurs' insights and embarking on a spiritual journey, continue reading.

What initially drew you to Buddhism and what inspired you to start writing about the religion?
I was initially drawn to Buddhism because it does not ask us to believe in an external God. But rather, through the practice of meditation, to discover our own awakened nature which is always there. The word “Buddha” means one who is awakened. This can apply to any of us! Buddhism teaches that we all have the capacity to wake up, to be a Buddha!

I have practiced meditation, putting the Buddhist teachings into practice for 30 years. My writing and teaching draws deeply from Buddhism, but I prefer to think of my approach as illuminating or suggesting a path, not espousing a religion. The path that I am interested now is an awakening in relationship to the Earth as the great teacher of these times.

Which misunderstandings surrounding Buddhist teachings do you feel are important to clarify or correct?
It is my hope that individually, we will each find a path of practice that leads to liberation. And, in today’s world, I feel we need to shift our focus from individual enlightenment towards a collective awakening. The Earth needs all of us. She is the Great Awakener! How can we support each other with wisdom to respond with compassion and relieve suffering of Mother Earth — without repeating the mistakes of the past? This is the opportunity of these times. To wake up to truly be of benefit for the sake of all life on Earth.

How do you integrate traditional Buddhist teachings with modern life and contemporary challenges?
The practice of meditation is very helpful in meeting the challenges of these times. Through meditation, we learn to return over and over to the present moment and calm our fearful minds. Letting go of concerns about the future or regrets about the past, we can gently rest in our true nature and take a little “time out” from all our worries that pull us this way and that. Resting the body and mind by stopping for a short time is a way to find peace which is so needed in the world. And when we allow the busy mind to rest, we begin to see what to do that will bring benefit to ourselves and others much more clearly.

How has embracing Buddhism changed your life? What is the most important lesson you learned throughout your three-decade journey as a dharma practitioner and teacher?
The teachings I have received, studied and practiced have totally transformed my life! In particular, learning to let go of the attachment to a sense of self is the most liberating experience of all. And to integrate the wish to truly be of benefit to others and turn my prayers into action. This is the path of engaged buddhism or sacred activism.

What advice would you offer to someone new to Buddhism and seeking guidance on starting their spiritual journey?
Don’t be afraid to explore the many lineages and paths to learn from. There are many dharma doors and we must find what suits our nature best. You already have great wisdom so trust your inner knowing and listen to your heart guide you on the path. Also listen to Gaia — she is a great teacher! Go out in nature to take refuge in Mother Earth’s healing embrace.

Congratulations on the release of your book Summoned by the Earth. Can you tell us more about the book? What makes this book unique from others?
The book is about my journey with a practice of sacred activism I received from an old lama who lived in a cave in Nepal. I literally had the opportunity to ask a question of the old wise man in a cave! My question was, “What can we do to bring healing and protection to the Earth?” In response, I was given “Earth Treasure Vases” to plant in places that need healing and protection all around the planet. These holy vessels are to be filled with our most heartfelt prayers, intentions and offerings for the lands and communities we love and care about, then planted like a seed to bring forth those prayers. The book tells the stories of carrying out this assignment for the last 30 years. I have met elders, activists and regular folks all around the planet, gone into war zones and sacred sites, traversed wild lands and braved inner cities….the lessons I have learned have opened a path of healing that I hope will serve to inspire all who are hearing the “summons” from the Earth and will read my book.

Crafting a book is a challenging endeavor. What is the driving force that inspires your writing?
I am profoundly inspired by the beauty and great perfection of nature and it pains me physically to feel the extent to which all living systems are out of balance. Like carrying out the practice of the Earth Treasure Vases, which I have written about, I am deeply motivated to address the unraveling of the web of life on Earth and hopefully inspire those who read what I have written to engage in restoring balance and harmony to this beautiful blue-green planet we call home.

In your book, you mention becoming “sacred activists.” Can you elaborate more on what it means to be a “sacred activist?”
To accomplish the changes that are called for in the world, we need to ask ourselves, “Where does change actually come from? Where does it begin? What actually brings about the healing and transformation we hope to see?” Looking deeply, we can see that all impulses toward change and the actions that arise to bring change about begin with awareness. And awareness is cultivated by listening to that quiet, still voice within. Awareness, even before thoughts have the chance to get our attention, gives rise to an impulse, and when that impulse is fueled by the energy of compassion, the insights that come and the actions that are born from those insights can heal the world.

Thich Nhat Hanh taught what he called, “Engaged Buddhism.” This is another way of describing sacred activism. It is vitally important to sit on a cushion in the comfort of our home and take time out to meditate, contemplate and deepen our understanding. But if our practice does not also help others in a real way, then what is the point? Engaged Buddhism asks us to live in such a way that every step, every breath, is a meditation, a prayer for the world. We engage each activity, no matter how small, as if it were benefiting others. This is not to say we sacrifice ourselves and override our own needs. Because self and other are two sides of the same coin, what truly benefits me also benefits you. The trick is to know what is truly beneficial, what will really serve us in any given moment. With the help of meditation, we can see more clearly. And with that seeing comes engagement and action. The creative actions that come from our inner knowing and our deep caring, and not from our habitual reactivity, will contribute to the healing of the world. When we come to see clearly what is our calling and engage our lives to contribute constructively, we begin to live a truly meaningful life. This is sacred activism.

In light of the escalating threat of climate change, safeguarding the Earth and averting further degradation has become increasingly imperative. What are some actionable steps individuals can take to contribute to environmental preservation?
I am not a climate change activist. From where I sit, the place to begin to see what steps we can take to contribute to turning around the situation, is take time out every day to stop our habitual patterns of living. Find a comfortable chair, light a candle and maybe close the door — or open the window! Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. And as you do, connect your heart with your personal source of inspiration. Then breathe in and out again, deep and slow, and rest your mind without thinking. Do this over and over for just 5 or 10 minutes….longer if you can. But don’t make a big deal! Just relax and be at ease. Whenever you start thinking or feeling uncomfortable, take another breath in and out with awareness and again, focus your attention on the breath. Just follow your breath…..then at the end of this little refreshing time out, give thanks for this precious life. When you feel complete, get up and go about your day. Take your breath with you. Don’t try and figure anything out. Just allow the way to become clear all in its own time. This simple practice will make a difference.

It's been a crazy past few years. How have you been staying positive?
I am so grateful for the support of a global community to practice with! Our free monthly full moon global healing meditation is a mainstay. Setting down my devices to walk my dog and grow vegetables and flowers keeps me sane.

What is your motto in life? Any final words of wisdom? Mantras?
The Mantra of the Sublime Mother Gaia (which is a practice I teach), is a way of connecting to the Earth and receiving her blessing. This is the mantra (which you can read more about in my book): Om Gaia Mandala Siddhi Phala Bhrum Ah

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
YES! Please join our Monthly Full Moon Global Healing Meditation (on Zoom), our bi-monthly Monday Mindfulness Meditation (on Zoom), participate in the Summoned by the Earth Convergence—an in-person retreat in New Mexico June 18-23, or attend the Sublime Mother Gaia Retreat in upstate New York Sept 27-29. Info about all these offerings and more can be found at: www.gaiamandala.net

You can purchase my book, Summoned by the Earth; Becoming a Holy Vessel for Healing Our World here: www.summonedbytheearth.org

And enjoy this short video about the book:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTW3Pfr746c

Cynthia Jurs - Exploring the Spiritual Symphony