What have been our influences?

Often one knows where they are, but looking to where they have come from. When we glance back to our roots, we find that who we are today has been influenced and inspired by many. Here, we share who has influenced our work.

Communities in the global south

Many of us in Drishti have worked in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and been continually inspired by the dedication to social change, the human potential that is realized against all odds, and the profound expression of compassion and creativity that we've experienced in communities in the global south. Particularly, the communities of San Juan del Gozo and Arcatao in El Salvador, Challabamba and la Comunidad Nativa de Qeros in Peru, and Ekuri and Okwango villages in Nigeria.

Ken Wilber

This contemporary philosopher has touched and inspired each of us in different ways, and his work has become a central thread of the way that Drishti engages in social change. To date, we have found Ken Wilber's Integral Theory to be of immense value in approaching global issues and enacting greater care and compassion in the world. Coming to know Wilber personally, we find him to be someone deeply committed to carrying out an extraordinary synthesis of categories of human thought in service of a more dynamic, inclusive way to engage in global social change. His philosophy is fascinating and worth a read, if its not already on your reading list.

Big Mind process and Genpo Roshi

Big Mind is a perspective-taking practice based on Zen meditation and voice dialogue which was created by Genpo Roshi. In Big Mind, we found simple yet profound ways to include interiority and perspective-taking as part of how we facilitate workshops and learning events. Two of the Drishti members also facilitate the Big Mind process with small groups in Victoria and Vancouver. Most of all, Big Mind has contributed substantially to our own realization of wisdom and compassion, which in turn influences how we show up in our work.

Liberation Theology in Latin America

Some of us have worked for over a decade in Latin America with other non-profit organizations, and now Drishti is collaborating with key partners in Peru and El Salvador. Particularly in El Salvador, most people we've worked with have been touched by liberation theology, such as was demonstrated in the life of Monsenor Romero and by many visionaries and activists since. This blend of contemplation with social action was, in many ways, a forerunner to our integral action approach today. By whatever name, this 'contemplative action' is no more clearly seen than in the liberation theologists of Latin America.

Eastern Mysticism

Many Eastern paths are firmly part of the practices of Drishti members, such as Tibetan Buddhism (Dalai Lama), Zen Buddhism (Rinzai and Soto lineages), Ashtanga Yoga (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), and Advaita Vedanta (such as, Shankara, Ramana Maharsi, Krishnamurti). Each in their own way, these lineages have become woven with how and why Drishti members wake up in the morning, inspired by a life of service through integral action.