Dhamma Dena, Inc.

This documentary  is about the journey of Arinna Weisman from trauma and suffering to a path of love and
 healing, both personally and politically. Frustrated with the lack of caring and respect in the political movements she was part of she found Buddhism in 1979 through her root teacher Ruth Denison who was the first Buddhist  teacher to lead women’s retreats.  Continuing this radical tradition  Arinna challenged the  patriarchy and heterosexism within the  Buddhist culture  by  creating the first  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Gender Non-Conforming retreats with Eric Kolvig 

These retreats have continued and multiplied in the past thirty years.  And as part of her passion for connection and equity she began some of the first white privilege anti-racist retreats and partnering with people of color in teaching teams.   Over the last 30 years the straight white male dominated Buddhist community has been challenged by Arinna and other Buddhist teachers and is finally becoming  more diverse.  Now, along with others Arinna is helping to build  the conditions for Black, Indigenous and People of Color leadership at Dhamma Dena Meditation Center where she has worked as a guiding teacher the last three years.

Arinna  is both fearless in holding and manifesting her vision of liberation and equity through the practice of  Buddhism as a vehicle for realization and she is totally devoted to her students and building new  inclusive sanghas held in love.  

We have made a trailer of this film which you can see at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FICOeY2w_8

Now we  are looking for your  support so we can  hire a professional crew for our 30 minute film on this important transition.  

Thank you in advance for your support !!

Lisa Dettmer
Arinna Weisman