Dependent Origination is a spatially interactive project that guides folks through an internal inquiry with relationship to resources, individually and collectively. As we traverse the landscapes of from Detroit to Suburbia via Woodward Ave, we will be in conversation with the relationship between wealth inequality, hoarding, and interconnection. 

Below are some suggestions of places to experience this audio, however, please feel free to enjoy in a place most suitable to your ability to be with this thought experiment. 

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In both Palmer Park and Waterfall Park there are places for the listeners to leave a note to the future at their own Altar of Commitment. 

  1. Palmer Park loop – Parking at the DEN Nature Center: 19013 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203 
  2. The drive from Palmer Park to Waterfall Park, Birmingham MI
  3. Waterfall Park: 499 Lakeside Dr, Birmingham, MI 48009

Oakland County is the fourth wealthiest county in the so-called United States, while Detroit ranks one of the most historically impoverished––and Blackest–– cities in the US. This one road, Woodward Avenue, connects these two seemingly disparate realities ––but is there more that connects us? 

The fundamental Buddhist concept of dependent origination teaches that, at the most profound level, all life is interconnected— that nothing exists in isolation. Simply put, it means that the real nature of individuals or events can only be correctly understood in the context of their connections with others. 

“It is impossible to build one’s own happiness on the unhappiness of others. This perspective is at the heart of Buddhist teachings.”

― Daisaku Ikeda

CREDITS + Special thanks :

Molly Leebove

AJ Aaron 

Morgan Curtis 

Sierra Dillard

Liz Kennedy 

Janet McDonald 

Chris Buford 

Eliza Webb 

Ariel Magidson 

Bridget Quinn 

Special Event October 24th: On Sunday, October 24th at 11 am we will be walking the grounds of Cranbrook for a group listening experience and conversation about “Dependent Origination.” For details visit the event page.

Molly (she/her) is a multimedia artist and storyteller in devotion to a life-sustaining future. She is passionate about transforming America’s racial karma through the healing work of wealth and resource redistribution.
Her life’s work is distinctly shaped by her practice of Nicherin Buddhism with the Soka Gakkai International, a global peace movement of lay Buddhists who chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo based on the indivisibility of the happiness of oneself and others. For more information, check out her interview on Buddhability podcast at https://bit.ly/3ngzSBD

Got class privilege? Check out Resource Generation: https://resourcegeneration.org/.