The Saturday half-day retreats focus on foundational practices in Zen Buddhism. The retreats will include two periods of meditation, walking meditation, a talk followed by a discussion and a choice of mindfulness activities. Everyone is welcome to participate in the half-day retreats. They are required for Jukai candidates.
Saturday, June 28
9:00 am–12:30 pm
$45 (members: $35)
With Raisei Marc Anderson
Repentance is a central but often overlooked aspect of Buddhist practice. It is integral to the transformation of our consciousness and the cultivation of understanding and enthusiasm. In this half-day retreat we will learn and discuss what past and present teachers have said about repentance. We will explore how we can engage the teachings and practices of repentance in our lives. At the end of the retreat, we will perform a ceremonial form of community repentance.
Saturday, July 19
9:00 am–12:30 pm
$45 (members: $35)
With Myo-O Habermas-Scher
When we make a commitment to Buddhist practice our primary vow is to fulfill the deepest callings of our hearts. This is called The Way of the Bodhisattva. What is a bodhisattva? What are these commitments, and what supports us in living them in our lives? How do they fit into our lives as mothers, fathers, students, gardeners, dishwashers, and friends? Using meditation, listening circles, experiential exercises and chanting we will begin to discover the life of the bodhisattva.
Saturday, August 9
9:00 am–12:30 pm
$45 (members: $35)
With Shujo Brent Derowitsch
Taking refuge in the Three Treasures—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—is the foundational commitment and practice for a Buddhist. Taking refuge engages faith, life experience, trust and love. Taking refuge evolves throughout our lives. In this half-day retreat we will reflect together on what taking refuge means and what the Three Treasures are. We will also look at what can support and hinder us from taking refuge moment-to-moment in our lives.