A Path to Liberation: A Six-Day Jewish Meditation Retreat Leading Into Passover on the Streets

by Events

April 13-18, 2008

with Roshi Bernie Glassman and Rabbi Jeff Roth

at the House of One People Building in Montague, MA.

The holiday of Passover is a celebration of liberation. Join us for this opportunity to experience a meditation retreat that offers the possibility of seeing deeply into the vastness that is our own true nature as opposed to the narrowness and smallness of our individual sense of I. The Jewish term for Egypt, Mitzrayim, is a reference to this constricted place. Each of us finds ourself a slave in this narrow place. Our hardened hearts make us act like Pharaoh to ourselves and others.

Using the vehicle of silence and a variety of Jewish and Zen meditation approaches, this retreat will offer you the possibility of looking deeply into your own life and coming to a place of greater wisdom, joy and compassion. The deep work allows each of us to see more clearly how our lives become overwhelmed, causing us to shut down, numb out and hurt ourselves and those around us in the process. These practices allows us to glimpse instead, the Divine Presence, the force of Not-Knowing, that helps liberate us from Egypt.

Structure of the Retreat

The retreat includes periods of daily prayer and chant. Daily instructions in meditation will help guide both beginning and advanced practitioners as you enter the sacred space created by the retreat process. The morning sessions, led by Rabbi Roth will explore mindfulness meditation from a Jewish perspective.

In the afternoon sessions, led by Roshi Bernie, we will use the technique of koan practice as we explore themes from the hagaddah and Torah. Koan practice encourages students to let go of their preconceived ideas, bear witness to freedom and slavery in ourselves and the world, and explore the loving action that arises.

The retreat, which is conducted in social silence, includes times for questions and answers as well as small group and private interviews with the instructors. The week is culminated in a deep celebration of Shabbat.

Street Retreat with Passover Seder

For those who wish to be involved in the Passover Seder experience in Springfield (please see separate event: Street Retreat with Passover Meal in Springfield, Massachusetts for more information, or to register), we will spend Shabbat with people who live on the streets of the city. Saturday night we will celebrate the Passover Seder with all those in need under a large tent. Participants are invited to spend the night in the tent. Sunday morning we will share, in council format, our experiences.

Contributions of food or money to support the seder are welcomed regardless of whether you plan to attend any of the retreat.

Registration Information:

This retreat begins at 9:00 am on Sunday, April 13 and ends at 6:00 pm on Friday, April 18, 2008.

It is being held at the Maezumi Institute’s House of One People Building in Montague, MA.

Early Registration Fee: $450
Late Registration Fee: $475
The early registration deadline is Friday, April 04, 2008.

Contact Laura Carboni at laura[at]zenpeacemakers.org or call 413 367-2080 4# for registration and member discount information.

This retreat is being sponsored by the Zen Peacemakers and The Awakened Heart Project.