October 15 - 19, 2008

with Roshi Bernie Glassman & Rabbi Jeff Roth

at the Maezumi Institute in Western MA

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 bondage.

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 psalms. Koan practice encourages students to let go of their preconceived ideas, bear witness to 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 retreat is culminated in a deep celebration of Shabbat.

The retreat will take place in Western Massachusetts at the Maezumi Institute, the study center for the Zen Peacemakers. It would be given for both the members of their Residential Training Program in Socially Engaged Buddhism and Awakened Heart Project participants.

Registration as well as information on Maezumi Institute and the Zen Peacemakers, including facilities, location and directions can be found at:

http://www.zenpeacemakers.org/maezumi_institute/events/events.htm?z=236