“Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all of us love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour, unceasingly. That is the work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family. ”
Mountain Rain’s March weekend retreat, usually ending in jukai, a ceremony of receiving the bodhisattva precepts. This year, due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, the jukai ceremony will be postponed, but we will still have the retreat, as we have done, focussing on compassionate bodhisattva practices. Our world, so fraught with divisions and hostility, needs the healing power of these practices at every level, from the individual to the global.
This year’s theme will be how we practice with the perennial challenge of our human imperfection, when harm is done: when we do harm to others, and when others do harm to us. So often the wounds are carried for lifetimes and passed on through generations. We’ll look deeply at repentance, apology, forgiveness and reconciliation through the lens of Buddhist teachings and practice. And we’ll inquire into how we can incorporate these practices into our everyday lives.
This will not be a formal Zen retreat. It will include, sitting and walking meditation, gentle movement/stretching, small and large group discussion and reflective writing.
Everyone welcome, whether you are new to Zen practice or experienced.
About the Teacher: Myoshin Kate McCandless a Zen Buddhist priest and co-guiding teacher of Mountain Rain Zen Community. She has also practiced compassion practices from the Theravada and Tibetan traditions with various teachers.
Schedule: Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 Sunday: 9:00 - 4:00
If Covid restrictions permit, we will open up the retreat for limited in-person practice at the Mountain Rain Zendo,
Teacher Dana (donations)
Retreat fees only cover expenses. Dana to the teacher can be given by e-transfer, Paypal or cheque.
Click here for details.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the registrar at registrar@mountainrainzen.org.
Retreat Fees
This retreat is offered on a sliding scale, $0-$80, depending on your participation and means. Registration below.
Donations: Your additional donation beyond the retreat fee supports Mountain Rain’s capacity to offer reduced fees to those on limited income. Thank you!
Click here for donations page.
