“Emptiness is emptiness. The four great elements are the four great elements. Both men and women attain the way. You should honor the attainment of the way. Do not discriminate between men and women. This is the most wondrous principle of the Buddha way.”
--Eihei Dogen, 13th Century Founder of Soto Zen in Japan
After much research by contemporary female Buddhist scholars, we now know that many enlightened women teachers in ancient India, China, and Japan were omitted from the historical records because they were not men. During this five-day seminar, we will unearth their wisdom, study their stories, and infuse life into their forgotten her-stories. Why were these stories lost? How do we find them? What is our current responsibility in uncovering them?
During this seminar, we will immerse ourselves in a modified monastic schedule to integrate and embody the wisdom of these teachings. The day will begin and end with two periods of meditation, with three Zen services of chanting and bowing, three communal meals, and periods of working and studying together alongside the teachers. We will end the program with a half-day silent meditation retreat, followed by a closing circle that invokes the power of our ancient female ancestors.
Retreat fee: This will be a Sangha Week so there is no additional fee to participate. Sangha Week participants join in 3 hours of temple work daily and pay $120 per night.
There is financial aid available for this program, which is made possible through a generous grant from The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism.
Please email zmcdirector@sfzc.org to inquire about financial aid.
Before registering, please review the Health and Safety Guidelines.
This event is sold out.
