July 31st – Aug. 3rd, 2008
Social Action through Bearing Witness
Social Action through Bearing Witness
"When we go... to bear witness to life on the streets, we're offering ourselves. Not blankets, not food, not clothes, just ourselves." -Bernie Glassman, Bearing Witness
We will live on the streets of Victoria with no resources other than our true nature, experiencing homelessness first-hand, having to beg for money, find places to get food, shelter, to use the bathroom, etc.
By bearing witness to homelessness, we begin to see our prejudices and boundaries directly and to recognize our common humanness.
Participants will be together throughout the retreat, meet several times a day for meditation and sharing, and spend the night together as a group.
The cost of the retreat is $400. All funds will be donated - 2/3 to Homeless Service agencies in Victoria, BC and 1/3 to the social action missions of the Hudson River Peacemaker Community.
Participants must beg for the entire registration fee in order to participate. You must ask friends, family and associates to support you on this journey – we beg right from the beginning.
In order to receive funds, you have to explain your reasons for wanting to attend. You will be surprised at the results.
In order to receive funds, you have to explain your reasons for wanting to attend. You will be surprised at the results.
The retreat is limited to 14 participants on a first come, first serve basis. Sensei Grover Gauntt, dharma successor of Bernie Glassman and student of Taizan Maezumi Roshi for twenty-five years, will lead the retreat.
To learn more about bearing witness to homelessness, read Bearing Witness by Bernie Glassman. Please also see the Zen Peacemakers website: http://www.zenpeacemakers.org/
To register please send your completed application by email to:
ericremyjordan@gmail.com
or by regular mail to:
Victoria Street Retreat
1764 Lulie Street, Victoria, BC V8R 5W6
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