Pure Land Buddhism is the most widespread form of Buddhism in East Asia, with practices related to Amitabha, Avalokiteshavara/Chenrezig/Guanyin, and White and Green Tara. In this program we will explore the intertwining experiences of Great Compassion, arising from our Buddha-nature, with the human emotions of love and hate. We will explore the entanglements of human love with the liberating force of boundless compassion, in a world filled with the suffering of all beings: human and non-human, lay and ordained. Well-suited to lay practitioners in the West, these practices are designed for lay and ordained alike.
This is a rare opportunity to learn and practice with three senior teachers: Zen teacher Ruben Habito of Maria Kannon Zen Center and Southern Methodist University; Judith Simmer-Brown of Shambhala International and Naropa University; and Mark Unno, 14th generation Shin Buddhist priest in his family lineage and the University of Oregon. Ruben, Judith, and Mark all bring a deep knowledge of Pure Land compassion practices as well as other lineages along with a history of collaboration and mutual learning across Buddhist traditions.
Program Format: This program will include silent contemplation, chanting, Dharma presentation, lectures, small group discussion and some relational work. The majority of the program sessions will not be in silence.
