How do our roots shape us as Asian Americans in connection to Buddhism? Where can we find refuge in the practice of putting pen to paper? As writers shaped by lineages of Buddhist poetry, exegesis, fiction, journalism, and other genres, how can we share what we have to offer to the present and future of Buddhism in the United States?
We gather as Asian American Buddhist writers—all self-defined terms—to explore how those identities and practices overlap, and to strengthen both our individual and collective voices. Over the course of five days, we will engage in silent writing time, ritual and meditation, and craft workshops. All participants will have the opportunity to organize peer conversations and exercises, and to share their writing aloud.
Past topics and exercises include: creating a timeline of our Asian and Buddhist lineages, revising writing together, building an ancestral altar, and doing embodied icebreakers, stretching, and games.
Anyone of Asian heritage (including Central, East, South, Southeast, and West Asian heritage) who is currently working on a writing project related to Buddhism is warmly invited to apply. You do not need to be a published author to apply, and writers of all genres are welcome.
Program History: Inaugurated in 2023 with a generous grant from the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism, Roots & Refuge has received funding support from the Hemera Foundation as well as numerous R&R alumni. To learn more about the retreat, read Ryan Lee Wong’s “Home-Leaving and Refuge at the First Asian American Buddhist Writing Retreat” and Sophia Mao’s “Stories to Rest Into.”
Program Format: In general, mornings will offer time for ritual, meditation, and silent writing; afternoons for craft workshops and peer-led conversations; and evenings for sharing writing, community building, and rest.