Attending to Buddhist Women’s Wisdom: A Retreat for Mothers and Daughters

Instructor(s): Pamela Weiss and Kate Johnson

Program Description:

Oh, my heart.

You don’t have to go it alone.

Train yourself to train

Just a little more gently.

—Jenta Bhikkhunī

The roles, relationships, stories, and voices of women in Buddhism have too often been neglected and obscured. But we know they were there. Their realization, teaching, and leadership—of women who were also mothers and daughters, queens and courtesans, widows and wives—is described in the poems of awakening found in the Therigattha, the earliest extant text of women’s spiritual experiences, in which Jenta Bhikkhunī’s voice is one of many awakened ones.

In this program for mothers and daughters, we will explore women’s unique expression of spiritual life in a contemporary Buddhist space. Our time together will blend meditation instructions and periods of silence with dharma talks recounting the lives of our early female ancestors, chanting, sharing circles, guided movement, mandala drawing, and time in nature. The teachings will focus on the cultivation of heart-based, relational practices, including interactive inquiry, compassion, gratitude and forgiveness.

We are delighted to invite mothers and daughters (16 years and older) to join us in celebrating women’s wisdom, tenacity, tenderness and joy. This program is open to mothers and daughters who identify as women, including those who are trans or gender non-binary.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed during much of this program. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Cancellation Policy:

This policy applies to all residential and Path programs. Please note cancellation fees are at most $50 for those receiving financial assistance. Prior to six weeks before the program start date, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs more than two nights and $25 for programs two nights or less. 50% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel between two and six weeks of the program start date. 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date.

Covid-19 Safety Protocol:

Please review our Covid-19 Safety Protocols here: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/everything-you-need-to-know/

DEI:

As we work to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, we invite feedback/suggestions you may have regarding ways that we can make participation in the program more accessible and welcoming. Please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.

About the Instructor(s):
• 

  Pamela Weiss

  Pamela Weiss is a stepmother, dual lineage Buddhist teacher, and author of “A Bigger Sky: Awakening a Fierce Feminine Buddhism.” She has worked as a leadership coach and entrepreneur, completed teacher training through Spirit-Rock/IMS, and was the first householder to receive full Dharma Transmission in the Suzuki Roshi Soto Zen lineage. Pamela is a co-guiding teacher at San Francisco Insight and sits on the Board of Brooklyn Zen Center. She is working on a collection of stories about early Buddhist nuns.

• 

  Kate Johnson

  Kate Johnson is a meditation teacher, facilitator, writer, and mother whose work traverses the territories of spirituality, social action, embodiment, and creativity. She is the author of Radical Friendship: Seven Ways to Love Yourself and Find Your People in an Unjust World.  Kate has practiced Buddhist meditation in the Insight lineage since her early 20’s and was authorized as a retreat teacher through Spirit Rock’s four-year training.