This weekend-long program explores the deeper dimensions of Shin Buddhism with a focus on the Great Compassion that embraces and releases us as foolish beings with blind passions. Our context for this program is inner and outer transformation. As we deepen awareness of the flow of the oneness of reality, and our minds and hearts open in the unfolding of boundless compassion, so too does our engagement with the world: family, friends, society, nature. How does this transformation occur? What kind of transformation is it? And what is the relation between inner and outer transformation? The discussion is based on the teachings of Shinran Shonin (1173- 1263) contained in the classic Tannisho (Lamenting the Deviations). The weekend consists of Dharma talks, open discussion, and free inquiry, as well as quiet sitting and sutra chanting.

Learning Intentions:

To recognize how Shin Buddhism emphasizes the individuality of each student's path; understand that what one might be looking for at the level of ego-consciousness may not turn out to be what is most helpful in the end; and learn of the primary emphasis on the Oneness of Reality in Shin Buddhism as the basis for the realization of the healing, creative power of Great Compassion.