Heard, not seen,
the camelia poured rainwater
when it leaned
- Matsuo Basho, translated by Sam Hamill
Visit our Haiku Page/ Monthly Challenge by clicking Here
PEACEMAKER CIRCLES
Thursday, July 25th, 12:00pm Eastern Time, Zoom
The Intimate Way of Zen: Effort, Surrender, and Awakening on the Spiritual Journey
James Ishmael Ford is a Zen teacher in the Harada-Yasutani koan stream. He was also ordained a Soto Zen priest and served as a Unitarian Universalist parish minister for a quarter of a century. The Intimate Way of Zen: Effort, Surrender, and Awakening on the Spiritual Journey (Shambhala, 2024) is his sixth book on specific aspects of Zen life as well as more broadly about the spiritual journey. Join this presentation with James Ford who will discuss his journey and insights with us.
Dr. Ari Ariyaratne – the Gandhi of Sri Lanka
Wednesday, July 31st, 12pm Eastern Time, Zoom
Join us as we honor Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne who was one of the most important leaders of engaged Buddhism in the world. He was the founder and leader of Sarvodaya movement in Sri Lanka, which is one of the largest socially engaged Buddhist peace movements. In this upcoming event Iris Dotan Katz will present Ariyaratne's vision and practice, share from her personal experience and work with him, and invite Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne (Ari's son and the leader of Sarvodaya movement) and Tani Katz to share their own experience and work as well.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SERIES
Fearless Hearts: Women Leaders in Contemplative Social Action with Ella Reznikova
Wednesday, August 28th, 12:00pm Eastern Time, Zoom
As part of our Women's Leadership series, translator, meditation teacher and conflict mediator, Ella Reznikova will talk about her work with Compassion for Ukraine whose mission is to radiate compassion to those in Ukraine who suffer from the unjust and unjustified invasion by Russia.
MEET THE ELDERS
Connect With Our Peacemaker Lineage - Join us for an informal gathering with Peacemaker Elders
Monday, August 5th, 12pm US Eastern Time Zoom
In this session, join peacemaker elder Roshi Ken Byalin, (other presenter to be announced) for an informal gathering. These gatherings will take place the first Monday of the month. Bring your Questions and Comments.
CORE TRAININGS
Introduction to Zen Peacemaking with Iris Dotan Katz
Wednesday, Aug. 7th, 12pm Eastern Time, Zoom
Our approach to Peacemaking is unique. As we practice the Three Tenets of Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Taking Action, we commit to not taking fixed positions, to embracing wholeness and unity, to setting a place at the table for everyone. In a world of conflict, suffering, and violence, how do we make peace in this way. Please join us to learn about Zen Peacemaking.
Council is one of our most important core Zen Peacemaker practices. We share Council during our Bearing Witness retreats most every day. In Council, we come together in a small group in a profound way. We create a shared liminal space that is safe, confidential, and perhaps sacred. We each listen and speak from the heart, encountering and experiencing one another gently and with awareness. We are not solving problems or debating issues or making plans. We are making a healing space for each of us to hear and be heard, see and be seen.
UPCOMING COUNCILS (click on date to learn more & register)
JULY 30TH - Bearing Witness Council: A focus on Gaza (July)
AUG 8th - The Way of Council: A Focus on Living With Chronic Illness
AUG 16th - Women Only Council with Barbara Wegmüeller Rōshi
AUG 19th - Mental Health Professionals & Caregivers with Dr. Iris Dotan Katz
Thank you for reading this week's Zen Peacemakers Events newsletter.
We look forward to connecting at upcoming events, on social media, and via email.
The Zen Peacemakers Team