Clarifying Interdependence

Sept. 28 – Oct. 2, 2022

Please join the STO Zen Sangha (Community)

during our annual 5-day Fall Retreat.

“You and I are the same thing,
Yet I am not you and you are not me.
No coming, no going, no arising, no abiding—
as each dharma appears, each dharma is practiced.”
John Daido Loori

During this online and in-person retreat, we will have the opportunity to gather as STO Affiliates, members, and friends and practice Zazen meditation, study the Dharma, and explore ways to strengthen our Sangha. Everyone is welcome.

All times are challenging but these times seem especially so. Now, as always, we can benefit from our strong Zen practice and share and dialogue with friends on the path.

The Silent Order is comprised of disciples and priests who have studied under guiding teacher Taiun Elliston-roshi in the STO/Mokurai tradition of our root-teacher Soyu Matsuoka-roshi. Independent sanghas make-up the affiliates of the STO network that exists to support the needs of leaders and members of these communities.

This Falls Annual Retreat will focus on ways in which we are cultivating and awakening to our understanding of our innate Interdependence and how we can help and support each other. Our theme “Clarifying Interdependence”, focus on the preciousness of our life, and the preciousness of our Zen community.

This idea of interdependence, as well as the compassion that arises from it, are foundational in Mahayana Buddhism. During this retreat, we will look at our interdependent nature–individually and as a Buddhist community. What is our Zen Practice during these times? How are we learning from and supporting each other?

Our Fall Retreat will have a variety of speakers, to be announced, on the Dharma concerning the implications and practice of clarifying our innate interdependent nature. We look forward to gathering for this Silent Thunder Order Retreat. It’s a precious opportunity.

A Tibetan Buddhist teaching says that our life is as fragile as a candle in the wind. This may also be true of sanghas. But as a Sangha–aware of interdependence and practicing together–we can find ways of hearing and supporting each other on our Zen Path–during these windy times.

Please join us for Zazen practice, meeting with members of our thirteen STO affiliate sangha’s, and listening and deepening our understanding of the Dharma. All are welcome.