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.
Schedule
The retreat will be held on Zoom and in person at some affiliate locations. New to meditation? Click on sitting instructions button below for more information.
Daily Retreat Schedule (Wednesday – Saturday) All times are in Eastern Standard Time
Wednesday (Evening) Schedule
07:00 — 08:00 Welcome, Orientation, and Opening Dharma Talk
08:00 — 09:00 Zazen (2@25-10)
09:00 — Tissarana Service
Daily Morning Schedule
08:00 — 09:00 Zazen (2@25-10)
09:00 — 09:30 Morning Service
09:30 — 10:30 Morning Break
10:30 — 12:05 Zazen (3@25-10)
12:05 — 1:30 Lunch Break
Daily Afternoon Schedule
1:30 — 02:30 Zazen (2@25-10)
2:30 — 03:30 PM Presentation
3:30 — 04:30 Zazen (2@25-10)
4:30 — 06:00 Dinner Break
Daily Evening Schedule
06:00 — 07:00 Zazen (2@25-10)
07:00 — 08:00 Dharma Talk
08:00 — 09:00 Zazen (2@25-10)
09:00 — Tissarana Service
We are offering Dokusan (one-on-one discussion with a teacher). Contact TBA if you wish to set up a time with a Brown robe.
- Zazen(2@25-10), shorthand representing (two) sessions of twenty-five minute silent mediation(Zazen) with (one) period ten minute walking (Kinhin)period of walking in between the meditation between the sits.
Daily Retreat Schedule (Sunday)
Sunday Morning
9:00 — 10:30 Zazen (3@25-10)
10:30 — 11:30 Dharma Talk with Sensei Sangaku Dan Joslyn -Uncapping Resourcefulness
11:30 — 12:00 Zen Ancestors Memorial Ceremony
Zazen(3@25-10), shorthand representing (three) sessions of twenty-five minute
silent mediation(Zazen) with (one) period ten minute walking (Kinhin)period of
walking meditation between the seated meditation periods.
We are offering Dokusan (one-on-one discussion with a teacher). Contact TBA if you wish to set up a time with a Brown robe.
Daily Sponsoring Silent Thunder Order Affiliate
Wednesday – Friday – Mission Mountain Zen Center
Saturday -Sunday – Atlanta Soto Zen Center
Speakers & Topics
Speakers will be discussing a variety of topics related to Zen practice, philosophy, and our retreat theme of “Clarifying Interdependence”
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022 – 7 PM EST
Sensei Zenku Jerry Smyers
Talk Topic “Welcome and Introduction to Clarifying Interdependence”
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 – 2:30 PM EST
Mokou Nancy Sherwood
Talk Title-Women Ancestors: Then and Now, No Difference
Thursdayday, Sept. 29, 2022 – 7 PM EST
Sanki, Harold Schlechtweg
Talk Topic-“How can I find my Way in a world that is both interdependent and impermanent?
Friday, Sep.30, 2022- 2:30 PM EST
Kushin, Jim Parker
Talk Title STO: A sum of our Parts, or, A part of our Sum
Friday, Sep.30, 2022- 7 PM EST
Ku Wasan Sensei, Ann Glassman
Talk Title -“The Story of “You” and “Me”… (and other fine tales)
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2021 – 2:30 PM EST
Chishiki, Bryan Price
Talk Title “Problematic Chariot”
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2021 – 7 PM EST
Taiun Elliston Roshi
Talk Title Thinking Independently; Acting Interdependently — The Zen Center of the Future
