The Flower Garland Sutra
Celebrating Interdependence, the Sensual World, and Blossoming Diversity
A One-Day In Town Retreat by Ben Connelly
Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Flower Garland (Avatamsaka or Huayan) Sutra provides a comprehensive and mind-altering dive into the Dharma. Its emphasis on interdependence, celebration of the sensual world, and diversity of people and practices has a profound impact on East Asian and Western Buddhisms and provides inspiration for what Thich Nhat Hanh calls “engaged Buddhism”. In this retreat we will use teachings, meditation, and ritual engagement with the text to bring forth the joyfulness and energy of the Bodhisattva path of liberating all beings from suffering.
Ben Connelly is a Soto Zen teacher and Dharma heir in the Katagiri lineage. He also teaches mindfulness in a wide variety of secular contexts including police training and addiction recovery groups. He works with multifaith groups focused on intersectional liberation, racial justice, and climate justice. Ben is based at Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, travels to teach across the United States, has written for Tricycle and Lion’s Roar magazines, and is author of Inside the Grass Hut, Inside Vasubandhu's Yogacara, Vasubandhu's "Three Natures", and Mindfulness and Intimacy.
Lunch There will be a break for lunch around midday. Food will not be provided: if you plan to attend in person, please bring your own lunch. You can store it in the refrigerator if you wish.
What to bring? Wear comfortable clothing. We have plenty of floor cushions and chairs. OR, if you prefer your own you may bring a cushion or chair. Our space is air conditioned, you might want to bring a light sweater or light blanket.
Cost and Dana There is no cost to attend the retreat, but we ask that you support Ben with Dana.
Dana is the practice of generosity and helps remind us of the fundamental connected nature of life. By supporting our teachers we deepen our own experience on the path of practice while helping them to support others.
Teachers generously give their time and energy through listening, sharing and teaching, often without financial reward. Offering dana makes it possible for them to continue their work and is their primary means of support.
Location This retreat will be held at our main location, 3315 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, and will also be available on our regular Zoom channel.
Schedule The space will be open at 8:45 for early arrival, and the retreat will begin at 9:00 with a brief orientation and introduction.
Questions or More Information? please contact Gareth Young.