One-Day Retreat with Ben Connelly
Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 9:00 to 5:00
Flower Garland Buddhism: Interdependence, Social Engagement, and Abundance
Huayan Buddhism arose in the sixth century in China rooted in the Mahayana Flower Garland (Huayan) Sutra. Huayan is relational, practical, and positive. Its emphasis on interdependence, celebration of the sensual world, and diversity of people and practices provides inspiration for what Thich Nhat Hanh called “engaged Buddhism”.
With Inside the Flower Garland Sutra, Zen teacher Ben Connelly explains the significance of Huayan teachings for Buddhist practice, providing a broad overview of Huayan teachings and their practical implications for contemporary life, with a mix of testimonies from real-life situations and references to influential Buddhist texts.
Arising fifteen hundred years ago, Huayan has made a deep impact on East Asian Buddhism, and has much to offer during this era when many folks see ever-deepening divisions. Connelly explores how Huayan offers particular wisdom for those concerned about how to care for their own lives as they work to end harms such as ecological devastation, poverty, militarism, addiction, marginalization, and exploitation.
Webpage: https://wisdomexperience.org/product/inside-the-flower-garland-sutra/
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, Mindfulness and Intimacy, Vasubandhu's "Three Natures", and Inside the Flower Garland Sutra: Huayan Buddhism and the Modern World.
What to expect: This retreat will include silent and guided meditation, teachings, dialogue, and mindful movement practices. All are welcome, no previous experience with meditation required.
Location: Red Clay Sangha, 3315 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, and on Zoom
Food: There will be a break around noon for lunch. Please bring your meal. There is a refrigerator on premise if you wish to store food in it, as well as a kettle and a variety of tea bags if you'd like to make yourself tea.
Schedule: The door will be open by 8:45 for arrival and settling in. The retreat will begin at 9:00 and finish at 5:00. In addition to the break for lunch, there will be a couple of short breaks during the day.
Questions or More Information?
Please contact Gareth Young
