Preparing for a Street Retreat
As I prepare for an eight day street retreat in honor of Rohatsu hosted by Zen Peacemakers, I’m quickly bumping into what not to bring. Starting with the obvious, no cellphone, no watch, no credit card, no reading materials. Anything else? No jewelry, no sunglasses, no toothbrush. Then come the comforts, no pillow, no change of clothes, no bag of my stuff for washing in the morning. No books, no pen, nothing to write with, no water bottle or hot mug.
At this point, you might be starting to wonder what will I bring? Clothing, wear all the clothing I will need to stay warm for eight days. A sleeping bag or blanket for sleeping on the street, something to keep the rain off me and a small bag to hold my few things. I can pick up a plastic water bottle or paper cup from the streets. A printed copy of the sutra book. That’s it!
1n 1994 - Bernie Glassman, a student of Maesumi Roshi, articulated the three tenants of Zen Peacemakers.
Not Knowing - giving up fixed ideas about oneself and the universe, seeing all manifestations as the teachings of no-knowing,
Bearing Witness - by allowing myself to be touched by the joy and suffering of the universe,
Healing - of myself, the earth, humanity and all creations.
““I want to figure out how to learn from those who have suffered in a certain way, even though I can’t fully enter that realm. So we go on the streets. I know we aren’t homeless and I make that quite clear. ”
Let’s look more deeply - Bearing Witness.
“Bearing witness can allow you to eventually come to terms with the most difficult life circumstances. The practice is always available to you regardless of the time, place, situation, or people involved. There is nothing that you cannot bear witness to, from dusting the lint off your sweater to living in a pit for two years. In bearing witness, you are actively engaged and embodied, even struggling, with whatever is arising.”
I’m already in the process of Bearing Witness as I prepare for my street retreat. This includes noticing my attachment to my comforts - heat, tea in the morning, going to the gym, and a high quality food. I’m also noticing the challenge others are having with just thinking about me going on a street retreat. Folks immediately are concerned for my safety. I assure them then there must safety precautions and a structure for our time together. Zen Peacemakers have been leading these retreats for many years.
For now, I can only share what I know from the Zen Peacemakers website. Since I’ve not done this before, I don’t really know how it is all going to work — not knowing. I’ll get back to you in nine days with a report of my adventure!
“ By spending this time on the street, participants come closer to the lives of those who live on the streets, reflect on giving and impermanence, and recognize the humanity all people share.”