Workshop-Retreat on Flower Garland Buddhism: Interdependence, Social Engagement, and Abundance with Rev. Ben Connelly (In-person)

All are welcome. Please register for this seminar by using the form below.
Suggested donation is $50.00 (donations are self-determined – contribute any amount that works)
Please plan to attend this event in person, onsite at Ancient Dragon Zen Gate; the event will not be recorded or offered hybrid.
After the workshop, there will be opportunity for book purchase and signing.

In this workshop-retreat, Ben 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. The retreat will include meditation. teachings on Huayan, reflection, discussion, and tea.

Flower Garland Buddhism: Interdependence, Social Engagement, and Abundance
Rooted in the Mahayana Flower Garland (Huayan) Sutra. Huayan buddhism is relational, practical, and positive. Its emphasis on interdependence, celebration of the sensual world, and diversity of people and practices provides inspiration for “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.
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, and works with multi faith groups focused on social 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.