In Person Retreat: Living Buddha, Living Christ

Thomas Merton famously said that he saw no contradiction between Buddhism and Christianity. While that may be difficult to reconcile with the obvious doctrinal differences between the two faiths, on the level of spiritual practice and compassionate presence it is easy to see many points of connection and commonality. Many Christian leaders, including a number of Jesuits, have embraced Zen as a philosophy and spiritual practice that integrates with Christianity in a way that is respectful of both traditions. This weekend retreat, offered in the spirit of Vatican II, draws its inspiration from the writings of the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh, whose book Living Buddha, Living Christ has become a classic of interreligious dialogue. We won’t be arguing the merits or failings of either faith, but rather hope to create a spacious hospitality where Christians, Buddhists, and members of other faiths can join together in silence, faithful to our own religious identity yet finding joy and fellowship in sharing a retreat together.