Event Details

An unexpected brush with death and dying creates a sudden disturbance. This disturbance is really a profound opening where deep spiritual transformation is possible. Facing our own death or witnessing the death of someone who is close to us thrusts us directly into the unknown. All that we have learned and think we know is of little use in the face of this profound vast unknowable mystery. We suddenly find ourselves confused, standing stark naked, vulnerable, and alone.

In this culture, we are taught to stay safe and insulate ourselves from experiences of dying. This artificial separation from dying, ironically also separates us and keeps us from fully living. It hinders our awakening to the deeper mysteries. We remain safe and stuck in the superficial realms insulated from the profound lessons of living and dying. Birth, sickness, and death are hidden away in the shadows where they won’t disturb us. A vital part of life is pushed down into the darkness. Emotions are suppressed, whole subpersonalities are repressed and denied. Hidden realms and the secret paths leading to spiritual growth and deeper awakening are ignored. Unwilling to face our deepest fears and move into the darkness, we remain imprisoned by our delusions and rob ourselves of the very experiences that will help us be fully alive.

In the interpersonal space of a carefully constructed container, we will explore the richness and wisdom hidden in the silent depths of our own hearts breaking open.

You will be asked to:

• Leave your beliefs about dying in a basket at the door
• Share your direct experiences of living and dying
• Confess your deepest fears
• Deeply consider: What is the most important thing?
• Witness the vast timeless truth of who you really are
• Allow your heart to be open, honest, and vulnerable

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You will leave with:

• A sense of where you might be stuck
• Deeper Insight into the real causes of conflict and suffering
• A deeper experience and articulation of the mystery of who you really are
• A direct experience of meditative mind
• A deeper appreciation for what it means: “To die before you die”
• An experience of selfless compassion that arises from witnessing what it is that was never born and will never die.

DoShin Michael Nelson is a poet and Zen Master of no rank. He is the founder of Integral Zen. He uses poetry and Koans to explore the mystery of dying and awakening to the deepest joys of living. Retreat/workshops like this provide support for those who have been deeply affected by a brush with death and dying, or anyone who chooses to look into the mirror of dying to examine the quality and fulness of the lives they are choosing to live…