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Gethsemani IV, the fourth in a series of interreligious dialogues, was held at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky during May 27 –31, 2015. Sponsored by the North American Pontifical Commission for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID) participants included both women and men from Buddhist and Christian monastic traditions. They came from across the continent to share their experience and to learn from each other the various ways monastic life is lived today.
The theme for the conference was “Spiritual Maturation”and included presentations by participants along with the sharing of meditative practices from both Buddhist and Christian monasticism. Each morning session featured papers from both traditions. In the afternoon all were invited to share actual contemplative practices.
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The following papers were presented:
“Spiritual Maturity: Self-Fulfillment and the True Self” Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam, New Camaldoli Hermitage, Big Sur, California
“Learning What Really Matters” S. Sarah Schwartzberg, OSB, Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Clyde, Missouri (Sister Sarah was unable to be present; her paper was read by S. Sarah Smedman, OSB)
“Community Life Becomes the Training: Sravasti Abbey Monastic Community” Bhikshuni Thubten Semkye, Sravasti Abbey, Newport, Washington
“Growing Old With Rites and Rituals” Rev. Kusala Bhikshu, Los Angeles, California
“Learning a Christian Contemplative Life from the “Ten Ox-Herding Pictures”in Zen Buddhism” Jaechan Anselmo Park,OSB, Regis College, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
“Buddhist Wisdom for Christian Spiritual Directors: Spiritual Maturation Nurtured by Dialogue” Becky Van Ness, School of Theology, St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota
“Buddhist Scriptures as a Template of Spiritual Maturity” Rev. Heng Sure, Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, Berkeley, California
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Examples of Buddhist and Christian spiritual practices were shared. Breakfast and the noon meal were taken in silence. At the noon meal each day a meditative text was read. A brief period of discussion followed.
Those who attended the conference expressed profound appreciation for the experience. The interaction of the participants was truly cordial. The informal conversations, as well as the scheduled dialogue sessions, were enjoyed by all. Sharing monastic practices was an effective way to promote mutual understanding and appreciation for each other’s traditions. The closing ceremony and departure ritual on Sunday, May 31, was celebrated in the hermitage of Thomas Merton on the grounds of the Abbey.
Sr. Margaret Michaud, OSB St. Benedict’s Monastery
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