Zaltho Foundation

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"Street Retreat"
Claude AnShin Thomas

Street Retreats, what are they? I can best describe a Street Retreat as an experience, physical in nature, that strips one of the obvious comforts, habits, etc. that often keep one trapped in cycles of delusion/suffering. It is (from my part) also constructed in such a way as to demonstrate that the Zendo, Temple, Church, etc. is not the physical structure but where-ever we happen to be and that everyday, not just some particular day is an opportunity to put into action the very essence of whatever our particular tradition or non-tradition may be. The Street Retreat is also designed to encourage people to bring the reality of their commitment to spiritual practice out of hiding; because it is my sense that spiritual practice kept in secret, locked up, is devoid of commitment. That is not to say that by bringing ones spiritual practice into the open, into daily life there is the intention to make any statement of good, better, best. It is merely to bring it out of the prisons of structure into the very midst of the need.

The intention of the retreat is also to bring one more directly to the experience of separateness and to attempt to assist them in finding a place of more inclusiveness - to realize the teaching of interconnectedness. This mode of retreat also provides the possibility to experience more tangentially the teaching of interdependent co-arising. That is the teaching that every action gives rise to another action, etc. etc., etc. To be aware of that in our lives so that we may be more attentive to our thoughts, actions, words and beliefs.

Another facet of the retreat is to foster the reality of Sangha (community) amongst the retreatants. Because stripped of all their creature comforts and traditional ways of coping with daily life suddenly they must begin to live and act as a group. Supporting each other through weakness and strength. It's a heck of a thing to be sleeping outside when the weather is freezing and you have no shelter and no blankets. What to do?

And you can imagine the reaction of the retreatants when they approach helping organizations with the simple request of a blanket or food to eat or shelter from the rain and they are turned away. And then to be doing this retreat amongst the marginalized, the forgotten, invisible cultures that exist right in our very midst. People and groups that we pass by each day and never even notice - a Street Retreat is akin to a type of spiritual shock therapy.

The people who go are usually people who are looking for something real, genuine, that they are consciously aware of this is not necessarily the case. I can also write that one of the things about my facilitating these retreats that is different as opposed to the ones that I have participated in (facilitated by someone else) is that my style of facilitating is more direct and my experience is that this directness circumvents (for the most part) curiosity seekers, or spiritual tourists. The nature of the retreat is simply too demanding physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for someone who is not committed.

What people gain is deeper insight into the ways in which they are still trapped in participating in, creating and maintaining an endless cycle of suffering. Some, truly get a glimpse of the possibility that their life can be different, somehow more rewarding, more fulfilling. And some are motivated to take the step to live their lives differently working toward a more integrated self and a place of more equanimity with all sentient beings.

But this is my assessment and my observances as to what the people get out of the retreat. As I am not in their heads (too deep) it would be presumptuous of me to really say. The best testament is from those who participate, although I've discovered that for many the experience is profound enough in its nature that initially they find it hard to articulate in words what they have benefited. But all who participate seem in some way or another to begin a process of living differently, less separate from themselves and from the world around them.

< Back | The Practice | Next >

"Street Retreat"
Claude AnShin Thomas

Street Retreats, what are they? I can best describe a Street Retreat as an experience, physical in nature, that strips one of the obvious comforts, habits, etc. that often keep one trapped in cycles of delusion/suffering. It is (from my part) also constructed in such a way as to demonstrate that the Zendo, Temple, Church, etc. is not the physical structure but where-ever we happen to be and that everyday, not just some particular day is an opportunity to put into action the very essence of whatever our particular tradition or non-tradition may be. The Street Retreat is also designed to encourage people to bring the reality of their commitment to spiritual practice out of hiding; because it is my sense that spiritual practice kept in secret, locked up, is devoid of commitment. That is not to say that by bringing ones spiritual practice into the open, into daily life there is the intention to make any statement of good, better, best. It is merely to bring it out of the prisons of structure into the very midst of the need.

The intention of the retreat is also to bring one more directly to the experience of separateness and to attempt to assist them in finding a place of more inclusiveness - to realize the teaching of interconnectedness. This mode of retreat also provides the possibility to experience more tangentially the teaching of interdependent co-arising. That is the teaching that every action gives rise to another action, etc. etc., etc. To be aware of that in our lives so that we may be more attentive to our thoughts, actions, words and beliefs.

Another facet of the retreat is to foster the reality of Sangha (community) amongst the retreatants. Because stripped of all their creature comforts and traditional ways of coping with daily life suddenly they must begin to live and act as a group. Supporting each other through weakness and strength. It's a heck of a thing to be sleeping outside when the weather is freezing and you have no shelter and no blankets. What to do?

And you can imagine the reaction of the retreatants when they approach helping organizations with the simple request of a blanket or food to eat or shelter from the rain and they are turned away. And then to be doing this retreat amongst the marginalized, the forgotten, invisible cultures that exist right in our very midst. People and groups that we pass by each day and never even notice - a Street Retreat is akin to a type of spiritual shock therapy.

The people who go are usually people who are looking for something real, genuine, that they are consciously aware of this is not necessarily the case. I can also write that one of the things about my facilitating these retreats that is different as opposed to the ones that I have participated in (facilitated by someone else) is that my style of facilitating is more direct and my experience is that this directness circumvents (for the most part) curiosity seekers, or spiritual tourists. The nature of the retreat is simply too demanding physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for someone who is not committed.

What people gain is deeper insight into the ways in which they are still trapped in participating in, creating and maintaining an endless cycle of suffering. Some, truly get a glimpse of the possibility that their life can be different, somehow more rewarding, more fulfilling. And some are motivated to take the step to live their lives differently working toward a more integrated self and a place of more equanimity with all sentient beings.

But this is my assessment and my observances as to what the people get out of the retreat. As I am not in their heads (too deep) it would be presumptuous of me to really say. The best testament is from those who participate, although I've discovered that for many the experience is profound enough in its nature that initially they find it hard to articulate in words what they have benefited. But all who participate seem in some way or another to begin a process of living differently, less separate from themselves and from the world around them.