Other Questions and Observations
What do Christians understand about cyclic existence?
What does each dialogue partner mean by the term
"non-dual"?
What do Buddhists mean by the term "Ultimate
Truth"?
What is the experience of the illuminated person?
Does she experience emotions?
Is there a relationship between the Buddhist bond with
all sentient beings and the Christian concepts of
Mystical Body or cosmic oneness?
Rituals
Formal dialogue was complemented by informal
evenings and opportunities to share the rituals and
chants of various traditions. As guests of the Hsi Lai
Temple, we were present at 6:30 a.m. chants in the
main shrine and also viewed a DVD of an international
Buddhist chanting concert. This was complemented by
listening to samples of Christian Gregorian Chant,
Orthodox chant, and Hindu chant, noting the evocative
and integrative character of chanting and its universal
presence in world religions. Rituals from our three
traditions—Christian (Compline), Hindu (evening
arati), and Buddhist (guided meditation)—closed our
informal evening dialogue times, Father James
Fredericks joined us in the Temple Pagoda late
Saturday afternoon to preside at a Catholic Mass at
which Christians extended the kiss of peace to their
Buddhist and Hindu sisters. We came away with minds
stretched and hearts enlarged.
Our Story
At the conclusion of our gathering, we attempted to tell
our story, the story of Nuns in the West gathered in
dialogue. First of all, we have become friends, and
meeting as women bonded us in a special way. We
challenged ourselves to "go deeper, " and we allowed
ourselves to be stretched by different worldviews and
perspectives. We found a comfort level in our
willingness to grope with core issues. We were
unafraid to surface differences, and when
understanding did not come, we honored one another
as we stood together at an impasse. We experienced
great respect, even awe, before each other. We found
the inner life of contemplation to be a wonderful
common denominator amidst such vast differences.
We learned that in many ways we are so much alike,
and that we have yet so much to learn about and from
one another. And finally, we agreed that it is the
process, the experience of dialoguing with one
another, that is most important and fruitful.
Schedule
Friday, May 27
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Welcome by Ven. Yifa, host, and S. Jeanne
Ranek, coordinator
Introductions and Informal Dialogue
Christian Ritual: Compline (Led by S. Virginia Matter)
Saturday, May 28
6:30 a.m. Chants in Main Shrine
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Dialogue Session
11:30 a.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Group Photo (Rev. Kusala Bhikshu,
photographer)
1:30 p.m. Dialogue Session at Temple
3:15 p.m. Break
3:45 p.m. Dialogue Session at Temple
4:45 p.m. Catholic Mass in Pagoda (Rev. James
Fredericks, presider)
6:00 p.m.Dinner
7:30 p.m. View Buddhist Chanting Concert on DVD
Listen to Samples of Chant: Christian Gregorian
Chant, Orthodox Chant, and Hindu Chant
Hindu Ritual (Led by Saradeshaprana)
Sunday, May 29
6:30 a.m. Chants in Main Shrine
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Dialogue Session at Temple
11:30 a.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Dialogue Session at Temple
3:15 p.m. Break
3:45 p.m. Dialogue Session at Temple
4:45 p.m. Meditation/Contemplative Sitting [Led by S. Mary White]
6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Youth Symphony Orchestra Performance in Temple Courtyard [Optional]
7:30 p.m. Informal Dialogue and Closure Buddhist Guided Meditation (Led by Ven. Thubten
Chodron)
Monday, May 30
Breakfast and Departure