Let us come together and look closely into the word gender until it shines. What is our experience of gender? What do we remember? Where do we locate its borders or flesh out its form? Where are the areas where we might still feel boxed in by language, by groups, or by our own expectations and attachments? How might it be when we are given full permission to ‘unbox’ it, free it from the definitions and narratives we are asked to conform to? And how does all of this relate to our Dharma practice and the path of developing Bodhicitta?

We will explore these questions using a variety of guided group activities and discussions drawing on materials from Zenju Earthlyn Manual, Rita Gross, Abigail Thorn, Alok Vaid-Menon, and the Vimalakirti Sutra. There will also be periods of zazen and opportunities for journaling as well as art practices that allow a more deeply personal exploration. All are welcome.

Because of the ongoing COVID situation, we are asking that all participants present two negative rapid COVID tests (antigen tests), the first taken 48 hours before the start of the retreat, and the second taken immediately before joining the retreat. Please email a photo of the first (48h) test to: zcnyc@dharma.net. We will not be providing COVID tests at the temple, so please provide your own.