Contemplative traditions within Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism each have special practices of “self-emptying” as paths to spiritual awakening. In this retreat we will explore and experience the shared and distinctive aspects of self-emptying and learn how they can yield profound wisdom, compassion, and fulfillment. Our weekend program will include presentations, discussions, and meditations on self-emptying from each tradition.

Self-emptying often entails a spiritual process known as the via negativa or the apophatic that balance the via positiva or cataphatic practices within each religion.  For example, Christian wisdom or sophia might entail an emptying of the false self through a process known as kenosis. Jewish wisdom or chochma might emerge from a subtle experience of ayin or nothingness. Buddhist wisdom or prajna might arise from the perception of emptiness or sunyata. These practices are difficult to understand and distinguish from each other.  By examining and experiencing them in relation to each other we will gain a more precise understanding and refine our own contemplative practices.

The total cost of the program is $375.  For registration, please contact La Casa de Maria, 805 969-5031, www.lcdm.org/programs.asp.  For program details, contact Spiritual Paths at 805 695-0104, www.spiritualpaths.net. This program will lead into the fourth semester intensive retreat of our program on InterSpiritual Wisdom beginning Sunday evening, January 10, and ending Friday noon, January 15.

Title: “Self Emptying:In Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism”
Teachers: Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault,Ph.D.,  Rabbi Rami Shapiro,Ph.D., Ed Bastian, Ph.D.
Date: January 8-10, 2009
Time: 7 PM Friday, January 8 to Noon Sunday, January 10
Place: La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara, CA