THE BURNING HOUSE
Exploring Spirituality & Addiction
Facilitated by Koshin Paley Ellison & Robert Chodo Campbell
Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26, 2008

In this weekend retreat, we will be exploring our addictions and spiritual paths through the parable of the Burning House. We will use this parable to help us identify: our own Burning House, why it is we stay there, what keeps us inside the house, and what would it mean to leave this Burning House - moment to moment.

Addiction is about cycling in our Burning House. There are many things we want to cling to such as: uncomfortable and difficult feelings, wonderful praise, painful realizations about ourselves, and perceptions about the truth of life. This retreat offers the opportunity to learn and practice with spiritual tools designed to help you stay in the present moment and work with difficulties in a new way. We will use the following practices:

• discerning when you are trapped by your story or living fully
• sharing in large in small groups
• creative writing
• council practice
• sitting, guided and walking meditation
• appreciating silence.

By the end of the weekend you will have tools to help you deepen your understanding of your own addictive process and face difficulties with courage.

Retreat open to men and women.

About the Facilitators

Koshin Paley Ellison, MFA, LMSW, is a Founder and Co-Executive Director of the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care (www.zencare.org). He is a founder of the Buddhist Psychotherapy Collective (www.dharmateam.com) and in private practice, where he sees individuals, couples, and groups. Koshin is currently a Jungian Analyst Candidate at the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association. Koshin is a senior student and novice Soto Zen Buddhist priest under Roshi Enkyo O'Hara, at the Village Zendo.

Robert Chodo Campbell, MA, HHC, is a Founder and Co-Executive Director of the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care (www.zencare.org), and he's a founder of the Buddhist Psychotherapy Collective
(www.dharmateam.com). He is a Buddhist Chaplain Priest at Village Zendo in New York City. He has served as a Chaplain at Beth Israel Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital. Chodo leads meditation practice and facilitates groups at various medical/residential facilities in the metropolitan area.