The 12 Step Approach to Exploring Cultural Bias, Racism, & Otherism: An online weekend retreat w/Rev. Seiho Mudo Morris

From Rev. Seiho’s curriculum for this retreat:

“Hate speech, cultural bias, racism, and otherism are the accelerants for the explosion of violence that is affecting every single marginalized group in America, like the images we’ve seen of a nuclear bomb blast, a mushroom cloud moving in all directions and engulfing everything in its path.

“Functionally we have two choices. We have to take positive action, or go into inaction. It is not enough simply to ‘Bear Witness.’ If we do not act, the forces of cultural bias, racism, and otherism will feed that cloud of hate and violence that is its own form of radiation, and will ultimately end one’s life.

“Walt Whitman wrote: ‘…You are here – life exists and identity … the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.’ This is my verse and my contribution, based on my 31 years of long-term recovery from addiction, beginning when I was a teenager. Having grown up in Twelve Step Fellowships, using the Twelve Step Model originated by Alcoholics Anonymous, what I’ve noticed and found so elegant over the years is that, no matter in what direction you point the flashlight of these Twelve Steps, however they’re modified, they shine brightly, lighting a path out of a place of personal and collective suffering, violence, and sadness.”

During this three-day immersion program, Rev. Seiho will guide participants through a Twelve Step Awareness and Awakening Process framework. This is an opportunity to explore and work with Cultural Bias, Racism, and Otherism, as we learn as a society to meet the unfinished work of the past. Participants will receive a copy of a 20-page instruction and practice guide developed by Rev. Seiho.

Teacher Bio

Rev. Seiho Mudo Morris is an ordained Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk, having trained and practiced in the Zen tradition for nearly three decades, as well as receiving formal training and empowerments in Tibetan Nyingma and Sakya lineages in various teachings and practices, over the past three years.

Seiho has been providing workshops and immersion practices related to cultural/racial bias, racism and otherism, harmonizing the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path and a specifically revised expression Twelve Step principles; in an effort to help support and advance a path of change related to racism. He has conducted programs at Sundiatia Festival in Seattle, Washington; Nalanda West; The Gathering II: Buddhist Teachers Black-African Descent 2019; Choboji Dai Bai Zan; True Freedom Yoga;  and most recently at Boundless Heart Sangha.

He has been in long-term recovery for the last 33 years, and is a former addictions counselor, program director and facility administrator. He is currently on the administrative team of a behavioral health facility in the State of Maryland. He regularly  offers 3- and 5-day Zen and Twelve Step immersion practices.

Rev. Seiho is on Facebook and Instagram @seihomorris.

Sponsored by The Tattooed Buddha

If you have questions or need additional information about this retreat or other Flowering Lotus program offerings, please contact:

Beth Herzig, Retreat Director

floweringlotusms@gmail.com

601-918-8510

Ticket Prices

We ask that you support Flowering Lotus and those whose needs are greater by registering at the highest level ($75, $50, $25) with which you’re feel comfortable.

All are welcome to participate, regardless of ability to pay. 

There will be an opportunity to make a dana (generosity) contribution in any amount, to Flowering Lotus and the teacher, at the online event.

Note About This Schedule:

This workshop is designed as a transformational experience in which participants will be guided through the 12 steps over the course of the weekend. While it follows a general order, it does not adhere to a strict schedule, which is why large blocks of time are designated for practice. This process is fluid and we prefer to allow time for spontaneity as the experience will be dictated somewhat by the questions of the participants. Meal times and start and stop times will be adhered to, but smaller breaks will occur based on need and the flow of the practice.

Friday August 21

7:30 – 9:00 pm Introduction and Orientation

Saturday August 22

7:30 – 8:00 am Centering Practice

8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast / Personal Time

9:00 – 12:00 noon Practice / Discussion / Q&A with Rev. Seiho

12:00 – 2:00 pm Lunch /Personal Time

2:00 – 6:00 pm Practice / Discussion / Q&A / Mindful Movement

6:00 – 7:30 pm Dinner / Personal Time

7:30 – 8:30 pm Discussion / Q&A with Rev. Seiho

8:30 pm Rest or Further Practice

Sunday August 23

7:30 – 8:15 am Centering Practice

8:15 – 9:00 am Breakfast / Personal Time

9:00 – 12:00 noon Practice