From 17 to 23 November 2024, I took part in the Zen Peacemakers' Retreat in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps in Poland. But why take part once again?
My first participation in this Retreat took place in 2010 and since then I've expanded my effective engagement in the practices of socially engaged Buddhism, particularly as an effective member of the Zen Peacemakers community. At the Retreat, I went from being a participant to collaborating as a member of the Staff, then as a Buddhist Worker, Council facilitator and, as of this year, also serving as one of the Spirit Holders (coordinators who take care of the Vision during the days of Practice at the Retreat). Within the community structure, I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Zen Peacemakers International and as co-spiritual director and on the Coordinating Council of the Zen Peacemaker Order.
It may seem that, after a few participations, Retreat in the Camps can become something ‘familiar’, predictable. It's definitely not like that. Each time is the first time, once again. Although we basically maintain the same programme that Roshi Bernie Glassman drew up as an outline in 1996 during his flight from Poland to the United States, the reality of the Practice is always reconstructed at each Retreat by the group of participants and the circumstances of the moment. This year, 2024, there were 56 of us from 10 countries. Diversity manifests itself on many levels, from geographical, ethnic and religious origins to the different motivations for taking part.
Before the Retreat, I imagined that one theme that would become prominent would be the issue of the humanitarian tragedy caused by the war in Gaza. Even with the presence of a Palestinian participant - a member of the Holy Land Trust organisation, which has been promoting dialogue and a culture of peace in the war-torn region for many years - the focus manifested itself dynamically, in very human terms, with the natural vitality of what is inherent in the causes and conditions of our personal and collective suffering. We moved from traumatic memories linked to the history of the Camps to insecurity in relation to the civilising process threatened by the authoritarian and discriminatory tendencies that are making a strong comeback in many countries; we connected with the pain of the Earth that manifests itself in extreme events all over the planet and reflected on our inadequacies in dealing with the accelerated systemic transition we are facing in times of artificial intelligence, the redefinition of gender roles and questions about the meaning and effects of our actions based on an inclusive spirituality. If anything can be considered relatively constant in this Retreat, it is the realisation of the fundamental importance of a sense of community and respect for diversity. Each person brings with them their own memories, pains, resources and potential for transformation. In Auschwitz-Birkenau, as I learnt from my first participation, it is the place, the territory of the Camps, and the practice we do there every day, in constant interaction throughout the Retreat, now in its 29th edition, that teaches us.
This time, the weather helped us to learn intensely from our presence in the here-and-now. It was very cold, the wind was strong and wet, and we had snow on the last two days. As most of the Retreat's activities take place outdoors in the camps, we had a slightly more physically challenging experience. But we remained steadfast in the Practice, sitting in silent meditation on the soil of that place which represents a perennial reminder of how much we human beings are capable of committing dishonourable acts when driven by fear, discrimination and loss of lucidity. In the various activities, we nurtured seeds of peace and acceptance in our hearts and minds. And we renew our Vows to continue in constant Practice, every moment, everywhere, remembering the lesson that we may know rationally, but which still needs to be learnt in the selfless and conscious action of doing what we can, with the resources we have, right where we are.
Gratitude to the Teachings and to the Teachers who generously and compassionately make it possible for us to encounter the Way. And may our existences honour Life.
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