Interfaith Spirituality Series

This twelve-week series is a journey you can take as a whole or you may choose any of these four-week courses individually.

Interfaith Spirituality Series Part One – Introduction to Zen 
Learn the Fundamentals, Experience the Benefits

Wednesday evenings - February 2, 9, 16, 23; from 7:00 - 8:30 p EST
Instructor: Jeanette Prince-Cherry
This is a Hybrid class.

How is Zen different from other forms of meditation? Can I practice Zen and still keep my own religion? Do I have to sit cross-legged in order to meditate? 

These and other questions are addressed during the schedule of talks, demonstrations, and guided meditations in the Introduction to Zen workshop.

This four-week course provides a thorough-going introduction to the principles of Zen Buddhism. Participants learn the basic theory and disciplines of Zen meditation and experience first-hand the practice of zazen (sitting meditation). Zazen postures, methods of breathing, and methods of concentrating the mind are demonstrated, explained, and practiced. We also cover integrating Zen practice with daily life, dealing with various mental states that may arise during meditation, and finding and working with a teacher or other spiritual friend. Workshop participants will have several opportunities to ask questions, including specific inquiries about their own spiritual practice.

Interfaith Spirituality Series Part Two – TBA

Interfaith Spirituality Part Three: Spiritual Guidance from Black Mystics
Tuesdays, 7- 8:30 pm, 4/12 – 5/3. This course will meet on Tuesdays in person at the barn as well as online from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm . 

Mystics throughout the world’s religious and spiritual traditions have drawn insight and wisdom from their personal encounters with the Divine. Seeking intimacy, direct connection and union with the Divine, the mystical path has often inspired and guided others in deepening their spiritual journey. During this four-week course, participants will study and contemplate on the teachings of black mystics, practice meditation within an intimate learning community and reflect on their own and other’s personal encounters with the Divine.

This class will help participants explore and deepen their spiritual lives through the gifts and wisdom offered to us by the mystics.  Participants also will reflect on their own and others connections and insights that come when we encounter the Divine.  This deepening and exploration fits well within the School of Meditation and Spirituality. The mystics often point to our connection with nature and a call to justice as a spiritual path which also connects on themes from the School of Earth Literacy and School of Social Compassion. Participants will also be able to practice and explore meditation in the learning community.

Interfaith Spirituality Part One – Introduction to Zen 
Learn the Fundamentals, Experience the Benefits
Wednesday evenings - February 2, 9, 16, 23; from 7:00 - 8:30 p EST

Interfaith Spirituality Series Part Two – TBA 

Interfaith Spirituality Part Three – Spiritual Guidance from Black Mystics
Tuesdays, 7- 8:30 pm, April 12, 19, 26, May 3 from 7:00 - 8:30p EST

$270 regular for the 3 part series

$260 for registrations two weeks prior to August 24

$100 for individual classes

$90 for registration two weeks prior to each class

Click here to read our current Covid-19 policy.

Jeanette Prince-Cherry

Jeanette began practicing Zen in 1994.  Since then she has been maintaining a daily practice and regularly attending group sittings, intensive meditation retreats, and residential training in both the U.S. and Japan. She works closely with her teacher, Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, Co-Spiritual Director of Rochester Zen Center.  With his on-going guidance and support, Jeanette began instructing others in Zen meditation in 1999. Jeanette feels honored to serve Zen communities in Louisville, KY, and Rochester, NY.

Natasha Burrowes

Natasha Burrowes is a trained spiritual director, workshop leader, retreat facilitator, educator, and writer. Rooted in a deep belief that Spirit calls each person to a greater purpose to bring about the common good and to be in more alignment with the spiritual path, she journeys with individuals, groups, and organizations to connect to a deeper purpose, to elevate consciousness, and to create meaningful and spirit-filled action and expression in the world. She bases teaching practices, spiritual direction, and writing on wisdom drawn from the world’s diverse spiritual traditions. She feels called to support individuals and communities in their spiritual growth and development.