אושוויץ-בירקנאו: עדות

When you participate in a Bearing Witness retreat, you enter a carefully crafted container held by various teams:

Spirit Holders learn and listen to the pulse of the retreat during the retreat, and adjust the schedule accordingly. This role is specific to the retreat they have been chosen for. They review the retreat structure and schedule and make recommendations for changes. The Spirit Holders include (1) individuals whose lives are deeply infused with the place and theme of the retreat, (2) Zen teachers or Masters with extensive experience in the practice and teaching of the Three Tenets and (3) Those with a particular role, such as Head of Logistical Staff and Head Council Trainer.

Staff serves the needs of the retreat and its participants by translating the direction of the spirit holders into action. Our staff consists of local people and highly trained ZPO members.

Council Facilitators lead the daily council groups- sharing circles that give space for sharing one’s experience of the retreat with others.

Elders are past retreat Spirit Holders who have transmitted their role to another and hold years-worth of insight from experiencing, practicing and leading at ZPO Bearing Witness retreats. They participate informally and offer the retreat administrators and current spirit holders feedback on the flow and pulse of the retreat. They are available to everyone as a resource before, during and after a retreat.

The Administration Team develops, plans and manages the budget, marketing and schedule for each retreat from its inception to the actual start of the retreat. They continuously evaluate and determine whether a retreat is financially feasible.

Dialogue Center Staff maintains our lodging facilities, prepares and serves our hearty and healthy meals.

Celebration of diversity has been a hallmark of the Zen Peacemakers Bearing Witness Retreats and in particular at Auschwitz-Birkenau, once a symbol of extreme intolerance towards others. Through the years the Zen Peacemakers have hosted countless nationalities, faiths and ethnicities on the retreat. Donations can be extended towards those from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the multifaceted experience of the retreat. Donations will also ensure the attendance of those challenged financially to gather the cost of tuition. 

Scholarships are available to individuals on a personal basis, are reviewed by ZP Staff. If you are interested (or require) a scholarship, please email info@zenpeacemakers.org for details.

Memorial Candles are available for suggest donation of $18 per candle. During the retreat, there will be a dedicated time to receive and present your candle.

Donations can be made at the time of registration or  online on our Donation Page. Please add ‘Candle & Diversity Fund’ in the comments. 

Zen Peacemakers, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization for your tax purposes.

Not Knowing, Bearing Witness and Taking Action that arises from Not-Knowing and Bearing Witness. These are the principles of the Zen Peacemakers and the foundation for the Auschwitz/Birkenau Retreat.

This optional workshop is an experiential introduction to these principles, led by the retreat staff. This is a rare opportunity to explore together with seasoned practitioners and their years of experience in plunges and bearing witness retreats.

It will take place at the Hotel Royal Krakow on Saturday, November 16th, from 10:00am till 4:00pm (with a break from noon to 2:00pm). The cost of this one-day workshop is $200. Your fee supports the expenses of the retreat and contributes to scholarships available to those of limited means. Registration for the Three Tenet Workshop will be an option during Event Payment. You may register for this event separately until November 14th.