How Peaceful Lake retreat led this Summer to a Pilgrimage to the Tennessee Peace Pagoda!

And, here’s a magical little back-story—

At Peaceful Lake, at the very start of the retreat, the Zen monks came to me with a dilemma. They had a “ran-do” which is a common occurrence- a random visitor showing up announced, like a wandering deer or bear. 

But this one was different. He was a real student of the Dharma, and he had hiked, with books, solo, across the whole Catskill Mountain park in just several weeks. Azania and other Quakers and I prayed about it. Should we let him come into our retreat?

The Zen monks said something funny, “with anyone else, Sho-An Sander, we would have just turned this kid away, but we know with you, well, there’s just a small chance you can find a spot for him in your retreat.” It was slightly embarrassing, but they were bringing up the past times I would bring “hood rats” and homeless people, panhandlers and couch surfers, people who I felt Zen could help transform from drug addicts to serious Boddisattvas. Was I super naive ten years ago? Perhaps. But. “You never know the future effect Zen practice will have on people.” said Jodi-San, at the time.

Azania and I prayed it would work out for this kid the monks found asleep at the gatehouse, on the concrete. By being kind and spontaneous and welcoming to a true Stranger, “Giovanni”, I was later blessed to get (from Giovanni) a book by NichiDatsu Fuji (named “GuruJi) by Gandhi—). The founder of 60 different Peace Pagodas

A wonderful teacher of peace and a great convener of mass movement peace walks.

So…..after producing Peaceful Lake, I got a chance to explore the Peace Pagodas, especially the one in Tennessee—

And I made this little video—

We are doing the 3rd Annual Peaceful Lake retreat in July 2025– and I hope you will come.

We are going to make it bigger and better this year.

Call with questions or suggestions or to get involved. Text me first!

347 477 808 Two

Or email me through the Contact page.

Peace and Love!

Nam MyoHo Renge KO!