Being Peace: A Quaker Buddhist Exploration

With Deborah Cooper and George Schaefer

January 21 - 24, 2027

Date and Time Details: Program begins with on-campus check-in for all participants between 4:30 and 6:00pm on January 21. The program ends on January 24 at 1:00pm after lunch.

Location: On Campus

Contact: registration@pendlehill.org

Financial Assistance: We strive to make our programs accessible. To apply for financial assistance or alternate payment options, such as having an organization of meeting pay on your behalf, please wait to register and first complete our Financial Assistance Application.

Registration Deadline: Registration will close on 1/7, or when the event reaches capacity.

Single or Shared Room – $662.00
Single or Shared Room – Private Bath – $782.00
Commuter – $362.00

A contemplative workshop exploring similarities between un-programmed Quakerism and western understandings of Buddhist practice.

George Fox and Gautama Buddha experienced similar insights regarding the truth of existence: turning within, each discovered a common spiritual reality beyond words, one that brings a sense of inner peace and enlightens individuals and communities to live honest and intentional lives of service and care.

This contemplative workshop will explore the similarities between contemporary un-programmed Quakerism and western understandings of Buddhist practice with an emphasis on practices which lead to inner peace, restoration and contentment. Starting with the body in worship, mindfulness and the presence of spirit in our lives, participants will be introduced to both Buddhist and Quaker meditative spiritual practices and the role of community in supporting the deepening of their lives. This program may include a light community work project.

This workshop welcomes all who are interested in deepening their contemplative experience in the context of Quaker and Buddhist contemplative practices as well as other contemplative paths.

The fee for this retreat does not include any reimbursement for the teachers of the retreat. As some of you are aware, this is based in the Buddhist tradition of the practice of “dana,” or generosity. The Buddha teaches that generosity is one of the central pillars of the spiritual life. Buddhist teachings are offered without a price tag, as they are considered to be priceless. This practice of generosity around teaching creates a system of openhandedness, of interdependence between teachers and students. It is wonderful for me to be able to offer teachings in this way. At the end of the retreat, you will have an opportunity to engage in this practice of generosity and to offer “dana” (a donation) for the teachings as a way to support the teachers of this retreat. There is no suggested amount or normal amount — that is left entirely to your heart and the reality of your bank account. We will give you the details at the end of the retreat. You may bring a check or cash, and there will also be information for those who use Venmo.

About the Leaders

Deborah Cooper

Deborah Cooper, MED, LPC, has been practicing insight meditation and teaching mindfulness practices for over twenty-five years. She is a member of Germantown Friends Meeting in Philadelphia.

Learn more about Deborah Cooper

George Schaefer

George Schaefer, MSW, LCSW, has been practicing meditative inquiry at Springwater Center and teaching Quakerism for the past thirty years. He is a member of Abington Friends Meeting in Jenkintown, PA.

Learn more about George Schaefer

Categories : Education, On Campus, Overnight