Harpers Magazine: Choosers Can Be Beggars

Choosers Can Be Beggars
Originally from Harper's Magazine, January 2005.

Posted on Monday, December 26, 2005. From advice sent to people preparing for a "street retreat" held in London in June 2004 and intended as "a way of bearing witness to the unknown and to the wholeness of life" by spending one or two nights living among homeless people. The retreat was led by Grover Genro Gauntt, a teacher in the Soto Zen tradition.

PERSONAL PREPARATION:

Do not shave or wash your hair for five days prior to the retreat. This will start your street experience prior to leaving home.

Wear old clothes, and do not bring any change of clothes for the retreat.

Wear good, but not new, walking shoes.

Bring a poncho for rain.

Do not bring any money.

Do not wear any jewelry, including earrings and watches.

Bring an empty bag (shopping, plastic) for collecting food, cans, bottles, etc.

You can bring a plastic sheet to put on the ground for sleeping.

You should not bring any books, bedding, conveniences, etc. Medications are okay. You will, of course, be carrying whatever you bring and be finding treasures along the way.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE RETREAT:

Begging

Hanging out

Finding resources

Talking to street people

Aimless meandering