Tetsugen Bernard Glassman facts for kids
Bernard "Bernie" Glassman (born January 18, 1939 – died November 4, 2018) was an American Zen Buddhist teacher. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. Bernie Glassman started a group called the Zen Peacemakers. In 1996, he and his wife, Sandra Jishu Holmes, created the Zen Peacemaker Order.
Bernie Glassman was a student of a well-known Zen teacher, Taizan Maezumi. Glassman also taught and passed on his knowledge to many students. He was known for his work in social change and for creating "Bearing Witness Retreats." These retreats took place in places like Auschwitz and on city streets.
Glassman passed away on November 4, 2018. He was 79 years old. He died in Springfield, Massachusetts, due to problems from a stroke.
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Who Was Bernie Glassman?
Bernie Glassman was a special kind of Zen Buddhist teacher called a roshi. This means he was a respected master who guided others. He was born in 1939 in Brooklyn, New York. From a young age, he was interested in helping people.
Glassman became a student of Taizan Maezumi, a very important Zen master. After years of study, Glassman became a Dharma successor. This meant he was given permission to teach Zen himself. He then shared his wisdom with many people.
Starting Zen Peacemakers
Bernie Glassman believed that Zen teachings could help solve real-world problems. He founded the Zen Peacemakers, a group that works for peace and understanding. In 1996, he and his wife, Sandra Jishu Holmes, officially created the Zen Peacemaker Order.
This group focused on "socially engaged Buddhism." This means using Buddhist ideas to help society. They worked on projects that helped people in need. They also tried to bring peace to difficult situations.
Bearing Witness Retreats
One of Glassman's most famous ideas was the "Bearing Witness Retreat." In these retreats, people would go to places where there had been great suffering. They would simply be present and observe. They did not try to fix things right away.
These retreats took place in different locations. Some were held at Auschwitz, a place with a very sad history. Others were held on the streets, where people faced homelessness. The idea was to truly understand and feel what others experienced. This helped people connect deeply with each other.
Glassman's Legacy
Bernie Glassman was a leader in using spiritual ideas to make the world better. He showed how Zen teachings could be used to help people. He also inspired many to work for peace and social justice. His work continues through the Zen Peacemakers.
He passed away in 2018, but his ideas live on. He taught that by "bearing witness," we can learn to act with more kindness. His life showed that spiritual practice can lead to real-world change.
Images for kids
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Bernie Glassman with Elihu Genmyo Smith
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Zen Center of Los Angeles
