About this event:
This 2-hour workshop invites Buddhist practitioners and leaders into an open and thoughtful dialogue about sexuality and Zen practice. Drawing from traditional teachings and contemporary perspectives, the session will explore how sexuality and desire intersect with ethics, intimacy, teacher-student relationships, and personal practice. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on cultural taboos, discuss personal experiences in a safe environment, and consider how to navigate boundaries and power dynamics skillfully.
Through presentation, small group discussions, and large group dialogue, we will examine how Zen practice can help us meet the complexities of sexuality with awareness, compassion, and integrity. This workshop aims to foster honest conversation, encourage ethical inquiry, and provide practical frameworks for integrating sexuality into spiritual life while honoring the diversity of lived experience in our communities.
Location and schedule:
The event is online-only via Zoom.
Sunday, November 16, 2025
3:30 pm- 5:30 pm Eastern Time (Click here for a time converter.)
Fees:
The Soto Zen Buddhist Association relies on the generosity of its supporters to offer programming. All fees offered through registration will be shared with speakers and panelists. We suggest a sliding scale registration fee of $10-15 for online participation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
About the speaker:
Rev. Rakugo Castaldo is a Soto Zen priest at Soji Zen Center and, equally important for this workshop, she holds a Masters of Education in Human Sexuality, as well as a PhD in literature. She teaches classes in English and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies at Widener University.
She began her formal Zen training in 2011 under the guidance of Shuzen Harris, abbot of Soji. Her personal passions include Shakespeare, cats, and chocolate—all of which she cherishes in equal measure.
The SZBA 2025 event series, Actualizing and Sustaining Healthy Zen Communities, is generously funded by his event is generously funded by the Hemera Foundation.
