Male Initiation – Christian Male Rite of Passage – An Initiation of Becoming a Man – Manhood – Mountainweek – Rohatsu

Male Rite of Passage - Mountainweek

Women are born, men are made! Men socialize and educate men! The christian initiation ritual for men (male rite of passage) marks an important stage in life (e.g., adulthood, wedding, fatherhood, midlife, divorce, the dark night of the soul) so that one can consciously enter into the new responsibility with the change. We must dissolve our dependence on the symbolic mother in order to become men and fathers. All major transitions in life should be accompanied by "male rites of passage." These are rituals of passage that should help men take the step across the threshold or make it happen.

The men must leave their mothers and their homes, symbolically devoured by a maternal monster (Death, Chaos), and then initiated into the tribe's religious tradition (Christianity). Once a "young" man has completed this rite of passage, he is a full member; he is a man and know death.

Only with the spirit and the Love of the Father do we have the courage and determination to break the cycle of cause and effect, action and consequence of many generations. You did not start it, but you can finally finish it and march through the gateless gate to freedom and responsibility!

Through death to life! - A week without sleep!

Seven days count as one! To commemorate the enlightenment of the saints and sages, the initiation ritual, Mountain Week, takes place twice a year (January and August). During this week, we will not lie down and will devote all activities to meditation.

Gold is tested by fire, a jewel is tested by a stone, water is tested by a wooden stick, and a person is tested by their words.

Modules - Not Selectable

Modules are not selectable: Day-long hiking (in all weather conditions), household, cooking, meditation, gardening, etc. The daily schedule may vary.

Church Services

Services at the Reichenburg Catholic Church and Peace Chapel:  Tuesday morning, Wednesday evening, Thursday morning, and Sunday morning

The man prays differently than the child. His prayer also becomes more conscious, deeper, like an adult talking to God. Also, because faith also becomes more conscious, deeper and mature. But how often does it happen that this part is the most backward, undeveloped, the most important part of a person, especially a man. (men in prayer)

Individuation - The Dark Night of the Soul

The dark night of the soul represents the beginning of an individuation process. It is the initial phase of this process of becoming whole and self-realizing. The dark night of the soul is a profound experience. In the initiation ritual, we confront our own mortality. What appears outwardly as distress and hardship ultimately reveals itself as redemption and liberation. Then, perhaps, from solitude, communion with God, perfection through becoming one, blossoms.

Determination makes all the difference. We must be determined to overcome our culture's impatient, quick-fix approach and continue with its mama's boy attitude. We must never give up and never allow ourselves to be held back by so-called important reasons like time, money, health, too much work, too many commitments, fear of hurting others, or being selfish. We must be determined to go out and say yes to life.

Phoenix - Mama's Boy

A voluntary ego death occurs when you've learned a lot and are ready to let go. It's like igniting a phoenix and setting yourself on fire; that's a much better idea, even though it can still be very hard. Otherwise, you'll remain stuck in your problems, unable to see through your shadow, and suffering in one situation after another. That's why it's so important to move toward achieving self-knowledge.

Self-knowledge - As long as we don't honestly know ourselves, we project our problems onto others (Scapegoat). Self-knowledge is painful.

The Divine Virtues - Faith, Hope & Love

The three great virtues must dwell in us;

• A manly strong faith that nothing can shake because it is based on God's Word.
• An unshakable hope from our heavenly Father and Lord.
• An enthusiastic love for God and his work, which is a work of his divine love.

Meditation - Intensive Meditation Retreat

The practice of patience is one of the means to awaken to your true nature. It assists in the cultivation of wholesome deeds and enables you to accumulate the merit necessary for the attainment of sagehood and the saving of all sentient beings.

The beginning of spiritual training is similar to patiently trying to tame an ox. An ox that runs wildly around must be lassoed and grazed until it is subdued. Likewise, having embarked on the path of zen meditation, we must begin by patiently enduring many difficulties. Only by continuing to practice assiduously in this way will we finally awaken. Hence, patience, which is the forbearance of what is difficult and unpleasant, is precisely the way to awaken to our true nature.

Closing Ceremony - Peace Chapel - Holy Mass

To conclude the service, Catholic Pastor Martin Geisser will lead a service in the Friedenskapelle (Peace Chapel) in Reichenburg on Friday night. During the service, the Easter ritual and the early church's profession of faith will be recited. All are welcome, but no religious beliefs are required.

(If desired, the mountain week can be used as preparation for the subsequent adolescent and adult baptism, confirmation, conversion, wedding, or re-entry into the Church. For information about the faith course or catechumenate, please contact Pastor Martin Geisser.)

Contact - Registration

Please read the etiquette and the most important questions and answers about your stay carefully. Use the contact form or call us to find out if there are still vacancies.