Deep Ecology Retreats - 2010
A series of trips intended to bring about a profound transformation in our experience of the natural world and of ourselves. The twice daily practice of zazen (zen meditation), along with powerful ecopsychology nature connecting exercises will open us to experience the world before us intimately and directly. This realization that the woods, waters and mountains are none other than our body, that every plant and animal is unique and sacred, is the realization that unifies Zen Buddhism and Deep Ecology.
It is not necessary to have previous experience with zen meditation. Beginner meditation instruction will be provided for anyone who is new to sitting.
The 2010 Zen and Deep Ecology Trip Schedule
Paradise
Below Zero- March 6th-8th (Difficulty-
Moderate to Strenuous)
Quiet Waters- July 24th-26th
(Difficulty- Easy)
Namakanta- August 28th-30th
(Difficulty- Moderate)
Acadia- September 18th-20th
(Difficulty- Easy to Moderate)
Debsconeag- October 2nd-4th
(Difficulty- Moderate)
In 2010, all of the Zen and Deep Ecology Trips will begin on a Saturday
morning, sitting with the sangha at the Treetop Zen Center.
We will then head off to our destination, returning late in the day on
Monday. On each trip we will meditate, move through the woods
and waters in silence, experience new insights through ecopsychology
exercises, share meals in the traditional “oryoki”
style, have formal Dharma Talks and discussions, drink tea, laugh and
swap the tales of our experiences.
This year there are two new trips that will explore beyond the reach of paved highways, in the east’s last great wilderness, the Maine North Woods:
The cost of these trips is $150/person. Participants will be expected to bring their own equipment. (A complete list will be provided for each trip). However, some gear may be available for use by prior arrangement.
Paradise Below Zero Retreat — March 6th through March 8th
In
early March, in spite of
the fact that the days have begun to lengthen winter still holds a firm
grasp. Yet, the cold of winter need not bring a halt to our experience
of nature. In fact, when we understand how to live and travel in the
cold and snow, the encounter can invigorate and stimulate us in a way
that does not happen at other times of the year. Hence a central theme
of this trip will be to seek inspiration from the writing of the late
Calvin Rutstrum and other nature writers. Rutstrum’s work, 'Paradise Below Zero',
inspired many to venture away from the blandness of an indoor winter
into the incredible reality of the world of snow and ice.
Starting our day in the
darkness, we will sit zazen by the fire before preparing a hearty
breakfast to prepare us for the day ahead. Meals will be eaten in
Oryoki style, a Japanese form of eating meals, similar to the tea
ceremony in style. If you are unfamiliar with this practice instruction
will be provided. Venturing out into the snow with snow shoes and cross
country skis, we realize that we are not aliens in this landscape, but
rather we are fully a part of it.
Registration
Form
Maine Quiet Waters — World of Pond, Marsh and Bog Weekend — July 24th through July 26th
Maine still has many waters
where the cacophony of powerboat engines is not heard. These are the
places where great blue herons stand in the shallows, were ospreys and
terns swoop overhead, where the silence is occasionally punctuated by
the slap of a beavertail or the splash of a leaping bass. This is the
gentle, quiet world of pond and marsh, teeming with life and yet a
place where few people venture.
The base for this weekend’s experience will be the Treetop
Zen Center in Oakland, Maine. As with all of our trips, ecopsychology
experiences, talks and discussions, drawing and photography, and
reading will expand and deepen the experience of this wonderful watery
world.
Note: To hear a podcast of the dharma talks given by Peter Wohl during
this retreat click here.
Registration
Form
Nahmakanta- August 28th-30th
Nahmakanta is a Maine Public Reserve Unit encompassing over 43,000 acres of remote hills and ponds. The Appalachian Trail winds its way through here, part of the legendary “100 Mile Wilderness” section, as it approaches its northern terminus on Mt. Katahdin. Elsewhere on the unit are the Debsconeag lakes and ponds, interlaced with seldom visited hiking trails whose crests offer striking views of Katahdin and where moose may appear just around any corner.
In Nahmakanta it is possible to
find true quiet, absolutely free of the sounds of mechanized human
activity. We will walk in silence among these hills and sit
in quietude by the ponds. We will experience what few persons
in 21st century America will ever know- deep connection with land that
is still wild. experience and contemplate this spectacular
and
unique area.
Registration
Form
Acadia National Park — September 18th through September 20th
Nowhere on the east coast of
the U.S. do we have the spectacular marriage of mountains and ocean
that exists at Acadia National Park. While crowded with visitors during
the summer months, the park changes soon after Labor Day. This is the
Acadia that we will explore. Often early September days are clear, the
sun and ocean have not yet cooled, and the biting bugs are gone, making
this an ideal time to visit. From tidal flats and pools to mountaintops
we will hike, sit, experience and contemplate this spectacular and
unique area.
Registration
Form
Debsconeag- Oct 2nd-4th
Here is what the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Quiet Waters guide says about the Debsconeag Lakes:
“Wild, remote, pristine and magical, the Debsconeag Lakes represent the essence of the Maine Woods. Fortunately, through the foresight of Great Northern Paper, which had kept this area unharvested and non-motorized for 70 years, and the Nature Conservancy, the 41,000 acre Debsconeag wilderness now protects all of this area from development. Paddling here on a quiet morning or listening to the wail of the ever-present loons from one of the rustic campsites, you can imagine what much of this country must have been like.”
On this trip we will have the
great privilege to paddle and portage through this very special area at
what is arguably the most beautiful time of year.
Registration
Form
