Bringing together two dharma sisters, and one shared commitment to practice, this 5-night retreat to Stowel Lake Farm is a return to nature, to depth, self-study, and deep listening. On this co-led retreat with Melissa Seikai Berry Appleton and Elena Ansui Brower, expect to be immersed in practices of zazen, samu (one hour of fresh air farm work), asana, as well as time to tend to yourself, lay on the ground, walk, and sit near a body of water. 

Our studies center around the teachings of Ch'an, the precursor to Zen, in particular, the writings of Hongzhi Zhengjue (1091-1157) whose work became a vital force in Dogen's teaching (1200-1253), the founder of the Soto Zen lineage in which both Melissa and Elena study. 

The reason for bringing these teachings to our retreat study is simple: These words / this work applies to every moment of our lives, the simplicity and majesty of life as a lay practitioner, cultivating awareness, letting go of the need for attainment, while resting in just this body, and the practice of silent illumination. Retreat form will offer insights into our habitual conditioned viewpoints, cultivating an empty field, and realign our inherent luminous true nature. All of this, solid ground for everyday simple living.