Due to continued Covid-19 related slowdowns, we are unable to offer the full retreat as planned. Instead we will have a Saturday morning meditation service followed by an ordination ceremony and a Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) meditation on Sunday.
Saturday
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Check-in. Share with one another how your practice (life) is going.
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
30 minutes sitting meditation to observe your breath, things as they are, and the true nature of one’s self. No experience needed.
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ordination ceremony. We are delighted to have you come witness the ordination of one nun, one monk, and two ministerial teachers. This milestone honors and certifies many years of hard work and dedication for each of these individuals. Being clergy, whether nun, monk, or minister is a committment to a life of service. Ministerial teachers are not monks or nuns, and are not constrained by quite all the same expectations. Nevertheless, they are trained to teach the Dharma as passed down from generation to generation from Shakyamuni Buddha. These teachings involve the cessation of suffering by way of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. This path, while simple, is not easy to follow; hence we continue to practice each and every moment of our lives.
Sunday: Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, or Forest Bathing, is good for both physical and mental wellbeing. It is proven to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness and free up creativity, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system and accelerate recovery from illness.
In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” The practice encourages people to simply spend time in nature — no actual bathing required
The benefits of immersing ourselves in nature is many-fold. Research conducted around the world has shown a range of physical benefits, including:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced pulse rates
- Reduced blood sugar
- Reduced stress hormones levels
- Increased white blood cells that fights off infections and cancer
- Strengthened immune systems
- Enhanced mood
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