Nonduality, dependent arising, and other Buddhist teachings can help us realize the interconnection between ourselves and nature and enhance our outdoor experience. With a blending of classroom discussion and time outside, we will explore ways of attending to our senses, calming our minds, and thereby becoming open to and filled by what is around us. To support this shift from ego-driven doing to spirit-filled being, we will draw from Dōgen’s instructions to pour ourselves into the action at hand (gūjin) and realize how things presence themselves (genjō) just as they are in their suchness (Skt. tathatā). Outdoor activities will include walking moderately steep trails, so please bring sturdy walking shoes, as well as rain gear. The program will try to accommodate all abilities by offering a range of outdoor practices. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to read Meditations on the Trail: A Guidebook for Self-Discovery before the program.
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
Meditations on the Trail: Being Fully in Nature as Nature
Residential Program
Dates: Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024
Days: Friday - Sunday
Number of Nights: 2 nights
Instructor(s): Chris Ives
Course Navigation
Program Description:
Noble Silence:
Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning.
Experience Level:
Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.
Cancellation Policy:
This policy applies to all residential programs, including Paths. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us as soon as possible. Please note cancellation fees are at most $50 for those receiving financial assistance. As of 2023, 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date and there is a $50 cancellation fee if you cancel two weeks or more in advance. Beginning in 2024, prior to six weeks before the program start date, cancellation fees are $50 for all programs more than two nights and $25 for programs two nights or less. 50% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel between two and six weeks of the program start date. 100% of your deposit is forfeited if you cancel less than two weeks before the program start date.
Covid-19 Safety Protocol:
Please review our Covid-19 Safety Protocols here: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/covid-19/.
DEI:
As we work to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, we invite feedback/suggestions you may have regarding ways that we can make participation in the program more accessible and welcoming. Please email us at contact@buddhistinquiry.org.
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About the Instructor(s):
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Christopher Ives, Ph.D., is a professor of Religious Studies at Stonehill College. In his teaching and writing, he focuses on modern Zen ethics and is currently working on Buddhist approaches to nature and environmental issues. He is the author of Zen on the Trail: Hiking as Pilgrimage, Meditations on the Trail: A Guidebook for Self-Discovery, Zen Awakening and Society, and Imperial-Way Zen: Ichikawa Hakugen’s Critique and Lingering Questions for Buddhist Ethics.
Located in Central Massachusetts
