Wilderness retreat – Landscapes of the Heart
This outdoor retreat offers a precious opportunity to practice Dharma (Buddhist teachings) in the wild beauty of Sápmi in Northern Finland, together with a like-minded community of practitioners, held by the surrounding natural world. Meeting and exploring the wilderness around us, as well as our ‘inner landscapes’ with respect, receptivity and sensitivity, the heart is supported to reveal its capacity to delight in the beautiful, to hold what is difficult, and to resonate in kindness, compassion and joy.
On this retreat we will practice Insight Meditation, also known as Vipassana. Vipassana can be understood as a discovery and cultivation of liberating ways of looking. There will be meditative walking, formal sitting practices, dharma reflections and practice suggestions. We will spend time in ‘Noble Silence’ and there will opportunities to nurture spiritual companionship, sharing and simply enjoying each other.
The meditation techniques we practice are over 2,500 years old and are mostly based on the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Taking part in the retreat does not, however, require an adherence to Buddhism or any adaptation of personal faith.
What will happen on the retreat? Who can join?
The wilderness retreat is a hiking retreat with a base camp: we will stay at the same location throughout the retreat and make daily excursions into the surrounding wilderness. The retreat combines meditative presence with nature and each other, alongside the simple comforts of a base camp. We hope this retreat will be a nourishing, supportive, and empowering experience for all of us.
The retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Although this wilderness retreat is less physically demanding than a traditional trekking retreat, we will still be walking for several hours daily, sometimes in challenging terrain. Good health and physical fitness are therefore required for participation.
The retreat will take place in Karigasniemi, southwest of the Paistunturi wilderness area in Utsjoki. We will be based at Akumaja, a cabin owned by Suomen Latu, located by the beautiful Akujoki River. Accommodation will be in tents near the cabin, and we will go on daily hikes into the surrounding fells. The cabin provides shelter for meditation in case of cold or rainy weather. A few indoor sleeping places are available for those unable to sleep in a tent.
The retreat is taught in English.
Who Are the Teachers?
Kirsten Kratz has practised Buddhist meditation in Asia and the West since 1993. She started teaching in 2006 and since 2015 she has been ‘teacher in residence’ supporting those on personal retreat in Gaia House. Her love and understanding of Dharma has been strongly influenced by, among others, the teachings of her friend and teacher colleague, Rob Burbea. One of her particular passions is exploring how wisdom teachings can foster appropriate responses to the challenges of our time, and Kirsten sees her involvement in activism as an important expression of her practice. Kirsten is co-initiator of the “Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement” (DANCE) and supporting teacher of Freely Given Retreats. Kirsten taught by the trekking retreats in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 and fell in love with the wilderness of Lapland already the first time. Talks by Kirsten can be found here.
Juha Penttilä has been practicing meditation since 2002. He has spent extended periods of time on retreats and in monasteries in Asia and Europe and is one of the founding members of Nirodha, the Finnish Insight Meditation practice community. Juha completed his Insight Meditation teacher training in 2020. In addition to exploring meditation, Juha’s teaching is influenced by the current climate crisis and engaged perspectives into the Dharma.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price of the retreat is €360 (incl. 25.5% VAT), but it is possible to pay more or less than this. More details about the price, signing up, and other details can be found here.
Warmly,
Johanna Förster (retreat manager) johanna.forster@fimnet.fi, +358 50 330 4568
Marianne (Nella) Woodbury (Registrations) retriitit2@nirodha.fi, tel +1 470 641 7056 (WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage only)