This trekking retreat will offer a special opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and practice the Dharma, while exploring the beauty and wilderness of the Finnish Lapland. Following in the tradition of the Buddha, we will support our hearts to deepen in wisdom and compassion, while walking together, sitting in meditation, and spending time in nature. We will be walking in a range of landscapes, including both forests and alpine tundra, in a peaceful wilderness area where other people are seldom met. Much of our time together will be spent in silence, and there will also be meditation instructions, regular periods of formal meditation and dharma teachings, space for sharing together and time for solitude. The retreat is taught in English.
On this retreat we will practice Insight meditation, also known as vipassana. The word vipassana means seeing things just as they are. This meditation practice is over 2500 years old and draws from the Theravada Buddhist tradition. However, taking part in the retreat does not require an adherence to Buddhism or any adaptation of personal faith.
Who are the teachers?
Note! A change in the teaching team.
The retreat will be taught by Kirsten Kratz. She has practised Buddhist meditation in Asia and the West since 1993. In 2006 she started to teach and since 2008 teaches group retreats in Gaia House where she also supports those on long term personal retreat. One of her particular passions is exploring how wisdom teachings can foster appropriate responses to the challenges of our time. Kirsten is co-initiator of the Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (DANCE). Kirsten led the trekking retreat in 2015 when she fell in love with the wilderness of Lapland. Talks by Kirsten can be found here.
Sampo Koistinen will also participate as an assistant teacher. He is one of the founders of Nirodha, and has guided meditation evenings since 2008.
Who can join? What will the trek be like?
You can join the trekking retreat if you have previous experience of either meditation retreats (at least one 5-day silent retreat) or trekking (at least one 5-day trek). In addition you need a reasonable level of fitness, and some sense of adventure. Please also note that what is being offered is primarily a meditative, retreat like hike , not just any trek.
We will trek in Pöyrisjärvi wilderness area, in Finnish Lapland. We will walk approximately 5-10 kilometers a day, carrying all our camping equipment and food in our backpacks. The day trips are mostly not very long, but silent meditative trekking with the heavy load brings its challenges.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price of the retreat is 270 euros, but it is also possible to pay more or less than this. The retreat is full, but bou can sign in to the waiting list by filling the sign-up form. Don’t pay the reservation fee 30 €! More information about the price, signing up and other details can be found here.
Warmly,
Markku Ilo (+358 40 413 6833)
Solja Temmes (+358 44 978 0844)