In his teachings, the Buddha encouraged his disciples again and again to go out into the forests and wilderness to practise. This trekking retreat in the beauty of Sápmi in Northern Finland offers us the rare opportunity to explore mindfulness, Dharma practice and living simply in nature.
On this retreat we will practise Insight meditation, also known as vipassana. The word vipassana means seeing things with clarity and wisdom. 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.
What will happen on the retreat? Who can join?
We will be trekking in a remote wilderness area, with varying, pathless terrain and sleeping in shared tents. Hiking retreat combines the meditative presence with ourselves and each other in the surrounding 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 not commonly met.
This is a half-silent retreat. 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. We hope this will be a supporting and nourishing experience for us all.
We will trek in the Tsarmitunturi wilderness area, in Inari, Sápmi. 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.
You can join the retreat if you have previous experience in both meditation (minimum five day´s silent retreat) and trekking (minimum five day´s trekking). Additionally, good health and physical fitness is needed to attend this retreat. Please also note that what is being offered is primarily a meditation retreat, not just any trek.
Who are the teachers?
NATHAN GLYDE has been practicing and studying meditation since 1997, and sharing teachings on retreats since 2007. In 2004 he co-founded SanghaSeva whose retreats emphasise wisdom and compassion in ecological and humanitarian service.
ZOHAR LAVIE has been practising meditation in different traditions since 1995. This journey has taken her from the meditation cushion into exploring further ways of expressing truth and love and in 2004 she co-founded SanghaSeva. She now spends most of her time facilitating retreats that offer service as a spiritual path around the world. Since 2006 she has been teaching on silent retreats and Dharma gatherings in India, Europe and Israel.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price of the retreat is 280 € (includes 25,5 % VAT). It is also possible to pay more or less than this. More information about the price, signing up and other details can be found here.
Warmly,
Elli Alasaari (ellialasaari@gmail.com, +358 440 427 077)
Marianne (Nella) Woodbury (registrations) retriitit2@nirodha.fi, phone: +1 470 641 7056