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 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.
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. The hiking retreat combines meditative presence with ourselves, each other, and 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 Paistunturi wilderness area, in Utsjoki, 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 meditation retreats (at least a 5-day silent retreat) or hiking (at least a 5-day hike). Good physical fitness and health are prerequisites for participating in the retreat. If you are unsure whether your fitness level and experience are sufficient to take part in the retreat, please contact the retreat manager Havu (havu.pellikka@gmail.com) before registering. Please also note that what is being offered is primarily a meditation retreat, not just any trek.
Who are the teachers?
Sophie Boyer is a former hospice nurse and Buddhist nun. She has been practicing in Zen and Theravada traditions for more than 25 years. She completed the teacher training program from Bodhi College and is a MBCAS (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Approach for Seniors) instructor. She mainly offers retreats in France and elsewhere in Europe and currently works in an oncology ward in Geneva. Sophie is a hiking and wilderness lover.
Katrin auf der Heyde grew up in South Africa where she practiced in both Zen and Theravada traditions for many years. A physiotherapist and yoga teacher by training, she is interested in an embodied practice that integrates sitting, walking and movement. Katrin has a deep love for wilderness and being in nature. She completed her meditation teacher training with Martine Batchelor and teaches in South Africa and in the UK.
How much does it cost? How can I sign up?
The base price of the retreat is 350 € (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,
Havu Pellikka (retreat manager), havu.pellikka@gmail.com, +358 50 499 1131
Marianne (Nella) & John Woodbury (registrations), retriitit2@nirodha.fi