Writing the Body's Wisdom
Friday, August 6 - Sunday, August 8
Great Tree Zen Temple, Alexander, North Carolina
Alexander is 15 miles north of Asheville, NC.
Description
"The body is the unconscious mind" is a concept founder in ancient Tibetan texts and in modern biophysics. Master Dogen, 13th century founder of Soto Zen, exhorted followers to "just sit" and explained that when we sit on the cushion, we are enlightened. Writing offers many similarities to meditation. We must show up, sit in silence, and focus on the blank page as if it were the blank wall. We remain open to whatever shows up there. To the desire to distract ourselves, to run from the room, or take a nap. When we keep sitting and watching, our bodies reveal our deepest truth through the words that spill from the unconscious onto the page.
A safe, supportive circle of women is the perfect place for taking this empty-handed leap into your creative self. You need not be a writer and no meditation experience is required. The agenda includes optional meditation (instruction available) and group writing to prompts. Come with an open mind and empty notebook and leave with an open heart and a notebook of inspiration.
Accommodations limited to 10 women. Commuters welcome.
Location
Nearly 7 acres of property in the farm country 15 minutes from Asheville. Great Tree is a residential Zen practice for women under the direction of Teijo Munnich, disciple and dharma heir of Dainin Katagiri Roshi. Directions can be found on the Great Tree website at www.greattreetemple.org/About%20US/directions.html
Accommodations and Meals
Dormitory Style rooms and vegetarian meals.
Time
Friday, August 6. Check in between 4 and 7 pm.
Check out by noon on Sunday, August 8.
Registration
Please register through Great Tree by downloading the registration form by clicking here and mailing it with your deposit check ($65/members; $75/non-members) to 679 Lower Flat Creek Road, Alexander, NC 28701. If you have difficulty with the form or questions, please email your requests with your name, address, phone, and email address to info@greattreetemple.org or call 828/645-2085
Sign-up deadline is when all spaces are filled.
Cost
Room and Board: $130/Great Tree members and $150/
nonmembers, whether lodgers or commuters; food is included for both.
Teacher Compensation: Generosity is shown toward the teacher for the effort she/he has made to study, learn, and share the teachings. At the retreat's end, students are asked to contribute dana. Dana is a Pali word (the language spoken in India during the time of the Buddha about 400 BCE) meaning "generosity."
Dana for Great Tree Zen Temple is also appreciated. Great Tree is a non-profit and relies on financial support through charitable contributions.
"Material goods, the teachings. Both are perfectly complete offerings, the value of which cannot be measured."
