Dharma Walk Into Nature
Led by Eric Remington & Doug Jacobson
We invite you to find stillness in the woods that cradle our temple. Our schedule features several outdoor excursions along our paths, alternating with periods of zazen and walking meditation, and a tea and Dharma discussion.
Jikoji's Eric Remington introduces us to a wider field of sensory perception, to insights findable only outdoors. Eric, an early student of Jikoji founder Kobun Chino Otogawa and an ordained priest in Kobun's lineage, knows our landscape as few do. He'll consider what Kobun meant by his instructions for Jikoji -- "Don't turn the country into the city" -- and what that means in terms of caring for this fragile planet of ours, and our Bodhisattva vow to save all sentient beings. Eric will also read and discuss passages from his new book of poetry, "The Soft Rain of Solitude: How a Field Biologist Works." All registrants will receive a copy.
Our extended weekend begins Thursday evening, July 12, and will conclude Sunday, July 15, with our regular Jikoji Sunday Program. Buffet meals are included. You are welcome to come for all or any part of the weekend, participating in the schedule as you wish. Our zendos are always open. Please see below for the complete schedule.
PREPARATION: The weather at Jikoji can vary greatly over the course of a day from chilly (if not cold!) mornings to warm and sometimes hot afternoons. Whatever the weather happens to be, rain or shine, shouldn't affect our weekend. But please keep weather variability in mind when preparing for your visit. Eric suggests wearing shoes suitable for walking in the country, and dressing for the weather. You may wish to bring a hat and insect repellent.
COST: This retreat has no registration fee for day attendance and is freely offered, although dana (donations) are always appreciated.
Overnight guest accommodations (Thursday 12, Friday 13, and Saturday 14), if desired, need to be booked separately on our Reservations page. Camp sites available, too!
ABOUT ERIC
Eric Remington was an early student of Kobun, Jikoji's Founder, in the early 1970s. After years spent studying with Kobun and founding a school for children, Eric was ordained and subsequently trained at Tassajara Monastery for a year. He became a biologist and naturalist before living for several years in the desert, and recently joining Jikoji as a Resident.
Thursday, July 12
4-5p Arrival & Registration
5:30 dinner
7:00 zazen, introductory remarks
7:50 service
8:00 walk to ridge for zazen 8:30 sunset
9:00 return from ridge and bed
Friday & Saturday, July 13 & 15
5:00 Walk to Ridge
5:20 zazen on ridge
6:00 sunrise – Kinhin slow walk to Zendo
6:20 Zazen
7:00 Service
7:10 Breakfast / Break
9:00 zazen
9:40 kinhin
9:50 walk to Kobun's shrine,
10:50 zazen
11:20 outdoor kinhin
11:30 gather edibles for salad
12:00p Lunch – cleanup - break
2:00 meet at Zendo, walk to Pond,
3:30 zazen in Zendo
4:10 outdoor kinhin
5:00 Lunch – cleanup - break
7:00 zazen
7:50 service
8:00 walk to ridge for zazen
8:30 sunset
9:00 return from ridge and bed
Sunday, July 15
5:00a wake-up bell, walk to ridge
6:00 sunrise
6:00 Kinhin slow walk to Zendo
6:20 Zazen
7:00 Service
8:00 Breakfast – cleanup – pack
9:00 explore area around Zendo