The Woodenfish Foundation, in collaboration with the Unlimited Lights Academy (ULA), is organizing a “Farming Zen Retreat” from 3–19 January 2025 in Taichung, Taiwan. Designed for beginners and experienced meditators alike, the retreat is aimed at enabling practitioners to explore simplicity and harmony with the earth through the practice of Farming Zen (Chan). An optional cultural tour is scheduled following the retreat, from 20–23 January.
The retreat program, to be held at a farmhouse, will accommodate 20 participants who are physically fit for farming activities. Applications are being accepted until 31 October. According to the organizers, participants will be immersed “in a mindful and peaceful environment, emphasizing the integration of Zen practices into daily life. Participants will engage in farming activities, meditation, and communal living while cultivating a deeper connection to nature.” (Woodenfish)
The retreat’s key elements include:
- • Daily meditation practice: incorporating sitting and walking meditation sessions.
- • Noble silence: periods of silent contemplation to foster inner clarity.
- • Gardening and communal service: working together in harmony with the land.
- • Vegetarian cooking: practicing mindful and sustainable cooking.
- • Nianfo Chan: engaging in chanting meditation as a path to mindfulness.
- • Silent walking meditation: a journey to Snow Mountain, followed by solo meditation.
- • Two one-day meditation sessions: full-day meditation for deep introspection.
The daily schedule begins with a wake-up call at 5:30 a.m., followed by meditation, farming activities, meals, personal time, and Dharma talks, and concludes with lights out at 9 p.m.
Program phases:
- • Week 1: Introduction to farming, cooking, retreat duties, and the central themes of simplicity and harmony.
- • Week 2: Progression toward noble silence during non-work periods, deepening Zen practice.
- • Week 3: Silent walking meditation to Snow Mountain, solo sitting meditation, and continued silence upon return.
- • The retreat concludes with a sharing session.
The retreat welcomes applicants of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in mindfulness, sustainable living, and community service. Participants are advised to be prepared for hands-on work, such as gardening, squatting, and lifting, which requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Accommodation will be in separate living quarters for men and women, and all meals will be provided. Participants are advised to bring practical clothing suitable for gardening and cold weather, including rain or working boots.
The cost of participation, including room, board, and retreat activities, is covered for all accepted participants. However, participants are responsible for their own visa-application fees and travel expenses to and within Taiwan. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until 31 October 2024. Early submission is encouraged due to the limited number of spots available. Interested individuals can find more details and apply through the Woodenfish Foundation website.
There is a non-refundable application fee of US$10. On acceptance into the program, a refundable deposit of US$200 is required, which will be reimbursed in full after successful completion of the retreat. Additionally, participants are required to provide a NT$200 participation deposit in cash on arrival, which will be returned at the end of the retreat. If a participant leaves early, this deposit will not be refunded.
Taiwan has a rich Buddhist heritage, with Buddhism one of the major religions practiced on the island. According to Taiwan’s Interior Ministry, 35 per cent of the population identify as Buddhists. The country is home to several prominent Buddhist organizations and temples and has played a significant role in the development and spread of Humanistic Buddhism, which emphasizes applying the Buddhist teachings to everyday life.
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2025 Farming Zen Retreat (Woodenfish)
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