In June this year Tenzin facilitated a pilot “Sacred Ecology” nature retreat on nearby Yaegl country. A group of 30 enjoyed a beautiful three nights and four days together at Grey Cliff campground, in Yuraygir National Park on the mid-north coast of NSW, Australia. In collaboration with www.yatra.org.au we explored some of the important intersections between the Buddha Dharma and Deep Ecology. Using as a framework the practices of “stopping” and looking deeply (śamatha and vipassana) summarised in the Satipathana Sutta, interwoven with insights from the Deep Ecology of Arne Naess and Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects. To launch us on our journey the group received a deeply moving welcome to sea country from Yaegl elder Aunty Glenda Kyle. We interwove sessions of mindful movement and breath awareness, silent and guided sitting meditation, dharma talks and discussions, with periods of silent walking along the beautiful beaches, headlands and littoral forests of the park. Our time together culminated with a guided meditation on the “cosmic journey”: the evolution of life on earth beginning with the big bang, combined with awareness of the four elements in an embodied soundscape experience. To keep up to date with future offerings around these themes, please subscribe to our newsletter.
