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 For directions to Metta Earth Institute, please click here.
Joining breath with sky, and movement
with earth, we discover an ever-changing, vibrant life energy within
our bodies that lives in the heart of the present moment. Blending
the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Zen practice, we will explore a new
understanding of each moment as a uniquely spiritual and ecologically
conscious experience of interconnection with all life. This retreat
includes two to three eco-yoga sessions each day interspersed with
periods of Zen meditation. Structured times of presentation, discussion,
and reflection on the ecological dimensions of the classical teachings
are balanced with ample time to soak in the tranquility of Tassajara.
Those new to Zen and Yoga are welcome to attend. Phra Ajahn
Last October we were blessed with a visit from Phra Ajahn Piyaddhassi Bhikku, who is a Theravadan, Buddhist monk and heads a monastery in Thailand. He found us through a word of mouth connection. We had a wonderful, utterly endearing visit. He loved Metta Earth and took photos of all the bundles of herbs, piles of squashes, and the garden, and in our yoga room, he pointed to our son’s carving, “Live in the Now” and said with excitement….”That’s it!” “That’s all you need to know!” Although he speaks some English, his translator Nicharee often assists him. He said then that he would be willing to help us and return again. Indeed he came back to Metta Earth at the end of June for 5 days. Of all the places that others have offered him for a three-month retreat, he has chosen to be with us here. So after a few weeks teaching in New Mexico, he returned July 18th. Traditionally the monk’s “Rain Retreat” (rainy season in Thailand) begins on the full moon in July. He arrived in time to settle in and begin at this auspicious time. We had no electricity because of a fierce storm we had in the mid afternoon, so we lit the house with candles and had a meditation and a beautiful dhamma talk with him with the full moonlight illuminating the mountains and gardens. During July and August, Phra Ajahn has offered to guide a number of meditations and dhamma talks(like the Sanskrit word, “dharma”, but in Pali it is “dhamma”, meaning teachings or universal law) and a longer retreat in early October. Let us know if you would like to join us for this. So welcome…to bask in the boundless and peaceful presence of this great teacher. PLANET KEEPERS Yogis put their passion into green causes. By Jaimal Yogis While supporting her Ashtanga students' practice, Diana Christinson gently reminds them of their responsibility to support the planet. Each month, she recommends new environmental books to inspire them and asks new students to pledge to stop buying plastic water bottles. Her studio, Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Dana Point, California, participates in the 1% For The Planet program, donating 1 percent of its profits to environmental organizations. The studio also hosts two environmental fundraisers each year. "As yogis we know that it's often the small adjustments that make the biggest difference in our bodies," says Christinson. "We're trying to show that the same is true with the environment. Every little bit counts." Read the full article...
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