Join senior monks and the abbot of the Zen Mountain Monastery for an introductory mindfulness meditation program and discussion on the banks of the Esopus Creek. It is appropriate for anyone who feels – or would like to feel – a closer connection to the exquisite waters and land of the Catskill Mountains. When the mind finds stillness, such as through mindfulness meditation, our experience of the world around us becomes more intimate and alive. We become “enlightened by the ten thousand things” of everyday life. Simple instruction in zazen meditation will be offered, as well as time for questions and discussion. Zen Mountain Monastery, located in Mt. Tremper, is of the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism.
Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order and Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery. Shugen entered full-time residential training in 1986 after studying mathematics and receiving a degree in classical music. He received dharma transmission from John Daido Loori, Roshi in 1997. His teachings on Zen, social justice and environmental stewardship have appeared in various Buddhist journals.
Danica Shoan Ankele is a Priest and Senior Monastic in the Mountains and Rivers Order. She has been in full time residential training since 2007, and is the Monastery’s Creative Director and Training Coordinator. Before coming to the Monastery, Shoan taught in an interdisciplinary arts program for high school seniors in Ulster County.
Bear Gokan Bonebakker is a senior monastic and a Dharma Holder. He first came to the Monastery in 1994, and has been in residence since 2007. Gokan is the Operations Director, helps coordinate the National Buddhist Prison Sangha, and enjoys working in the Monastery’s burgeoning orchard. He worked as a high school English teacher and carpenter before his life as a monk.
In addition to the existential pursuits of meditation, the practice also has immediate physiological benefits that are garnering attention from health professionals such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure, reductions in stress hormones, and softening of muscle tissues, among many others. Meditation also has positive impacts on mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and burn out.
This program is part of the 2024 Ashokan Watershed Conference, a series of nature-based experiences surrounding the theme Conservation Through Connection. Visit our website for the full schedule of events.
Each mindfulness meditation session will involve a brief introduction to meditation, followed by approximately 10-15-minutes of guided mindfulness meditation. An additional discussion about deep connections with the natural world and how such connection fosters care and conservation of natural resources will conclude the roughly 60 minute experience.
Choose one of two sessions:
Session #1: Thursday, August 15th, 9:00 am
Session #2: Friday, August 16th, 9:00 am
Event Location: The program will be held in a grassy area immediately next to the beautiful Esopus Creek at the Emerson Resort in Mt. Tremper. From State Route 28, turn onto Mount Pleasant Road at ‘The Shops at Emerson' sign and park in the lot next to Route 28. Walk about 500 feet toward the river to a DEC Fishing Access site. Please do not park in the angler parking lot unless you require handicap parking.
Accessibility: The program area is covered in grass and slightly rough but flat. The angler parking lot for handicap parking is about 10 feet from the program area. There are several large boulders to navigate around. The program will be delivered in spoken English language. Participants will be in a seated position. If you require translation or other accommodations to attend, please contact our office at (845) 688-3047.
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Programs are designed for residents and landowners of the Ashokan Watershed.
AWSMP is a is a join effort between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, the Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunitiy, affirmative action educator and employer.
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Programs are designed for residents and landowners of the Ashokan Watershed. If you are interested in participating despite meeting this criteria, please contact our event administrators.
Please leave pets at home.
Please arrive promptly so we may begin on time.
This is a free program.
We know that things come up unexpectedly, and cancelations happen. Please be respectful of others who would like to participate, and notify our team as soon as you determine you can no longer attend. Often our events have a waitlist and we work diligently to fill all spots to the best of our ability.
Email Sophie Grant at [email protected], or call the AWSMP office at 845-688-3047 ext 100 to cancel your registration.