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Sonic Meditations Retreat |
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The Sonic Meditations Retreat was created in 2001 as a way to connect sound, zen training (zazen, or sitting meditation, kinhin, or walking meditation, shodo, or calligraphy, and oyo, or eating meditation) and Ohashiatsu bodywork in a way that would create a tranquil and healing experience. Joseph Jarman, Kim Johnston and I have worked together on this project since its inception. Each event has been a unique and wonderful experience. The first year we had the retreat at the Noyes School of Rhythm in Portland, Connecticut. This is a wonderful place with a beautiful dance floor with open walls, completely surrounded by woods. Here we did zen practices, including sitting meditation, walking meditation, eating meditation and calligraphy. Also, there were many workshops in Rolfing, Ohashiatsu, Falungong, astrology, paper making, and others. In addition we had music workshops and open music as well. In 2002 the retreat moved to Rudi's Big Indian in Upstate New York. Again, this was a unique experience. There were more professional musicians at this retreat, which changed the focus. We continued with our traditional zen practices, and simplified the healing work to Ohashiatsu sessions. The music workshops were interesting because we all explored sounds around different areas of the land. Some participants were by the stream with their instruments, some in a field, some in the building. It was a very unifying time. We also did readings on Buddhism and philosophy. Comments from a participant In 2003, we had yet another unique experience. Our Retreat took place at the Bo Daisatsu Zen Monastery. We practiced with the monks during the day, and did our music and Ohashiatsu sessions during the other parts of the day. Because the group was primarily non-musicians, we worked more on core elements of creating and listening to sound. The 2004 retreat will be held from August 8-14 at a beautiful place called The Hermitage , which is located in upstate New York. Please read the 2004 (link to "Sonic Meditations Retreat 2004") listing for more information.
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