Simply Taking Refuge at Wangapeka
CANCELLED
with
John Massey
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Unfortunately this retreat has had to be cancelled. Any enquiries please contact the course manager, Duane Winter. [email protected].
It's really quite simple; in the beginning you take refuge and in the end you take refuge.
Wangapeka, this emergent ecosystem, this sanctuary for humans and creatures is essentially a place of refuge for all beings. Though we have to manage the places and the land where we live, we can do that with open-heartedness and compassion.
One evening when I was at Wangapeka recently, sitting quietly at the round table under the cherry tree, a mother sow and her six little offspring came, at various times, to within an arm’s length of me. Whatever one’s thoughts or preferences about how life and nature should be and how we should interact, in the end there is just nature evolving.
Is it possible to be fully present, taking refuge, in this emergent evolving nature? To open up to the mystery and magic of life with other beings? The four legged ones as well as the two legged, those that seemingly remain in one place and in the vastness of what we call life.
We share this planet with countless sentient beings with whom we are creating an ever present reality, moment by moment.
This retreat is an opportunity to come to Wangapeka, this place of refuge, to find a stillness of body and mind, so that we can deepen our relationship with self and nature, not only of this place we call Wangapeka but also of the greater world.
The practice is one of attunement to the place you are in. It is simple; be comfortable, be at ease and allow yourself to be in nature. From a place of easefulness, allow nature to come into you.
It would seem that many people, even those who enjoy nature, still remain somewhat separate from nature.
This retreat is an opportunity to reconnect. It would seem at this time in history that reconnecting with nature, and nature reconnecting with us, is a very powerful thing. There is a deep healing force in the simplicity of this for each of us, as our simple action of reconnecting reverberates into the lives of others and into the world.
I will give some initial guidance in ways of being at ease, while you are sitting, walking, standing, lying down or just being present.
Since March there has been a retreat of service at Wangapeka, entitled Service as the Path. This service retreat ends at the end of August. It’s possible that volunteers on this retreat might join in on our retreat and it may also be that people who come to our weekend retreat might find an opportunity to offer some service to the centre.
We will have simple, nourishing, vegetarian food, giving us another opportunity to take refuge, this time in the simplicity of eating. We eat of life and life enriches the wholeness of our being.
I have had an interest in plants and trees and deep ecology for many years. I have been a gardener. I am a gardener. Being a gardener is very broad, it covers a multitude of activities. It encompasses learning to live in harmony with gardens and the earth, having respect for other beings, constantly observing and learning about them. Gardens and the earth provide nourishment and wellbeing to the constant and careful cultivator, also an abundance of provisions, beauty and joy and ultimately a place of refuge, a sanctuary. It’s that simple. I’m overflowing with gratitude for the simplicity and abundance. When there is an abundance, the obvious thing to do is to share that. The cycle goes around, what goes out comes back.
The Wangapeka Retreat Experience
Whenua Land
The retreat takes place on the beautiful Wangapeka whenua nestled in stunning native forests with expansive views down the Wangapeka valley. The land itself provides a healing sanctuary surrounded by mature trees and offering the perfect environment for reflection and reconnection with nature.
Kainga Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the price of the retreat, with all rooms being comfortable and well-appointed with single beds and electric heating. Shared bathroom facilities are conveniently located close to all rooms.
Kai Food
All meals are included in this retreat to support the your well-being and focus. Our kitchen team prepares nourishing vegetarian food to sustain and delight you throughout your stay. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated and self-catering is also possible if you prefer to bring and prepare your own food.
Whare Wānanga Teaching Space
This teaching room is beautifully crafted and has been used for a wide variety of teaching for over 20 years. It has a wooden parquet floor and a pot belly stove to keep away winter chills. Set amongst beautiful mature trees, it offers a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley, creating an inspiring environment for movement and meditation practices.
Whare kai Main Hall
The original building at Wangapeka, the Main Hall serves as the heart of community life with its combined living and dining room, library, and welcoming wood burner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are freely available here throughout your stay. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy interior or step out onto the porch to enjoy the expansive views, this space invites connection and contemplation. The hall also houses the kitchen, bathroom facilities, and laundry for your convenience.
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