A Day Retreat in Ancient Nature
Saturday September 6th, 2025 | Sacred Grove near Mount Hood
"The truth of birth, death, decay, transformation and rebirth blaze at us with the brilliance of a million suns when we are in the forest."
Return to Buddha's Original Temple
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The Buddha's awakening took place under the Bodhi Tree. For forty-five years, he and his followers lived outside in nature, teaching beneath ancient canopies, walking forest paths, sitting beside flowing rivers.
On Sept 6, we return to that original practice. Please join me for a nourishing day of meditation and dharma teaching in the sacred old-growth forest near Mt. Hood. Experience the ancient wisdom that emerges when we sit with trees that have witnessed centuries and listen to rivers that have flowed for millions of years. |
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What Awaits in the Forest
Meditation with Ancient Giants
Learn the practice of sense-door presence that Robert learned from the Venerable Taungpulu Sayadaw in Burma. Sit surrounded by trees hundreds of feet tall, their presence teaching patience, rootedness, and deep peace.
The Buddha's Story with Robert's Drumming
Hear the ancient story of the Buddha's life told by Robert with his drum beside a flowing river—an immersive journey into awakening that comes alive in its original forest setting.
Walking Meditation on Sacred Ground
Follow forest paths with mindful steps, experiencing how walking meditation transforms into prayer when done among ancient trees and wild beauty.
Learn the practice of sense-door presence that Robert learned from the Venerable Taungpulu Sayadaw in Burma. Sit surrounded by trees hundreds of feet tall, their presence teaching patience, rootedness, and deep peace.
The Buddha's Story with Robert's Drumming
Hear the ancient story of the Buddha's life told by Robert with his drum beside a flowing river—an immersive journey into awakening that comes alive in its original forest setting.
Walking Meditation on Sacred Ground
Follow forest paths with mindful steps, experiencing how walking meditation transforms into prayer when done among ancient trees and wild beauty.
Why is Forest Practice so Powerful?
In the forest Dharma isn't something we study - it's something we breathe
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This is Buddhism as originally practiced—in the living natural world.
Practice Details
When and Where
- Date: Saturday, September 6th, 2025
- Time: 8 AM - 5:00 PM
- Meeting: Parking lot of grocery store at ZigZag on highway 26 toward Mt. Hood
- Location: Sacred old-growth grove (details upon registration)
- Moderate forest hike half an hour to sacred grove
- Sitting and walking meditation in old-growth forest
- Dharma teaching and Buddha's story with drum
- Carpooling arranged from Portland to Zigzag and trail head.
- All experience levels welcome
- Meditation cushion, layered clothing, rain jacket. A folding chair if you wish.
- Water bottle, packed lunch, hiking shoes, warm clothing.
- Open heart and willingness to be changed by ancient trees
- A private forest latrine will be provided
- Warm Drinks will be provided
Investment & Registration
Suggested Dana: $110 per person (adjustable based on circumstances)
Limited to 10 for intimacy with nature and each other.
Limited to 10 for intimacy with nature and each other.
Questions? Email [email protected]
About Your Guide
Robert Beatty brings 50+ years of Buddhist practice, including training with Taungpulu Sayadaw of Burma, to this profound day in nature. Robert carries the Ruth Denison / U Ba Khin lineage of Burma. You will be safe in the forest with him. In his youth he was certified as a mountaineering instructor by the National Outdoor Leadership School. Robert creates the perfect container for forest awakening where both trees and seekers share in a natural awakening.