This Zen Integrated Life Intensive is actually our group's first-ever Mountains and Rivers Sesshin.

When I feel like I need a sesshin (Zen retreat), I grab my backpack and head into the mountains. Well not exactly: I grab my backpack, drive to the trailhead, and then backpack in from there. This is a wonderful integration of meditation, exercise, self-reliance, and wilderness, but I haven't been feeling too great about the driving part. I feel like I've been missing out on a further integration: an opportunity to care for life, the climate, and the planet.

For this sesshin, I'm planning to replace driving with bike riding. This first-ever Bike-riding Mountains and Rivers Sesshin isn't too ambitious: just a 14.5 mile ride from my house in University City to the Kumeyaay Campground at Mission Gorge (see map, and see Bike Ride to Kumeyaay Campsite #10 on the Clozpin blog). There will be bike riding and hiking but no backpacking. (Here is a possibility for next time: it is only 50 miles from my house to the Granite Springs trailhead in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.)

This sesshin will emphasize spending time with oneself in silence, and in wilderness. I will not be giving talks, and I will not be holding private meetings. To minimize distractions and maximize flexibility, there will be no attempt to accommodate part-time attendance, except that the bike riding portions are optional.

Registration. Although this event is free of charge, registration is required. To register, send an email to sam_gabriel@yahoo.com by Friday 1 January 2010. I will reply with a confirmation email.

You will also need to reserve a campsite, and, together, we will need to work out the details of the collaborative meals. See logistics below.

Logistics. I've reserved campsite #10 at the Kumeyaay Campground, Mission Gorge, for Friday night, 8 January 2010, and my campsite is already full. If you would like to join us, you will need to reserve an adjacent campsite at The Kumeyaay Campground Reservation Website. The following limits apply to each campsite: 6 people, 2 tents, and 1 car (2 cars if they can safely fit in the parking area and you pay an extra fee). The basic fee for a campsite for one night is $20. If site #12 is still available, take it.

This is a short sesshin, and there are only three meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, and Saturday lunch. I'd like the dinner and breakfast meals to be a collaborative effort. Please bring your own lunch for Saturday.

The schedule below will likely be revised.

Fri 8 Jan

Sat 9 Jan

Sam Gabriel, San Diego, CA
http://home.roadrunner.com/~clothespin
sam_gabriel@yahoo.com