
The Woodenfish Foundation, in collaboration with the Unlimited Lights Academy (ULA), is hosting an “Agricultural Zen Retreat” from January 3 to 19, 2025 in Taichung, Taiwan. Designed for both beginners and experienced meditators, the retreat aims to allow practitioners to explore simplicity and harmony with the earth through the practice of Agricultural Zen (Chan). An optional cultural tour is planned after the retreat, from January 20 to 23.
The retreat program, which will take place on a farm, will welcome 20 participants who are physically able to farm. Applications are being accepted through October 31. According to organizers, participants will be immersed “in a mindful and peaceful environment, emphasizing the integration of Zen practices into daily life. Participants will engage in farming activities, meditation and community living while cultivating a deeper connection with nature.” (Woodenfish)
Key elements of retirement include:
- • Daily meditation practice: integrating sitting and walking meditation sessions.
- • Noble silence: periods of silent contemplation to promote inner clarity.
- • Gardening and community service: working together in harmony with the earth.
- • Vegetarian cuisine: practice conscious and sustainable cooking.
- • Nianfo Chan: engage in chanting meditation as a path to mindfulness.
- • Silent walking meditation: a trip to Snow Mountain, followed by a solo meditation.
- • Two one-day meditation sessions: Full day of meditation for deep introspection.

The daily schedule begins with a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call, followed by meditation, farming activities, meals, personal time and Dharma discussions, and ends with lights out at 21 p.m.
Program phases:
- • 1 Week: Introduction to farming, cooking, retirement tasks and the central themes of simplicity and harmony.
- • Week 2: Progression towards noble silence during periods of non-work, deepening the practice of Zen.
- • Week 3: Silent meditation while walking to Snow Mountain, solo sitting meditation and continued silence on the way back.
- • The retreat ends with a sharing session.
The retreat welcomes applicants of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in mindfulness, sustainable living, and community service. Participants are advised to be prepared to undertake hands-on work, such as gardening, squatting, and lifting, which requires a moderate level of fitness. Accommodation will be in separate facilities for men and women, and all meals will be provided. Participants are advised to bring practical clothing suitable for gardening and cold weather, including rain or work boots.
Participation costs, including accommodation, meals, and retreat activities, are covered for all accepted participants. However, participants are responsible for their own visa application and travel costs to and within Taiwan. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until October 31, 2024. Early submission is encouraged due to the limited number of spots available. Interested individuals can find more details and apply on the Woodenfish Foundation website.
A non-refundable registration fee of USD 10 is required. Upon admission to the program, a refundable deposit of USD 200 is required, which will be fully refunded upon successful completion of the retreat. In addition, participants are required to provide a participation deposit of NT$200 in cash upon arrival, which will be returned at the end of the retreat. If a participant departs early, this deposit will not be refunded.
Taiwan has a rich Buddhist heritage, with Buddhism being one of the main religions practiced on the island. According to Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior, 35% of the population identifies as Buddhist. The country is home to several prominent Buddhist organizations and temples and has played an important role in the development and spread of Humanistic Buddhism, which emphasizes the application of Buddhist teachings to daily life.
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Zen Agricultural Retreat 2025 (Woodenfish)
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