“The green mountains are always walking; a stone woman gives birth to a child at night.”
Priest Daokai of Mt. Furong, quoted in Tanahashi, K. ed., 1985. Moon in a dewdrop: Writings of Zen master Dogen. North Point Press

Our bushwalking zazenkai is approaching. Here is an opportunity for us to realise, ‘the green mountains are always walking’. Our walks have been planned to enable mindful steps and an opportunity to become intimate with nature. It is zazen in motion. It is a good opportunity for beginners who want to experience a longer period of practice, as well as more mature students wanting to deepen their practice.

We will camp by our cars at the Cathedral of Ferns campground. We will camp and cook up meals here. This will be our base. There is no need for carrying of heavy packs because we will return to this camp at night. You just need a small backpack for carrying water, lunch and snacks, and a warm jacket. Gear required includes camping gear (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, food, cooking gear, utensils, torch, insect repellent, sunscreen, walking boots, warm clothing as well as warm weather clothing, raincoat, hat), and meditation cushion and mat.

Day 1. The first day involves a walk to Tessellate Hill near Mount Irvine. This walk follows a single track out to the rock platforms near Tessellate Hill. On reaching the platforms, it opens out to views across the Wollemi Wilderness and northern Blue Mountains. In a nearby rock shelter we can have a dharma talk and discussion.

Day 2. The second day we will walk along the forest trail at Mt Wilson visiting some lookouts, walking through the old forests on the basalt geology, descending into the sandstone country, and passing some cultural sites.

We will walk approximately 8 kilometres each day in mildly undulating terrain. So reasonable fitness will mean it is more enjoyable. The objective is to maintain silence where possible, except when we stop for a talk about practice, or perhaps when we are organising meals. On the Saturday evening and Sunday morning we will do a couple of periods of zazen. There will be an opportunity for dokusan. You can sign up for one, two or three days. Day 3 is an open book and will depend upon the numbers and fitness of the group.

“The entire world of the ten directions is nothing but the true human body.”
Tanahashi, K. ed., 1985 Moon in a dewdrop: Writings of Zen master Dogen. North Point Press

If you are interested, email Will at wilmoon@gmail.com (one ‘L’ only) or call 0400106163 no later than the 18th of March. I will work with the people bringing cars to coordinate the transport. The numbers will be limited to 12 people.
A $10.00 per day contribution is recommended and can be deposited into the SZC account:
Sydney Zen Centre     BSB: 062 182     Account number: 1013 7103
Please include your last name and the tag “BushZaz” in the description line