Why is it named Great Determination?
The first name proposed was *The End* with a circle logo, which we liked very much but were told it caused some confusion and weird associations. Great Determination is just what it takes to make the Hermitage and our practice a reality.
What does American Buddhist mean?
American Buddhist, or Western Buddhist, both terms refer to how the Dharma is shaped by and adapted to culture. Rather than Americans trying to learn the nuances of another culture as well as the Dharma, we can relate directly to the teachings of the Buddha and trust in our own judgment to discern what works and respectfully not adhere to the rest. Respect being the key word here.
What does Multi-yana mean?
Mahayana is the name given to those who follow the way as it progressed into Tibet and China and so on, as differentiated from those in India, Sri Lanka etc where it is known as Theravada. Today the different traditions come to the U.S. with all their cultural baggage and many are trying to adapt, to find what it takes to thrive in this culture. Multi-yana refers to a blending of traditions and approaches to the Dharma in a flexible and respectful way that synthesizes a new and personally relevant form.
Where is the Hermitage?
The Hermitage is in Athens county Ohio, approximately 1 hour from Columbus, twenty miles from Athens, Ohio, and thirty minutes from Parkersburg, West Virginia.
If you are coming for a visit please call ahead to let us know and ask for directions. The phone number is 740-591-2778
Is the Hermitage open to the public?
The Hermitage is open to Sangha for events such as retreats and work practice or service offering. Public meditation and Dharma talks are offered in Athens and in Columbus, see schedule on AZC website.
Visitor information
Visit at your own risk. Accommodations are primitive. You are responsible for your own health and safety. Bring insect repellent. Hornets and poison ivy are common. Do not wear strong scents such as perfume. No alcohol, tobacco or drugs are allowed. If you are allergic to anything bring the medication indicated in case you come in contact with that. If you take prescription medications continue to do so for the duration of your visit. No smoking.
Fires may only be built at the direction of staff. Food should only be stored in vehicles or containers specified, raccoons can be aggressive and are managed carefully by not attracting them. Some cell phones get reception here, some do not, Cingular or ATT is one that does. We do not have a phone for visitor use. We do not have internet access. Mail is collected and sent out once a week or more from the PO box in Stewart. Noise-makers such as cell phones, alarm clocks, music players, etc should not impinge on any being other than yourself.
Presently all drinking water is carried in- bring at least a gallon for each day. There are no laundry facilities, and water is limited to what is collected from rain, this is used for building and gardens. A solar shower is available but be prepared to take brief sponge baths and live like a hiker, (a gentle, celibate and sober hiker.)
Guest guidelines - respecting the monastic environment
A Hermitage, like an Abbey or a Monastery is a religious community. It exists in a way harmonious yet separate from the common world. This occurs in increasingly subtle ways stemming from intention. Please be aware that you are stepping into a realm of practice. All activity is done mindfully and with the intention of furthering the Practice of the Dharma.
Areas marked Private are not to be disturbed, people may be in hermitage there. Retreats are conducted in silence except for times of discussion so do not engage those you meet in conversation unless the place and time are so designated. Arrival at the Hermitage is scheduled in advance, if you are not going to be on time call to re-schedule.
Temporary Vows
Those staying at the Hermitage take vows similar to those of a monastic for the duration of their stay. This brings the retreatants into the shared intention of Practice. Upon arrival at the Hermitage the guest makes three prostrations, offers incense and recites these vows. The vows are as follows:
1. Respecting life, I vow to avoid killing living things, and avoid harming anyone including myself through deed, word or thought.
2. Mindful of the needs of others, I vow to avoid taking what is not given, to avoid using what is not offered.
3. Recognizing that sensual desire fosters selfishness which obstructs discernment, and leads to vexation for others, and myself, I vow to avoid sexual misconduct, being celibate and chaste.
4. Realizing self discipline begins here I vow to avoid false speech, malicious speech, harsh speech and gossip.
5. Respecting the clarity of mindful attention that is demanded to practice I vow to avoid intoxicants.
How much does it cost?
Retreats are offered on a dana basis, that means you give what you can and do so with the spirit of generosity that makes it possible for you and supports the purpose of the Hermitage.
What about food?
Most food is provided through donations, some is grown on the property or at the community garden in Athens. If you are coming to stay consider bringing a donation and call to find out what is needed or can be stored.
What is the daily schedule?
Varies with the season, summer schedule is as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday:
07:00 AM private meditation
08:00 AM informal breakfast
09:00 AM Tai Chi / Chi Kung
10:00 AM Work Practice
12:00 PM lunch-usually informal
1:00 PM Work Practice
5:00 PM medicine meal for those in need, personal time
8:00 PM communal meditation
Wednesdays schedule ends at 11:00 when Sensei goes to town to run errands.
Sundays schedule is posted on AZC website
Personal days or slack days are delivered by the weather and depend on current needs of staff and guests
Are retreatants required to follow the Hermitage schedule?
No, retreats can be individually designed to meet the needs of each serious practitioner. Retreat planning is a serious matter given careful attention by the Sensei and supported by staff.
Are directed retreats or special programs available?
A seven day backpacking retreat and 10 day Direct Way retreat are planned for 2008, see AZC website for info.
How is the Hermitage run?
Bhikkhuni Sensei KC Maduka DaiKai WarEagle is Spiritual Director for the Hermitage, a position similar to CEO or benevolent dictator. All decisions are made by her based on input from staff, residents and guests and are made through the wisdom attained by practice as well as a lifetime of regard for the well-being of others.
The Vinaya or rules for monks and nuns provides the framework for guidance of community life. Applying the Vinaya to modern life is one of our challenges, through respect and kindness it works to make community happen. One would think with the eight-fold path and the vows we take, community would be a piece of cake, oddly enough it is still difficult. That is how living in community helps us individually, helps us to grow. We are not enlightened beings yet, so we have preferences, and that leads to conflict. The Vinaya guides us in resolving this. For most matters taking time to reflect is sufficient. Otherwise follow these guidelines:
1. All anger must be gone
2. Must have complete, sincere compassion for that person
3. Will that person be able to really *hear* what you are saying? Will it be a positive outcome? Doesn*t mean that the person will not become upset at first but that the long term consequence will be positive.
4. Approach the person one on one
5. If the person becomes very agitated and can no longer hear you, you must stop. Don*t insist on your way.
If it can't be fixed, let it go.
Worrying or fretting over it wouldn't change it so let it go.
If it can be fixed then get busy and fix it.
Now, no one is alone in community and there is a time and place for discussing what happens as we remember it. We recognize primarily that this is the key to our Practice of the Dharma, what we remember of our experience is our story, and that is all it is. Beneath the tumbling, tangled adjectives of our story is the dharma and its Buddha Nature * in other words what can we learn from it?
How is the Hermitage supported?
The Hermitage is a partnership between the staff and the retreatants. The monastics offer their practice, the place, the intention and hold the framework that makes it possible. Those on retreat bring the juice, the energy, the dana that keeps it going.
There is the monetary side, in addition to donations coming in when Sensei gives a talk or prepares students for Jukai, there have been donations and support from family and friends.
This winter the Sensei and Samaneri Dhammatara took jobs to save money so that the residence could be made habitable and the summer could be spent working on the property. When monastics work in association with householders it is challenging to their practice in ways that are possibly beneficial in the long term but stressful in the present. Time and attention focused outside the monastery take away from the direction of monasticism. Most monastics do not work outside the monastery or abbey. However, what must be done can be used as practice. When the Hermitage can provide for resident staff we will do that, meanwhile we just do what we can do.
All services are offered on a dana basis, that is - free, but your generosity makes any service possible in the first place.
The Buddha recognized the importance of generosity as the basis for all morality and the foundation of practice. When gratitude is felt it leads to a sense of security, a feeling of spaciousness that blooms into a spiritual generosity. Foreign enough to those of us in this culture that when we experience it, it is notable and not easily forgotten. That spaciousness is cultivated by giving, it is counter intuitive to us, but fundamental to our practice. Meditate to still the mind, to free the wisdom to know when to give. Then give well, not the same as give a lot, or give as much as the other guy, but with an open heart. Know the feeling of energy moving freely, not caught on stories, let go and set yourself free.
Offering Service or work practice:
The Hermitage is under construction; it hasn't gotten to the maintenance stage yet. Please enjoy a time to work with us if it is your inclination. It is not necessary to work, that can be arranged individually. The projects underway can all be explained and accommodate various skill levels and physical abilities. Rain or shine there is work to be done. We do make time for lunch and do not stand on ceremony for it while working, so bring a sack lunch and water. If it is a cool day we may cook on the fire. Bring work gloves, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, walking shoes or boots, a hat, sunglasses. See the visitors info above.
Are private retreats for non-resident monastics or laypeople available?
Yes, currently primitive camping is available, sites are being looked at for Kutis but they are in the planning stage. Sangha members do hope to build a kuti this summer and when not in use by the builders it will be available on a time sharing plan. The visitor information applies here. If you are interested in building a kuti (meditation hut) please contact us.
This page is under construction, come back later or call for more info: 740-591-2778
The first name proposed was *The End* with a circle logo, which we liked very much but were told it caused some confusion and weird associations. Great Determination is just what it takes to make the Hermitage and our practice a reality.
What does American Buddhist mean?
American Buddhist, or Western Buddhist, both terms refer to how the Dharma is shaped by and adapted to culture. Rather than Americans trying to learn the nuances of another culture as well as the Dharma, we can relate directly to the teachings of the Buddha and trust in our own judgment to discern what works and respectfully not adhere to the rest. Respect being the key word here.
What does Multi-yana mean?
Mahayana is the name given to those who follow the way as it progressed into Tibet and China and so on, as differentiated from those in India, Sri Lanka etc where it is known as Theravada. Today the different traditions come to the U.S. with all their cultural baggage and many are trying to adapt, to find what it takes to thrive in this culture. Multi-yana refers to a blending of traditions and approaches to the Dharma in a flexible and respectful way that synthesizes a new and personally relevant form.
Where is the Hermitage?
The Hermitage is in Athens county Ohio, approximately 1 hour from Columbus, twenty miles from Athens, Ohio, and thirty minutes from Parkersburg, West Virginia.
If you are coming for a visit please call ahead to let us know and ask for directions. The phone number is 740-591-2778
Is the Hermitage open to the public?
The Hermitage is open to Sangha for events such as retreats and work practice or service offering. Public meditation and Dharma talks are offered in Athens and in Columbus, see schedule on AZC website.
Visitor information
Visit at your own risk. Accommodations are primitive. You are responsible for your own health and safety. Bring insect repellent. Hornets and poison ivy are common. Do not wear strong scents such as perfume. No alcohol, tobacco or drugs are allowed. If you are allergic to anything bring the medication indicated in case you come in contact with that. If you take prescription medications continue to do so for the duration of your visit. No smoking.
Fires may only be built at the direction of staff. Food should only be stored in vehicles or containers specified, raccoons can be aggressive and are managed carefully by not attracting them. Some cell phones get reception here, some do not, Cingular or ATT is one that does. We do not have a phone for visitor use. We do not have internet access. Mail is collected and sent out once a week or more from the PO box in Stewart. Noise-makers such as cell phones, alarm clocks, music players, etc should not impinge on any being other than yourself.
Presently all drinking water is carried in- bring at least a gallon for each day. There are no laundry facilities, and water is limited to what is collected from rain, this is used for building and gardens. A solar shower is available but be prepared to take brief sponge baths and live like a hiker, (a gentle, celibate and sober hiker.)
Guest guidelines - respecting the monastic environment
A Hermitage, like an Abbey or a Monastery is a religious community. It exists in a way harmonious yet separate from the common world. This occurs in increasingly subtle ways stemming from intention. Please be aware that you are stepping into a realm of practice. All activity is done mindfully and with the intention of furthering the Practice of the Dharma.
Areas marked Private are not to be disturbed, people may be in hermitage there. Retreats are conducted in silence except for times of discussion so do not engage those you meet in conversation unless the place and time are so designated. Arrival at the Hermitage is scheduled in advance, if you are not going to be on time call to re-schedule.
Temporary Vows
Those staying at the Hermitage take vows similar to those of a monastic for the duration of their stay. This brings the retreatants into the shared intention of Practice. Upon arrival at the Hermitage the guest makes three prostrations, offers incense and recites these vows. The vows are as follows:
1. Respecting life, I vow to avoid killing living things, and avoid harming anyone including myself through deed, word or thought.
2. Mindful of the needs of others, I vow to avoid taking what is not given, to avoid using what is not offered.
3. Recognizing that sensual desire fosters selfishness which obstructs discernment, and leads to vexation for others, and myself, I vow to avoid sexual misconduct, being celibate and chaste.
4. Realizing self discipline begins here I vow to avoid false speech, malicious speech, harsh speech and gossip.
5. Respecting the clarity of mindful attention that is demanded to practice I vow to avoid intoxicants.
How much does it cost?
Retreats are offered on a dana basis, that means you give what you can and do so with the spirit of generosity that makes it possible for you and supports the purpose of the Hermitage.
What about food?
Most food is provided through donations, some is grown on the property or at the community garden in Athens. If you are coming to stay consider bringing a donation and call to find out what is needed or can be stored.
What is the daily schedule?
Varies with the season, summer schedule is as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday:
07:00 AM private meditation
08:00 AM informal breakfast
09:00 AM Tai Chi / Chi Kung
10:00 AM Work Practice
12:00 PM lunch-usually informal
1:00 PM Work Practice
5:00 PM medicine meal for those in need, personal time
8:00 PM communal meditation
Wednesdays schedule ends at 11:00 when Sensei goes to town to run errands.
Sundays schedule is posted on AZC website
Personal days or slack days are delivered by the weather and depend on current needs of staff and guests
Are retreatants required to follow the Hermitage schedule?
No, retreats can be individually designed to meet the needs of each serious practitioner. Retreat planning is a serious matter given careful attention by the Sensei and supported by staff.
Are directed retreats or special programs available?
A seven day backpacking retreat and 10 day Direct Way retreat are planned for 2008, see AZC website for info.
How is the Hermitage run?
Bhikkhuni Sensei KC Maduka DaiKai WarEagle is Spiritual Director for the Hermitage, a position similar to CEO or benevolent dictator. All decisions are made by her based on input from staff, residents and guests and are made through the wisdom attained by practice as well as a lifetime of regard for the well-being of others.
The Vinaya or rules for monks and nuns provides the framework for guidance of community life. Applying the Vinaya to modern life is one of our challenges, through respect and kindness it works to make community happen. One would think with the eight-fold path and the vows we take, community would be a piece of cake, oddly enough it is still difficult. That is how living in community helps us individually, helps us to grow. We are not enlightened beings yet, so we have preferences, and that leads to conflict. The Vinaya guides us in resolving this. For most matters taking time to reflect is sufficient. Otherwise follow these guidelines:
1. All anger must be gone
2. Must have complete, sincere compassion for that person
3. Will that person be able to really *hear* what you are saying? Will it be a positive outcome? Doesn*t mean that the person will not become upset at first but that the long term consequence will be positive.
4. Approach the person one on one
5. If the person becomes very agitated and can no longer hear you, you must stop. Don*t insist on your way.
If it can't be fixed, let it go.
Worrying or fretting over it wouldn't change it so let it go.
If it can be fixed then get busy and fix it.
Now, no one is alone in community and there is a time and place for discussing what happens as we remember it. We recognize primarily that this is the key to our Practice of the Dharma, what we remember of our experience is our story, and that is all it is. Beneath the tumbling, tangled adjectives of our story is the dharma and its Buddha Nature * in other words what can we learn from it?
How is the Hermitage supported?
The Hermitage is a partnership between the staff and the retreatants. The monastics offer their practice, the place, the intention and hold the framework that makes it possible. Those on retreat bring the juice, the energy, the dana that keeps it going.
There is the monetary side, in addition to donations coming in when Sensei gives a talk or prepares students for Jukai, there have been donations and support from family and friends.
This winter the Sensei and Samaneri Dhammatara took jobs to save money so that the residence could be made habitable and the summer could be spent working on the property. When monastics work in association with householders it is challenging to their practice in ways that are possibly beneficial in the long term but stressful in the present. Time and attention focused outside the monastery take away from the direction of monasticism. Most monastics do not work outside the monastery or abbey. However, what must be done can be used as practice. When the Hermitage can provide for resident staff we will do that, meanwhile we just do what we can do.
All services are offered on a dana basis, that is - free, but your generosity makes any service possible in the first place.
The Buddha recognized the importance of generosity as the basis for all morality and the foundation of practice. When gratitude is felt it leads to a sense of security, a feeling of spaciousness that blooms into a spiritual generosity. Foreign enough to those of us in this culture that when we experience it, it is notable and not easily forgotten. That spaciousness is cultivated by giving, it is counter intuitive to us, but fundamental to our practice. Meditate to still the mind, to free the wisdom to know when to give. Then give well, not the same as give a lot, or give as much as the other guy, but with an open heart. Know the feeling of energy moving freely, not caught on stories, let go and set yourself free.
Offering Service or work practice:
The Hermitage is under construction; it hasn't gotten to the maintenance stage yet. Please enjoy a time to work with us if it is your inclination. It is not necessary to work, that can be arranged individually. The projects underway can all be explained and accommodate various skill levels and physical abilities. Rain or shine there is work to be done. We do make time for lunch and do not stand on ceremony for it while working, so bring a sack lunch and water. If it is a cool day we may cook on the fire. Bring work gloves, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, walking shoes or boots, a hat, sunglasses. See the visitors info above.
Are private retreats for non-resident monastics or laypeople available?
Yes, currently primitive camping is available, sites are being looked at for Kutis but they are in the planning stage. Sangha members do hope to build a kuti this summer and when not in use by the builders it will be available on a time sharing plan. The visitor information applies here. If you are interested in building a kuti (meditation hut) please contact us.
This page is under construction, come back later or call for more info: 740-591-2778
Great Determination, an American Buddhist Hermitage
FAQs:
Vision/Mission Statement:
Physical property:
Who are the residents?
Why is it named Great Determination?
What does American Buddhist mean?
What does Multi-yana mean?
Where is the Hermitage?
Is the Hermitage open to the public?
How much does it cost?
What about food?
What is the daily schedule?
Are retreatants required to follow the Hermitage schedule?
Are directed retreats or special programs available?
How is the Hermitage run?
How is the Hermitage supported?
Offering Service or work practice:
Are private retreats for non-resident monastics or laypeople available?
FAQs:
Vision/Mission Statement:
Physical property:
Who are the residents?
Why is it named Great Determination?
What does American Buddhist mean?
What does Multi-yana mean?
Where is the Hermitage?
Is the Hermitage open to the public?
How much does it cost?
What about food?
What is the daily schedule?
Are retreatants required to follow the Hermitage schedule?
Are directed retreats or special programs available?
How is the Hermitage run?
How is the Hermitage supported?
Offering Service or work practice:
Are private retreats for non-resident monastics or laypeople available?
Vision/mission statement:
**Recognizing the need for a suitable place for meditation, one dedicated to the purpose of attainment through mindfulness and meditation, one not subject to disturbance by other uses, one occupied solely by those on the path to enlightenment, one filled with quietude and respect for all living things.
**Recognizing the location as reasonably distant from several cities, easily reached yet rural, removed from the busy pace of life.
**Recognizing the value of simplicity in a rustic setting, the value of primitive accommodations to re-centering mindfulness of the body in association with the natural world.
**Recognizing that a routine, a schedule of practice, an adherence to discipline in a consistent setting imbue a location with notable qualities that enhance meditation and improve the well being of those in or near to it.
We resolved to create such a place and thereby add to our practice and to the Triple Gem.
Physical property:
Five acres in wooded, hilly southeast Ohio, in rural Athens County. Once part of the Levi Miller farm, it is forested with mixed hardwoods. A small creek runs across the southern corner. The nearby town of Athens is home to Ohio University and is known for progressive thought and culture.
A small residence is being constructed, by hand, using sustainable building practices, in flexible-form-rammed-earth, with a simple passive solar design. Camping is available at several sites on the property. Kutis or meditation huts are planned to accommodate retreatants.
**Recognizing the need for a suitable place for meditation, one dedicated to the purpose of attainment through mindfulness and meditation, one not subject to disturbance by other uses, one occupied solely by those on the path to enlightenment, one filled with quietude and respect for all living things.
**Recognizing the location as reasonably distant from several cities, easily reached yet rural, removed from the busy pace of life.
**Recognizing the value of simplicity in a rustic setting, the value of primitive accommodations to re-centering mindfulness of the body in association with the natural world.
**Recognizing that a routine, a schedule of practice, an adherence to discipline in a consistent setting imbue a location with notable qualities that enhance meditation and improve the well being of those in or near to it.
We resolved to create such a place and thereby add to our practice and to the Triple Gem.
Physical property:
Five acres in wooded, hilly southeast Ohio, in rural Athens County. Once part of the Levi Miller farm, it is forested with mixed hardwoods. A small creek runs across the southern corner. The nearby town of Athens is home to Ohio University and is known for progressive thought and culture.
A small residence is being constructed, by hand, using sustainable building practices, in flexible-form-rammed-earth, with a simple passive solar design. Camping is available at several sites on the property. Kutis or meditation huts are planned to accommodate retreatants.
View of residence from West.
View from Southeast.
Who are the Residents?
Sensei Bhikkhuni KC Maduka Daikai WarEagle and Samaneri Dhammatara Karuna are the founders and resident staff. We are committed to following the teachings of the Buddha. We do not offer high church, nor are we interested in purely intellectual exercise. The Buddha taught a way to end suffering and we are acheiving that. The path to enlightenment is not a mere self help program but transformation is inevitable in the process. We study the Dhamma, commentaries, discuss, debate and especially practice. When it feels right we rest and may even watch a movie! If you are a lay or ordained Sangha member who would like to explore becoming a resident, please contact us.
Sensei Bhikkhuni KC Maduka Daikai WarEagle and Samaneri Dhammatara Karuna are the founders and resident staff. We are committed to following the teachings of the Buddha. We do not offer high church, nor are we interested in purely intellectual exercise. The Buddha taught a way to end suffering and we are acheiving that. The path to enlightenment is not a mere self help program but transformation is inevitable in the process. We study the Dhamma, commentaries, discuss, debate and especially practice. When it feels right we rest and may even watch a movie! If you are a lay or ordained Sangha member who would like to explore becoming a resident, please contact us.
Sensei
Samaneri
The ripple effect...all that we do and say and even think, changes the world around us...we are blind to the total picture but we do enjoy the choice of intention...