Land Stewardship as Spiritual Practice
Sanctuary is rooted in a Zen practice tradition that integrates meditation, mindful work, form, and connection with ʻāina. Situated on the slopes of Haleakalā, our daily rhythm is both a spiritual path and an act of restoration.
Sanctuary as a spiritual practice place.
Sanctuary is modeled as a spiritual practice center in the Zen tradition, offering training in Zen meditation, philosophy, and work. The mission of the spiritual practice is to awaken the bodhisattva spirit -- the spirit of kindness and realistic helpfulness -- as a living enactment of Buddha's way.
Daily Work Practice Schedule
4:20 am wake up, morning bell
5:00 am morning zazen
5:45 am morning service
6:00 am morning soji
6:15 am breakfast
8:30 am work practice
12:30 pm lunch, pau
Sitting Meditation as a Daily Practice.
Shikantaza is a Zen meditation practice that involves sitting upright and focusing on being present and aware.The term is Japanese for "just sitting". This is the foundation of the spiritual practice.
Apprenticeship as Spiritual Practice
The Sanctuary offers a work trade program for Work -Study Apprentices. Room, board, and a practice place for cultivating a personal and communal spiritual tradition of connection with land is offered in exchange for work in the areas of land stewardship. Shared living quarters offers enhanced exposure and practice with community living.
Mindfulness permeates the day.
Spiritual practice extends into the apprenticeship experience well beyond the formal sitting meditation and service periods. Individual work teams mark the beginning of their work day with a ceremony that includes the lighting of incense, the chant of prayer for selfless service followed by a brief spiritual reading. Thus follows a team meeting, planning for the day and individual assignments. During the workday, Noble Silence is observed.
