Visits to Great Determination are by appointment only.
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 so 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 if it has not rained lately and to live like a hiker, (a gentle, celibate and sober hiker.)
Guest guidelines - respecting the monastic environment
A Practice Center or 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 is scheduled in advance, if you are not going to be on time, please 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, to be careful of tools and frugal with supplies.
3. Recognizing that sensual desire fosters selfishness which obstructs discernment, and leads to
vexation for others, and myself, I vow to avoid sexual misconduct, to practice chastity in body and
mind while at the Hermitage.
4. Realizing self discipline begins here I vow to avoid false speech, malicious speech, harsh
speech, idle chatter and gossip.
5. Respecting the clarity of mindful attention that is demanded to practice I vow to avoid intoxicants and other unwholesome substances for body and mind especially alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pornography and violence.
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. 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. 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. We need help to make this place available and we want it to be available to all regardless of ability to contribute.
Offering Service or work practice:
The Practice Center is blooming, all kinds of nurturance are needed. Please enjoy a time to work with us if it is your inclination. Work 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. Call ahead to find out what is happening and make arrangements. See the visitors info above.
Be A Monastic Steward:
When Sensei and Dhammatara are called away the hermitage needs a steward, someone who will abide by the 5 precepts called the Temporary Vows above, and stay in Harmony House or a Kuti. Conditions are somewhat primitive, heating with wood or kerosene, a winter storm can make the roads impassable. A monthly donation of $300 is requested for costs. The hermitage will be in need October thru April. Longer stays are negotiable.
How is the Practice Center run?
Bhikkhuni Sensei KC Maduka DaiKai WarEagle is Spiritual Director, 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. This is not to say that she alone holds authority or responsibility, each member of the community is equally empowered to authenticate the Dharma and follow the teachings of the Buddha.
The Vinaya or rules for monks and nuns provides the framework for guidance of community life.
Are private retreats for non-resident monastics or laypeople available?
Yes, currently primitive camping is available and a sitting platform in the trees is the foundation for Big Sky kuti. It is a lovely and wholesome place to meditate. Lay persons who come to practice take the Temporary Vows described above and consecrate their time here to practice and study of the Dhamma. The visitor information applies here.
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 so 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 if it has not rained lately and to live like a hiker, (a gentle, celibate and sober hiker.)
Guest guidelines - respecting the monastic environment
A Practice Center or 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 is scheduled in advance, if you are not going to be on time, please 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, to be careful of tools and frugal with supplies.
3. Recognizing that sensual desire fosters selfishness which obstructs discernment, and leads to
vexation for others, and myself, I vow to avoid sexual misconduct, to practice chastity in body and
mind while at the Hermitage.
4. Realizing self discipline begins here I vow to avoid false speech, malicious speech, harsh
speech, idle chatter and gossip.
5. Respecting the clarity of mindful attention that is demanded to practice I vow to avoid intoxicants and other unwholesome substances for body and mind especially alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pornography and violence.
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. 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. 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. We need help to make this place available and we want it to be available to all regardless of ability to contribute.
Offering Service or work practice:
The Practice Center is blooming, all kinds of nurturance are needed. Please enjoy a time to work with us if it is your inclination. Work 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. Call ahead to find out what is happening and make arrangements. See the visitors info above.
Be A Monastic Steward:
When Sensei and Dhammatara are called away the hermitage needs a steward, someone who will abide by the 5 precepts called the Temporary Vows above, and stay in Harmony House or a Kuti. Conditions are somewhat primitive, heating with wood or kerosene, a winter storm can make the roads impassable. A monthly donation of $300 is requested for costs. The hermitage will be in need October thru April. Longer stays are negotiable.
How is the Practice Center run?
Bhikkhuni Sensei KC Maduka DaiKai WarEagle is Spiritual Director, 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. This is not to say that she alone holds authority or responsibility, each member of the community is equally empowered to authenticate the Dharma and follow the teachings of the Buddha.
The Vinaya or rules for monks and nuns provides the framework for guidance of community life.
Are private retreats for non-resident monastics or laypeople available?
Yes, currently primitive camping is available and a sitting platform in the trees is the foundation for Big Sky kuti. It is a lovely and wholesome place to meditate. Lay persons who come to practice take the Temporary Vows described above and consecrate their time here to practice and study of the Dhamma. The visitor information applies here.
Great Determination Buddhist Practice Center,
and Hermitage
From Kelly Winters as Amazin' Grace writing 'Walking Home, A Woman's Pilgrimage On The Appalachian Trail', quoting Natalie Goldberg writing 'Writing Down The Bones', quoting Katagiri Roshi:
"Your little will can't do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn't mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you - the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions."
Sensei Ven. KC Madika and Dhammatara met and began their journey together on the Appalachian Trail and Katagiri Roshi was Sensei's first teachers' teacher.
and Hermitage
From Kelly Winters as Amazin' Grace writing 'Walking Home, A Woman's Pilgrimage On The Appalachian Trail', quoting Natalie Goldberg writing 'Writing Down The Bones', quoting Katagiri Roshi:
"Your little will can't do anything. It takes Great Determination. Great Determination doesn't mean just you making an effort. It means the whole universe is behind you - the birds, trees, sky, moon, and ten directions."
Sensei Ven. KC Madika and Dhammatara met and began their journey together on the Appalachian Trail and Katagiri Roshi was Sensei's first teachers' teacher.
The Trail is a grandmotherly teacher, wise and challenging. We have built on her teachings and continue to cherish her ways
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 committment to practice in everyday life among those who share this commitment is a means to enlightenment.
We resolve 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. A small residence has been 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.
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 committment to practice in everyday life among those who share this commitment is a means to enlightenment.
We resolve 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. A small residence has been 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.
The ripple effect...all that we do and say and even think, changes the world around us...we don't get to see all the effects of what we do but we can choose our intention...
The above map is a projection for Great Determination Buddhist Practice Center and Hermitage. Currently there is only the Harmony House, with hoophouse for storage behind it and 14 foot dome storage tent. We plan to clear downed and dead trees across the land, leaving habitat trees of course. Restraining multiflora rose and other invasives is a priority as they make the land impassable and slow restoration of native flora. This land like much of Ohio has been stripped and clearcut with resultant loss of topsoil. We can work with the natural process of restoration to improve the land for us and wildlife.
We plan to complete Big Sky Kuti this year as a canvas wall tent, with styrofoam insulation and a porch on the tree platform started last year. This will be available as a kuti or meditation hut and as a place to stay for visitors who come to help with the work on the land. We will clear trails to allow access and walking room. We will remove the storage tent and build a workshop there near the Harmony House. When the workshop is built the tools can be transferred to it from the hoophouse. We will build an earthen floor as in the Harmony House and flexible -form-rammed-earth foundation walls for the hoophouse to become the Dhamma hall. We have lots of snow this year but winter is relatively short in duration here in Southeast Ohio so the Dhamma hall is presently planned to be unheated, unwired, useable in winter with adequate clothing. A space reserved as consecrated but intimate with the environment. Big Sky would be a three season retreat. The workshop would be wired, providing heated space for projects like pottery oryoki bowls, artwork for the land, and tool maintenance.
We look forward to lay and ordained members of the Dhamma community joining us for these projects, to help us make Great Determination an anchorage of Buddhist Practice in the United States.
One idea we like is that the fourfold community could use this center as a retreat on a rotational basis kind of like a timeshare. Retreat is meditation time, mindfulness time, just part of the Eightfold Path, but an essential part. We would like to be able to provide that for ourselves and for others. The land here is green, a rich habitat for woodland birds and animals on the edge of the Appalachian Plateau. It is soothing and healing, a good place for a vibrant, dynamic Dhamma to flourish.
We plan to complete Big Sky Kuti this year as a canvas wall tent, with styrofoam insulation and a porch on the tree platform started last year. This will be available as a kuti or meditation hut and as a place to stay for visitors who come to help with the work on the land. We will clear trails to allow access and walking room. We will remove the storage tent and build a workshop there near the Harmony House. When the workshop is built the tools can be transferred to it from the hoophouse. We will build an earthen floor as in the Harmony House and flexible -form-rammed-earth foundation walls for the hoophouse to become the Dhamma hall. We have lots of snow this year but winter is relatively short in duration here in Southeast Ohio so the Dhamma hall is presently planned to be unheated, unwired, useable in winter with adequate clothing. A space reserved as consecrated but intimate with the environment. Big Sky would be a three season retreat. The workshop would be wired, providing heated space for projects like pottery oryoki bowls, artwork for the land, and tool maintenance.
We look forward to lay and ordained members of the Dhamma community joining us for these projects, to help us make Great Determination an anchorage of Buddhist Practice in the United States.
One idea we like is that the fourfold community could use this center as a retreat on a rotational basis kind of like a timeshare. Retreat is meditation time, mindfulness time, just part of the Eightfold Path, but an essential part. We would like to be able to provide that for ourselves and for others. The land here is green, a rich habitat for woodland birds and animals on the edge of the Appalachian Plateau. It is soothing and healing, a good place for a vibrant, dynamic Dhamma to flourish.