2025 Summer South Africa

2nd Woodenfish “Buddhism and Sustainability: Farming Zen Retreat”

Dates: July 31-August 11 (Arrival on July 31; Departure on August 11)

Venue: Bodhi Farm, Cape Town, South Africa

Course Capacity: 20 students

Deadline: May 15, 2025

Learning Goals: Foundational buddhism, mediation, introduction to the globalized food system, food justice, mindful consumption, community living

Sponsorship: Participants will be sponsored by the Woodenfish + ACC scholarship covering course tuition, room, meals.

Farming Zen Application

Fee:

•Application fee $10.70 (USD)

•Hand-made uniform plus shipping: $70/ one piece, dark blue Kimono style working Jacket. (One can order up to 2 pieces)

Visa, Travel and Medical Insurance: Self-funded transportation to and off Bodhi Park Farm, Cape Town, South Africa

Bodhi Park, Farm no 4, Krommeriviers Valley, Piketberg Road, Bergrivier, Western Cape

Deposit: A refundable deposit of $200 (USD) is required upon arrival to the program

Farming Zen Retreat overview and objectives

•Spend 10 days in South Africa studying buddhism and sustainability while working on an olive farm and deepening your meditation practice. The course will explore the unique and challenging factors that make up the globalized food system looking specifically at food systems, agriculture, food waste, and food justice.

•How can foundational principles of Buddhism help us to create a more sustainable future?

•Students will work to connect the learnings to their individual bioregions and learn how to apply the learnings to their own life and communities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL): This course will require walking, extensive sitting meditation, including whole days of mediation, repetitive tasks such as weeding and extended periods of time in the sun.

Afternoon Food Systems Classes by Natalie Varraro

Day 1: Intro to the Food System: Introduce students to the complexity of the food system. Students will participate in activities that showcase how interwoven food pathways can be from growing, logistics, processing, to the consumer.

Day 2: Organic vs Conventional Agriculture: As students begin looking at the food system they

Day 3: Q& A

Day 4: Food Waste: Globally, 40% of all food is wasted. That includes food wasted by consumers and producers alike. Students will engage with ways to redirect food waste at multiple levels of the food system.

Day 5: Food Sovereignty: Food security is becoming a word in the common vernacular, but food sovereignty remains unheard. The session on food sovereignty asks students to think deeply about their experience with food and the experiences of others. They will hear stories on the human experience at the core of food purchasing and consumption then discuss as a class.

Day 6: Sustainable Food Sourcing: Many students do not think of where their food is coming from, but they may have some preferences that impact their purchasing at the store. Students will delve into the various ways consumers can actively impact the way we source food, but also learn of the way we are passively influenced into purchasing others. They will then experience alternative food sourcing that can positively change our food system.

Day 7: Under the Sea: Students will learn of the biggest issues facing our ocean and subsequent food supply. The oceans food supply is one under immense pressure as climate change alters the environment and lack of human intervention is causing overfishing. We will focus on the positive impact of oysters

Evening Buddhism Classes by Venerable Dr Yifa & Jacob Sherwood

Day 1: Introduction to Buddhism

Day 2: Introduction to Buddhism

Day 3: Meditation Manual

Day 4: Meditation Manual

Day 5: Meditation—silence & chanting

Day 6: Buddhist Economy & Ecology

Day 7: Buddhist Economy & Ecology

Daily Schedule:

5:30: Wake Up

6:00-6:45: Walking meditation and sitting meditation

6:45-7:00: Break

7:00-7:30: Breakfast Prep

7:30-8:15: Breakfast

8:15-8:45: Breakfast Clean Up

8:45-11:00: Farming Zen

11:00-11:30: Break

11:30-12:30: Lunch

12:30-13:00: Lunch Clean Up

13:00-15:00: Afternoon Food Systems Class

15:00-17:00: Personal Time

17:00-17:30: Dinner Prep

17:30-18:30: Dinner

18:30-20:00: Dharma Lecture/Buddhism 101

20:00-20:30: Evening Service/Vespers/Meditation

20:30-21:30: Personal Time

21:30: Lights Out

Farming Zen Application

Meet our Staff

The team of staff for the Farming Zen Retreat consists of experienced leaders in meditation, farming, and community living, dedicated to guiding participants through a transformative journey of mindfulness, sustainable practices, and personal growth.

Program Director

Venerable Dr Yifa

Venerable Dr. Yifa, PhD is a Taiwanese Buddhist nun, scholar, and writer. Ordained in 1979, Yifa holds a law degree from the Taiwan National University, a Master's in Comparative Philosophy from the University of Hawaii and a doctorate in religious studies from Yale University.

Venerable Yifa’s main area research is on Buddhist monasticism and she is the author of The Origins of Buddhist Monastic Codes in China, published by Hawaii University Press in 2002.

Venerable Yifa is the founder of Woodenfish Projects, which has developed numerous programs worldwide. Yifa is currently affiliated with Asia Center at Harvard University as Associate Research Fellow to seek more collaboration with academic worlds to create education and training projects for Buddhist leaders.

Program Instructor

Jacob Holubeck

Jacob first joined Humanistic Buddhism Monastic Life Program in 2014 and returned as staff in 2015. He completed a Master's degree in Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University, during which he supported a mini HBMLP for a liberal arts course with Whittier College.

After earning his degree, Jacob lived at a local branch temple in Southern California, working with school groups, prison dharma, and editing dharma publications. Currently, he runs a small farm and homestead in New Hampshire with his wife and two children, and also farms and teaches for an outdoor expedition school. His greatest passions are farming and Dharma.

Program Facilitator

Natalie Varrallo

Natalie, a 2009 Woodenfish alumna, has participated in and staffed various Woodenfish programs. The education and skills she gained there influence her personal and professional life daily. Outside of Woodenfish, she is a food scientist, advocate, and educator dedicated to sustainability and food security in marginalized communities. Holding degrees in Botany and Sustainable Agriculture and Master’s degrees in Sustainable Business Administration, Food Justice, and Sustainable Food Systems, Natalie combines social justice and education in her food systems work. She believes food is a fundamental human right and can serve as a bridge to foster compassion and sustainability.

Program Coordinator

Rogelio Leal

Rogelio has immersed himself in Zen Buddhist practices through retreats like the Fo Guang Buddhist Monastic Retreat (2016) and the Woodenfish + Woljeongsa HBMLP (2024). He has participated in Tibetan Buddhism retreats in Nepal and India, volunteered at Nalanda Monastery in France, and completed Vipassana retreats in Sri Lanka and England. Rogelio served as the Director of a meditation center in the Island of Hawai'i, working alongside organic farmers and permaculture specialists to grow healing foods. He is currently a research fellow at a think tank specialising in Confucianism and political philosophy.

Farming Zen Retreat FAQ & Answers

Please read the FAQ below carefully. If you have additional questions, feel free to email us at farmingzen@woodenfish.org.

---

Questions About Program Eligibility

Q1: Are there any additional fees?

A: There are no additional fees for the retreat itself. However, participants should budget for personal travel expenses and any incidental costs during their journey to and from the Retreat.

---

Q2: I am not experienced in meditation or farming. Can I still apply?

A: Absolutely! The program is designed for beginners as well as those with more experience who wish to integrate meditation more deeply into their daily lives. Whether you are new to Zen practice or farming, you will receive guidance throughout the Retreat.

---

Q3: Is there an age limit for participants?

A: While most participants are in their 20s to 40s, we welcome individuals of all ages who have a sincere interest in the program. If you are physically able to participate in the schedule and outdoor activities, we encourage you to apply.

---

Q4: I have physical limitations. Can I still participate?

A: The Retreat involves physical activities such as gardening, walking meditation, and a hike. While we welcome all applicants, participants should be in reasonably good health to fully engage in the program’s activities. Participants should be physically capable of lifting and carrying up to 23 kilograms (approximately 50 pounds). Please contact us if you have specific concerns.

---

Q5: I have food allergies or dietary restrictions. Will meals be adjusted for me?

A: Meals at the Farming Zen Retreat are vegetarian, and while we aim to accommodate basic dietary needs, we cannot guarantee adjustments for all allergies or special diets.

---

Q6: Can I participate if I have mental health conditions?

A: We encourage applicants with mental health conditions to carefully consider the demands of the retreat, especially the periods of noble silence and extended meditation. If you are managing your condition with the help of a mental health professional, we recommend discussing the program with them before applying. Your well-being is our priority.

---

Questions About the Application

Q7: When can I apply for the Farming Zen Retreat?

A: Applications are open now and will close on May 15, 2025. Admissions are rolling, so we encourage early submission for better chances of securing a spot.

---

Q8: Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation with my application?

A: A letter of recommendation is not required but can strengthen your application, particularly if you are looking to highlight your commitment to meditation or community service.

---

Q9: How are participants selected for the Retreat?

A: We assess each applicant holistically, taking into account their personal statement, background, and interest in the program’s core values. The selection process aims to create a diverse, committed group that is eager to explore Zen practice and community living.

---

Questions About the Retreat and Its Facilities

Q10: What are the sleeping arrangements?

A: Participants will stay in separate living quarters for men and women. The accommodations are simple, reflecting the focus on mindfulness and simplicity throughout the Retreat.

---

Q11: Will I be able to leave the Retreat during the retreat?

A: To fully immerse in the Farming Zen Retreat experience, participants are expected to remain on-site for the duration of the retreat.

---

Q12: Will I be required to participate in all the activities?

A: Yes, participation in all activities is encouraged, as the retreat is designed to be a communal, integrated experience. Each component, from gardening to meditation, contributes to the overall practice of farming Zen.

---

Q13: Can I use my phone, tablet, or laptop during the retreat?

A: To foster mindfulness and simplicity, the Retreat is technology-free. Participants are asked to refrain from using phones, tablets, or laptops during the retreat. This helps everyone to stay focused and fully engaged in the present moment.

---

Q14: How can my family contact me in case of an emergency?

A: Emergency contact information will be provided to all participants before the start of the Retreat. Family members can reach out to the Retreat coordinators in case of an urgent situation.

---

Q15: What should I bring to the Retreat?

A: Participants should bring layered clothing for cool nights and colder days, gardening gear like rubber or sneakers, and any personal care items they might need. Since this is a technology-free retreat, please plan to bring only essential items.

---

Q16: What is the cost of the Retreat?

A: Thanks to generous sponsorship from Woodenfish and Amitofo Care Center (ACC), the cost of participation, including room, board, and retreat activities, is covered for all accepted participants ensuring that you can focus entirely on the experience. You are only responsible for visa and travel expenses to and from (and within) Bodhi Farm, Cape Town, plus hand-made uniform plus shipping: $70/ one piece, dark blue Kimono style working Jacket. (One can order up to 2 pieces) . While the Farming Zen Retreat is fully covered by the Woodenfish + ACC Fellowship, a refundable deposit of $200 USD is required upon acceptance into the program. This deposit will be reimbursed in full after the successful completion of the program.

---

Q17: Is this Retreat suitable for someone looking for a relaxing vacation?

A: No, the Farming Zen Retreat is not a vacation—it is a mentally and physically engaging retreat designed for personal growth through meditation, communal service, and Zen practice. It requires full participation in all activities and a commitment to the program’s structure and values.

---

This program is open to beginners and those experienced in meditation. If you are seeking to deepen your connection with nature and mindfulness, apply today!

Farm

Participation in the Farming Zen Retreat implies consent to being included in photos and videos for program purposes. Photos and videos may be used for documentation and promotional purposes. For any other questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to us at farmingzen@woodenfish.org.