Bliss

When it feels like life has closed in on me and it is time to escape and regain my center and sense of priority, I have chosen to run to the Monastery of St. Gertrude, and The Wallowa Buddhist Temple.

The Wallowa Buddhist Temple, in Joseph, Oregon, with amazing views of the Wallowa Mountains,  is an oasis of stillness in a noisy world.  A bit less than an hour and a half drive from my home in La Grande, the temple gives me an easily accessible respite from, well, whatever it is I’m running from at the time.  However, note to self:  the inner struggles I am working on, and the unrest within, often follow me there.  The grounds and the guidance provide the opportunity for peace; the rest is up to me.

The temple, which is a converted, nearly 2,000 square foot, single family log dwelling, is situated one quarter mile up the unpaved portion of Hurricane Creek Road and sits on several acres which includes a small stretch along Hurricane Creek itself.  The grounds have walking paths with delightful surprises of small meditation nooks, and beautiful statuary.  And did I mention the views?  The Wallowa Mountains have a mystical way of bringing your breath to a slow and steady rhythm.

The temple’s guardian is Reverend Master Meido Tuttle, a Buddhist monk  affiliated with the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives whose North American headquarters is at Shasta Abbey in Northern California.  Two little helper guardians are Mama and Perry, the rescued, temple cats.  Rev. Meido offers retreat, guidance and regular temple services to the community and to those, like myself, who find her.  She regularly offers meditation retreats in the Serene Reflection (Soto Zen) style in La Grande as well.  This is where we met, and when I decided I must learn more and spend more time in the presence of this beautiful soul.   When first I met her, I had the unshakable feeling I had always known her.  The reunion in this life has been a sweet one.

My first visit to the temple was a scheduled, 3-day retreat.  Accommodations are a private bedroom directly next to the full bath.  Individuals can easily be accommodated, and small groups of 4 or more may as well, with a little bit more creativity in sleeping arrangements.  Vegetarian meals are provided and prepared by Rev. Meido, in tandem with her, or you may offer to prepare one or more meals for her.  There are many opportunities for listening to pre-recorded Dharma talks, meditation in the Temple Hall, walking meditations on the grounds, and working meditations.  The pace and the flow is flexible and individualized.  Cost to visit is by donation (Dana).  Nothing is required or asked and all is graciously accepted.  You may give Dana of money, food, needed supplies for the temple, and offerings of time or physical labor.  The temple operates on donations.   There are plans to expand retreat options and accommodations on the property so be sure to check in with Rev. Meido to be kept up to date.

When you are there, Rev. Meido is your host and guide, on whatever spiritual journey unfolds for you.  I’m not Buddhist.  She doesn’t mind.  I ask silly questions.  She does her level best to answer them.  I have since visited many times for partial day retreats leaving La Grande in the morning and returning home before dark.  My husband and I have volunteered for grounds work parties and have enjoyed our time and our developing friendship with Rev. Meido.  I consider Rev. Meido and the Wallow Buddhist Temple, true jewels of the region.  I am always grateful and profoundly impacted by the time I spend there.  It seems as soon as I turn off on Hurricane Creek Road, and have unimpeded views of the mountains, I feel I have come home.  I can breathe.  Peace enters.