DNBF has arranged mountain retreats in Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda before, and it is something we want to continue doing. The reason is that the mountain provides a wonderful setting around what we are trying to achieve – a clear and peaceful mind, which is used to develop wisdom about our own nature, to develop a beautiful mind. This focus, combined with stays and trips in the mountains is golden.

But after some experience in the mountains, the conclusion was that we need to do something about our mountain retreats. It was amazing scenery, very beautiful environment, quiet and peaceful – but we were not able to offer sufficient comfort – not even to ourselves as organizers.

In the mountains there can be glorious sun and nice temperatures one day, and the next day 5 degrees, fog, strong winds and pouring rain. We did not have the equipment to handle these fluctuations – it became too cold and wet – and nearby mountain lodges did not have facilities to meet our needs for our activities.

A mountain retreat is a retreat that DNBF arranges over approx. 4 weeks, where the participant chooses when and for how long they join. It is a small group of people who gather to study, discuss and practice a development of the mind − but where social and physical activity also have a focus. Much of the time is spent individually, with a need for peace and quiet, as well as simple but good comfort. There are daily gatherings focusing on current topics for the participants.

So we look for two options:

• a mountain lodge in the mountains that has everything we need for rent, or
• a mountain lodge that can offer food, shower and toilet and a small area within walking distance of the mountain lodge, where we can set up some mountain pods – so we do accommodation ourselves.

One alternative is a pilot project with mountain pods.

A mountain pod is a very simple, small and modular cabin, which is relatively easy to set up and disassemble, and which can be transported on a car trailer or truck. It's like a tent made of wood, but with a small electric heater, enough insulation and a window out into nature.

Such mountain pods will create a dry, warm, safe and comfortable place to be regardless of the weather in the mountains. An ideal pilot project could be to build 3-5 mountain pods, and carry out a summer retreat near a mountain lodge that offers food, shower and toilet – as well as via a long outdoor extension cord which could deliver about 500 watts of power per pod. In addition, of course, the mountain lodge itself is the natural social meeting point.

Anyone know of a mountain lodge that can help us get started? Any comments? Contact us at post@dnbf.org

Photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen