The dream for DNBF
Imagine a place where inspiration flows freely − a living sanctuary created by our shared dreams, ideas and input. Together, we can create a center that reflects our values − a place where development, community and deep friendship can flourish.
We would like to hear your thoughts, which are crucial when we now in the society are to collect and concretize the dreams that live in DNBF, which will later be communicated to people who can really help with property and buildings.
Ever since the beginning, we have carried the dream of a retreat center for the entire Nordic region − where people can focus fully on freedom, wisdom and happiness. We also dream of a place where men and women equally can dedicate their lives to this full-time training – women and men who will act as teachers and help educate instructors for future generations.
Let’s create something beautiful, lasting and meaningful together! This is our opportunity – join us and add your input to the future!
The board of DNBF, which has the most relevant dept expertise, will try to describe the society’s dream during the autumn, and you are now invited to provide input in this process. The end result will not be that everyone gets what they want – but we all want input from everyone in this phase.
Some elements are already defined in our 2500-year-old tradition and in our constitution:
- We will have both male and female teachers (bhikkhus and bhikkhunis) living there permanently, who will also educate the teachers of the future. And those who live there full-time, both bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, should each have their own residential area that they legally have full control over through internal democratic processes. We are thinking about room for 5-10 men (bhikkhus) and 5-10 women (bhikkhunis)
- The area of the retreat center is for all members, and it is natural that this area should be under the legal control of the association’s board, and governed through democratic processes. We are thinking of room for 50 people, who will all have their own room.
The focus of this dream is not to go into details about buildings, design and space solutions – but the big picture:
- Purpose and use: What activities and functions should the centre have? For example, courses, silent retreats, fellowship, teaching, meditation, etc.
- Location and location: Where do we want the centre to be located? Close to Oslo? Close to Oslo Airport Gardermoen?
- Design and facilities: What kind of rooms, facilities and surroundings do they want? For example, room types, common areas, nature, accessibility, universal design.
- Sustainability and the environment: What environmental considerations do we think are important in construction and operation?
- Funding and support: Is there interest in contributing financially, through voluntary work or in other ways?
- Expectations: What expectations do you have for life and the community at the centre?
- How and why: How did you get in touch with this association, and why is a retreat center in Norway good for you?
- Organisation: How should this be organised, and who should be responsible?
- Name and identity: Proposal for name, vision and values for the centre
The chairman of DNBF will be available for contact about this project by email (post@dnbf.org), and access will be given to a group Center on Kindance.org where everyone involved can communicate.
Send an email to post@dnbf.org if you want to help shape the society’s future.
Or better yet, put your input on Kindance.org – our own medium for internal communication, free from spam, advertising and trolling.
PS: Nitho has tested different locations for a retreat center:
The current proposal from Nitho is to build a retreat center at the top of Langeskavlen at Fondsbu. The disadvantage − lacks a gondola, and he is not entirely satisfied with the possibility of the food service up there :)
(photo: Erlend Neergaard, from the mountain retreat 2022)
He has also tried the Gol mountain – but they don’t have Burger King there…
And last year, Tverrfjellet was tested, but too little area, and of course typical bad-luck − no Burger King there either…
