~ Temenos Retreat Center Welcomes a New Resident Director ~

Visit the New Resident Director Page for More Information

WELCOME TO TEMENOS RETREAT CENTER!

The name Temenos is taken from a Greek word meaning the sacred space surrounding a temple or an altar. Carl Jung used this same word to refer to the inner space deep within us where soul-making takes place.

Temenos is a small rustic retreat and conference center, located on 78 acres on a small mountain in Massachusetts, 25 minutes from Amherst. Here, we remember the sacredness of our natural world, rekindling our connections to the earth, water, and all the creatures and growing things inhabiting this temenos.

In our forest setting guests are away from electricity and telephone, taking their water from our well. Explore paths and hiking trails, a look-out ledge for star gazing and sunsets, a labyrinth, a small pond for swimming and skating. There are remnants of the historical past when Mount Mineral was a well-known health spa famous for its mineral springs. Nearby are biking and cross-country skiing trails.

The founders of Temenos, Joe and Teresina Havens, lived here from 1973 to 1989. They were Quakers with a strong interest in Buddhism. Their vision was to provide a simpler life-style “devoted to the healing and renewal of persons, groups and the wider society”.

Here, seekers live caringly and reverently with themselves and other beings, respecting, preserving and nurturing the natural environment.  In returning to the natural cycles of the earth, we learn to live in balance with nature. Open time in your busy life for “the fresh energies, the healing touch, the guiding currents of that Deep Flow which is present within us.”  Shed the tensions of your world as you enjoy your slow walk, a pleasant half-mile up our unpaved lane. Listen to the bird songs, the wind in the hemlocks. Go within, be refreshed, at peace.

Please click on the menu links at the top of this page to learn more about our our lodgings, to get directions to Temenos, or to learn about ways to support the work of Temenos.

You may also contact Cheryl Harrell and Kavita Hunt for fees, reservations and further information at:
Temenos, 65 Mount Mineral Road, Shutesbury, MA 01072
Phone: 413-367-9779