TEMENOS is a small retreat and conference center, located on 78 acres on a small mountain in Massachusetts, 25 minutes from Amherst. In our forest setting guests are away from electricity and telephone, taking their water from our well. There are paths and hiking trails, a look-out ledge for star gazing and sunsets, a labyrinth, a small pond for swimming and skating. Biking and cross-country skiing trails are nearby. There are remnants of the historical past when Mt. Mineral was a well-known health spa famous for its mineral springs.

The founders of Temenos lived here from 1973 to 1989. They were Quakers with a strong interest in Buddhism. Their vision was to provide a simpler life-style and to help us cultivate more harmonious relationships between the natural world and ourselves, and within society at large. A way to begin this process is to be in touch with the natural cycles of the earth and learn to live again in balance with nature.

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. Here, we remember the sacredness of our natural world, rekindling our connections to the earth, water and all the creatures and growing things that inhabit this temenos.

Make 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. Be refreshed, at peace.

		The Cabins Temenos has four cabins, open all year round. They are suitable for individuals, families or small groups. Each cabin is unique, the smallest holds 2, and the largest 6 persons. They are furnished simply, with beds, a table and chairs, and a kerosene lamp. A wood stove will keep your cabin cozy in the winter and the wood is already cut and split. There is a small propane burner at each cabin for cooking, as well as basic eating and cooking utensils, pots, dishes, etc.
What to bring: • a sleeping bag and pillow case • towel and toiletries • candles and a flashlight • the food you will prepare at your cabin No pets, please.
		The Lodge The Lodge is a large open space suitable for conferences, meetings, workshops, family gatherings, dancing or celebrations of all kinds. Skylights, a screened porch and a deck bring the natural world in for meditation or yoga. Small groups are comfortable in this space; larger groups of 20 are easily accommodated. There is a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, refrigerator and hot water heater, all fueled by propane. Futons and foam pads are available for sleeping in the great room or on the screened porch. Two wood stoves give warmth on chilly nights. The Lodge is open from April through October.

Travel Directions

From Boston area

Take Route 2 West and exit at Route 202 South. Follow Route 202 for almost 10 miles when you turn right at a sign for Shutesbury, 1 mile. You will come to the little crossroads for Shutesbury village (town hall, church, P.O.). Here, you will turn right, following directions to State Park. Go 4 or 5 miles to a "T" and turn right to Lake Wyola.

From Connecticut, New York and West

Take Interstate 91 North to the Deerfield exit, Exit 24. At the exit ramp turn onto Route 116 South. This will take you over the Conn. River into the town of Sunderland and the stop light. Turn left at this light onto Route 47 North; go 5 or 6 miles until route 47 comes to an end. (There is a highway sign marking the end and it comes just after 47 makes a sharp right turn.) Do not turn onto Rt. 63 but cross over the intersection following the signs to Lake Wyola State Park, about 5 miles.

From Lake Wyola

Continue past the Lake Wyola swimming beach to a stop sign. Go straight ahead at this intersection onto a gravel road, Jennison Road. Bear right at the cemetery and continue for another three tenths mile; bear right onto Mt Mineral Road. Follow signs to Temenos.

To learn more, please contact Nancy Smith for fees, information, reservations and directions.

Temenos
65 Mt. Mineral Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
413-367-9779