Location

The physical heart of the Monastic Academy sits in the Green Mountains of Johnson, Vermont. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest, the natural beauty outside reflects the natural beauty that residents discover within.

The surrounding area is filled with amazing hikes and journeys into the natural world. The property of CML abuts the famous Vermont Long Trail. Residents often take their breaks to walk portions of this beautiful trail which begins in the northern tip of Massachusetts and travels all the way up to Canada.

Residents are given ample time to spend in the natural world surrounding the center. Key to the teachings at the Monastic Academy is appreciation and love for the Earth, and the natural abundance that surrounds our center serves as a constant reminder of the singular beauty of this precious planet.

The monastery itself is a repurposed artists residency from the 1960s. High ceilings, beautiful stonework, and subtle artistic touches make the monastery a unique space to make home.

Residents sleep in shared living quarters separated by gender. Accommodations are simple and comfortable with custom made ‘Monk Beds’ that double as sleeping and storage space.

The inside of the center is made up of two large rooms, the zendo and the main office and dining room.

The zendo is made of red stonework, large enough for all the residents to sit in a circle and to accommodate up to sixty meditators during our one day public retreats.

The main room functions as both the dining room and the office space. The far side of the main office is covered by floor to ceiling windows looking out over the mountains of Vermont. It is a breathtaking view.

Your proximity to the natural world and your embeddedness in a community of practice is a rich and precious opportunity that will transform your world from the inside out.