New Drawings

Pico Blanco by Steven Harper (graphite on paper)

I have added a page to my art site, Bear Creek Studios, to include some of the many graphite on paper drawings I have in my sketch books. Both drawing and painting have been important ways for me to more deeply engage with the wild nature of Big Sur.
This view of Pico Blanco is looking north from the Golden Stairway (a ridge that runs up to Post Summit). Old-timers reportedly called it that, "because if you climb up there you'll find a bit of heaven." I tend to agree. Some accounts of the Esselen Indian's creation story has Pico Blanco as the center of creation... where everything came into being.
For more drawing and painting click here: Bear Creek Studios Big Sur

The Nature of Zen

For more photos of the retreat click here: Retreat Photos

"Our way is to practice one step at a time, one breath at a time, with no gaining idea."

Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

The first day of our retreat was HOT! As the days passed it grew cooler each day. We went out on walks each morning and returned to Tassajara for lunch each day. In the afternoons we had dharma discussions in the Kaisando (founders hall) with a short meditation period.
The incredible gift of the natural hot springs (the hottest in the mountain range) along with the delicious meals makes it a good place to "practice" waking up to our lives.
Deep Bow, Steven

"The secret of Soto Zen is just two words: not always so."

Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

The Nature of Contemplation

For more photos click here: Workshop Photos

Con•temp•(l)atio(n)

First off, many thanks to you all for your leisurely presence and balanced walk between being and doing... heaven and earth... play and work... meaning and purpose... vision and action...
Second, thanks to Jud, Tanja, and Kai for their support in assisting through the weekend.
Third, gratefulness to wild-nature-as-teacher for the simple and wondrous gifts we experienced.
May we all walk the contemplative path toward greater aliveness...
Wildly, Steven

P.S. Mitch posted a slide show of the photos he took and is willing to send out a DVD to anyone that wants it! Click on this link for the slide show: http://surflounge.com/esalen/
You can email Mitch at: utopiaonthebeach@yahoo.com