About this Talk
In this talk, Hōgen Josh Lawler explores “The Wisdom of Nature” through personal experiences, scientific research, and Buddhist teachings. He describes moments in nature that brought calm and a sense of connection, and he reviews studies suggesting that time in natural settings can reduce stress and improve mood and recovery.
He also discusses how trees, forests, flowers, and other natural images appear in Buddhist texts and stories, including references to the Buddha, koans, and Dogen’s “Mountains and Waters Sutra.” The talk closes with a poem by Mary Oliver about slowing down and resting in nature.