this is the only mountain I know

The July 2026 retreat in Karuna was loosely built around Dogen’s Mountains and Rivers Sutra, with daily readings selected from Chan master Hongzhi’s use of similar metaphors. Mountains have long been associated with monks, teachers, temples, and even the wholeness of life. Rivers have referred to the flow of the Dharma, of karma, or the natural unfolding of this very being-time.

On the final full day of the retreat, I awoke with this poem fully formed in my mind, the repeated mantra loudly waking me, and shared it during our first group circle that broke a week of silence. It summarizes my experience of the retreat, of my practice… perhaps of this life.

This is the only mountain I know

The first time, it must be yelled, in anger and bitterness. This is the only mountain I know.

The second time, it must be said softly in tears, full of sadness and loss at lives unchosen and unlived. This is the only mountain I know.

Then, it is said in acceptance and resignation. This is the only mountain I know.

Knee deep in the river. Cool, clear water streaming past. The stones beneath my feet holding all of the past ages that shaped the current.

And finally, said with compassion and a heart full of love…. This is my home. This is the only mountain I know.

~Matthew D. Skinta, Monchique, Portugal, July 2026