THE EXPERIENCE
A place to practise.
The January 2026 Farming Zen programme lodged participants at Shizhi Nianfo Vihara in Dongshi, with daily transfers to Shizai Farm. Woodenfish and ULA combined farming, communal work and meditation, with English instruction and international applicants explicitly welcomed. No future intake is confirmed.
What you can practise
- Zen meditation
- Buddha-name recitation
- farm work
- communal living
Where you will stay
2026 participants stayed at Shizhi Nianfo Vihara and travelled to Shizai Farm for activities.
The host & location
Woodenfish Foundation and Unlimited Lights Chinese Culture Academy
2026 lodging was at Shizhi Nianfo Vihara; Shizai Farm was an activity site. The 2025 edition used both for accommodation. Related to ULA Tiantai programmes, but a distinct curriculum and edition.
Related programmes
Time & commitment
Historical January 5–21, 2026 programme.
Joining from overseas
Overseas participants addressed. Beginners welcome; selection and full participation required. Gardening and other physical work are integral.
English support stated. Confirm instruction, translation and orientation for your specific programme.
DETAILS TO CLARIFY
- The January 2026 edition is historical; no future intake is confirmed.
- The original announcement contains a departure-year typo and inconsistent fee wording.
- The farm was an activity site; the 2026 retrospective places all overnight accommodation at Shizhi Nianfo Vihara.
Start a useful conversation.
Include your dates, nationality, language and previous experience when contacting the host.
- Are you accepting overseas participants for my intended dates, and what is the full required length of stay?
- Which sessions have English instruction or translation?
- Where exactly will I sleep, and what are the room-sharing and meal arrangements?
- What is the full daily schedule, total cost and cancellation policy?
THE EVIDENCE BEHIND THIS ENTRY
Read the original sources.
Reviewed 12 September 2026. The documented programme has already taken place. This record is retained for research and does not indicate a current intake.
- Woodenfish + ULA Farming Zen 2026 Host / organiser · Programme / report date: 2026-01-05/2026-01-21
January residential programme in Taichung; FAQ explicitly welcomes all nationalities and states English instruction.
- 第二屆農禪生活營紀實 Host / organiser
Retrospective confirms the 2026 programme occurred, with all participants lodged at Shizhi Nianfo Vihara in Dongshi and farm activities reached by vehicle.
We have not visited or inspected this programme. Our summaries distinguish provider claims, historical notices and independent accounts. Read our research method.