The Teachers
I first encountered meditation and the teachings of the Buddha while travelling in Asia in my mid twenties, and have given my life to Dharma practice and service, teaching Insight Meditation retreats internationally since 1993. I serve on the Teacher Council at Gaia House, and as a senior teacher at Insight Meditation Society, Massachusetts.
My teaching is inspired by the Thai forest tradition, and the transformative power of silence, simplicity and the natural world, while also drawing from a range of meditative approaches. Since 2018 I have devoted a significant amount of my time to activism, calling for an appropriate response by government, to the intersecting climate, ecological and social justice crises of our time.
I grew up in New Zealand, with parents of European and Asian heritage, and live in Devon, England, with Catherine McGee. In 2023 I was treated for cancer and am deeply grateful for the support and care I received from many Dharma friends and Sangha over this time.
I co-founded the BuddhaDharmaSangha camp with Brad Richecour in 2001 and love the way it has evolved and woven community, meditation and nature into an inspiring, nourishing and transformative field.
I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the immense contributions of Brad Richecour, Catherine McGee and Kirsten Kratz, whose wisdom, love and inspiration have been a blessing beyond measure, that remains with us, even while they have moved on from the role of BDS Camp teachers.
Yanai Postelnik
Julia Wallond
I have been a regular camper at Buddha Dharma Sangha ( BDS) camp for over 10 years, and love the richness of community living, supported and nurtured by the Buddhist teachings and the beauty of Holy Brook field. I’m now looking forward to contributing in the teacher role.
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I have a close connection with the Buddhist retreat centre Gaia house where I have been retreating regularly since 2005, and recently completed dharma teacher training with the Bodhi college. I am also a trained mindfulness teacher ( MBCT). ​
Donations/Dana
In the tradition of the Buddha, the dharma teachings are considered precious and beyond price.
The camp teachers Yanai and Julia, share their experience and understanding without being paid from the camp fees for offering the teaching. They rely upon the generosity and freely given financial support of those who value the teachings to live in this way. “Dana” means generosity and sharing what we have, to support that which we value. Participants on the camp will be invited to offer dana to the teachers in this spirit.
