Margaret and Stefano Barragato
Teachers of the Treetop Zen Center
I am Stefano. I became a Zen Priest in 1983, and received Dharma Transmission in 1996. Margaret and I moved to Maine in 2003 and have finally settled in Oakland. We live in a lovely house with a large yard, lots of trees with our two dogs, Rosie and Sancho, and two cats, Sadie and Ari. The mnother-in-law apartment above the garage was transformed into a zendo and is now the hub of the Treetop Zen Center. We are blessed in having a small and strong sangha.
I am interested in teaching a Zen which anyone can do and understand. Using everyday down-to-earth language. Reaching ordinary people. I collect and eat wild mushrooms, love to play Bridge, the Baroque flute, recorder, and jazz vibes.
One of the great joys of living in Maine is taking walks in the woods with the dogs. And recently I have taken up kayaking and loving it. There are thousands lakes and many are quite close. I love quietly paddling along the edge of a lake weaving through water lilies, visiting the hawks, eagles, badgers, loons, and other friends.
I am Margaret Ne-Eka Barragato. My Dharma name is Ne-Eka, which means “not one.” This aptly describes who I am and what I do; I always seem to be involved in a variety of projects some of which are apparently contradictory. First, I am a Zen teacher and priest at the Treetop Zen Center, which I consider to be my primary work. Being with Zen students as they explore their own inner selves is my greatest joy. In addition, I am Roman Catholic, active in the church. I also offer spiritual direction, another form of inner exploration, and another source of delight.
In 2007 I completed the Doctor of Ministry program at Bangor Theological Seminary.
One of my main interests is interfaith conversation. For my doctoral project, I led an interfaith group in which the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths are represented. I hope to continue working in this field.
Recently, I have developed a passion for kayaking on the many lakes and streams of Maine. I also love walking in the woods.