Aaron

Aaron reflects on the transformative power of retreat experiences, emphasizing their profound impact on deep-seated aspects of the self. He notes that these retreats offer relief from suffering by providing an opportunity to explore the mind’s depths and find an inner resilience despite external challenges. The perspective gained during retreats allows individuals to navigate the world with a sense of calm and distance, even when facing surface-level issues that may not be fully integrated.

Recognizing the importance of informing people about the availability of such opportunities, Aaron highlights the concept of refuge— the ability to step away and spend time in solitude to address inner struggles. He believes that this knowledge should be widespread in society, ensuring that individuals are aware of alternatives to conventional approaches like medication or institutionalization.

Aaron sees monasteries not just as places to escape the world but as training centers where one can learn unique skills. He emphasizes the benefits of a clearer mind in making a positive impact on the world, stating that monastic training is unparalleled in relieving personal suffering and equipping individuals to address suffering on a broader scale. He encourages people to recognize the nuanced nature of deep practice, especially for those with certain mental health or trauma backgrounds, while still advocating for the potential life-changing impact of encounters with dedicated practitioners in a monastery setting. Ultimately, Aaron suggests that establishing connections with monastic communities can alter one’s worldview, emphasizing the enduring value of such experiences.

 

Jogen

Jogen shares his extensive experience with meditation retreats, noting their transformative and challenging nature. He emphasizes the commitment and potency that arise when fully dedicating oneself to the practice, whether in solo retreats or in synergy with others. Drawing a parallel to mastering a musical instrument, he highlights the significance of sustained commitment and intimacy with the practice.

While Jogen recognizes the special circumstances and dynamic transformation within retreats, he questions their essential nature. Instead, he suggests that the transformative power of the practice lies in sustaining awareness throughout the day. Jogen shares personal experiences of how even brief formal sessions created a lasting afterglow that carried into daily activities, amplifying awareness and sensitivity.

Challenging the notion that retreats are essential, Jogen proposes that a committed and sustained engagement with the practice throughout the day can yield transformative results. He reflects on the organic unfolding of one’s relationship with the Dharma, likening retreats to a deepening commitment in a relationship. Jogen encourages practitioners to be creative and resourceful, adapting the practice to their lives, even in the absence of formal retreats. He underscores the power of commitment and engagement with the practice, regardless of the specific circumstances.

Jackie

Jackie details her experiences with residential retreats within the Bompard tradition, highlighting the diverse teachings offered by various teachers. With the Buddha having taught 84,000 teachings, the retreats serve as paths leading practitioners down the same journey but with unique perspectives tailored to different minds and consciousness.

Describing a typical day at a residential retreat in France, Jackie outlines the rituals and offerings, such as the morning fire offering (song) and the water offering ceremony (tour). These rituals, occurring four times a day, involve prayers, chants, and blessings, aimed at satisfying the needs of spirits associated with various elements and realms.

The day includes teachings, breaks, and meditations, emphasizing the integration of the curriculum into daily life. Generosity offerings, involving smoke rituals and drum and bell ceremonies, symbolize a connection to the shamanic traditions, seen by some as the indigenous religion of Tibet. These practices reflect the harsh Tibetan environment’s influence, fostering a deep connection to the elements.

Jackie emphasizes the immersive nature of these retreats, where practitioners not only learn through teachings but also engage in meditative practices. The process involves thinking about teachings, meditating on them, and turning those learnings into personal experiences. The circular process continues as practitioners compare their meditation experiences with the teachings, leading to a deeper understanding.

She underscores the importance of meditation, stating that reading or thinking about teachings is insufficient. Practical application and meditation help transform knowledge into personal experience. Having a teacher is crucial to avoid mistakes and ensure proper understanding of the meditation practices, emphasizing the practical and structured nature of the curriculum aimed at taming the mind.

Mark

In the context of Mark’s experience, retreats hold a significant role in deepening one’s connection to spiritual practices. Emphasizing the importance of being guided by a teacher during retreats, Mark describes the structured nature of these immersive experiences. From designated wake-up times to allocated periods for tea, practice, rest, contemplation, and meditation, retreats offer a break from the constant busyness of everyday life.

Mark underscores the necessity of detaching from external distractions during retreats, where participants leave behind phones, televisions, and radios, focusing solely on their practice. This deliberate isolation facilitates a profound connection to spiritual practices. Mark explains that this focused environment enables individuals to shed external layers, allowing for a more profound spiritual connection.

Drawing a comparison to monastic life in Nepal, Mark highlights the routine of a monastic community where the sole focus is on practice. Retreats, in a way, offer a taste of this monastic experience while allowing practitioners to continue living in the regular world. The structured and uninterrupted nature of retreats provides a contrast to the rushed and distracted approach often experienced in daily practice.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals practicing in their daily lives, Mark encourages a compassionate view of personal practice. He explains that retreats allow practitioners to set aside time exclusively for practice, avoiding the rush often associated with morning routines before work.

Mark speaks to the dual nature of living in both worlds — the worldly demands and the spiritual path. He suggests that retreats provide an opportunity to escape the common misconception of constant practice in daily life and allow individuals to fully immerse themselves in spiritual practice for a dedicated period.

Mark concludes by recommending solitary retreats as a particularly effective method of delving into Dharma and practice. Whether open or closed, these retreats offer different intensities of isolation, from limited contact with the outside world to complete seclusion. Mark suggests that engaging in retreats can be transformative, providing practitioners with a taste of being by themselves, away from the usual distractions of the modern world.