Thank you for the response. I did go on a 7 day retreat years ago. We sat for hours in pairs, about 50 of us. We gazed at the person across from us and repeated the question "Who am I?" to ourselves.
Bill Find what makes your heart sing…and do it! ________________________________ From: Joe <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Mon, August 20, 2012 6:07:44 PM Subject: [Zen] Re: Monkey Mind Bill, By all means, go on retreat. Don't settle for less than 7 days, because it takes most folks at least three days simply to settle-in. It's only natural. Same thing with Hiking. After about Day 3 or 4, things become sweet. Opinion is divided as to which day is the hardest day, but it's around Day 2 or 3, for most. Stick it out, past that, and you'll thank us for the encouragement. I'm not saying it's easy! Weekend retreats give you all the pain with none of the benefit(s). Avoid them until much later, or never. The price or cost per month for membership in that group should show that it is not legit(imate). I think they should be exposed as frauds, even if the teacher carries transmission from a genuine teacher. Money is not the aim of zen teaching. Or, it shouldn't be. A teacher needs something to live on, but $13 US per DAY from each member is simply Astronomical, ...and I know because I am an Astronomer. Run! Surely, that town has been scoured by hurricanes regularly, but that is no excuse for Extortion from Sangha members. Something is rotten in the State of Louisiana. Or, something wicked from that way comes! Strong practice!, no matter how you bring it about. Cheers! --Joe / Arizona > William Rintala <brintala@...> wrote: > > I am a perpetual beginner when it comes to meditation.
