07.05.2017 - By Foundation for Shingon Buddhism
In episode 18 we discuss Buddhist retreats. Often presented as vacations, or spa-like experiences, the traditional Buddhist retreat or temple experience is generally geared at creating a highly structures environment that is at once transformative, as well as educational.
Sometimes compared to military or other highly structured programs, the monastic experience provides an atmosphere in which teaching and meditation is delivered, but also where the participant is presented with opportunities to confront assumptions, are areas of discomfort. Rather than being an escape, the Buddhist retreat should provide an environment in which the participant confronts assumptions, ideas about themselves, their needs, and desires.