Why Sit a Personal Retreat?

IMS founding and guiding teacher Joseph Goldstein and Forest Refuge teacher-in-residence Myoshin Kelley respond to questions about personal retreat at the Forest Refuge.

For some, the format of traditional retreats with set schedules and group practice provides the necessary discipline and structure to explore the mind. What are the benefits of undertaking a less-structured personal retreat at the Forest Refuge?

Myoshin:
When we begin meditation practice and come on a retreat, a structure is not only beneficial but essential. The schedule, including daily instructions and teachings, provides the indispensable support to start investigating the mind. Though the techniques taught are quite simple, it isn’t always easy to practice all day, and having others around helps keep us going.

At a certain point in practice, however, embarking on a personal retreat with minimal structure can cultivate important qualities necessary for the continuing unfolding of the dharma. A personal retreat strengthens faith, self-reliance and confidence. As well, it allows the discovery of an intuitive practice rhythm that arises from a deeper understanding of our own motivation.

The development of these qualities then encourages practice in daily life, where we often don’t have access to group support. In daily life, what we’ve learned about our minds is frequently put to the test!

Joseph:
Since the time of the Buddha, one traditional way of deepening meditation has been for students to receive instructions from a teacher and then go off by themselves to practice. After some time, a review with the teacher takes place, and further instruction is given. During my years in India, I often practiced this way with my teacher, Munindraji, and found it to be tremendously enriching. There’s a feeling of inner exploration that inspires an engaged interest, effort and confidence as we find our own balance of sitting and walking.

The very lack of structure often reflects back different nuances and patterns in the mind. We see ever more clearly how our own minds create suffering, and how the possibilities for genuine peace and happiness are not dependent on external conditions, but on inner transformation. For people with a good meditation background, the Forest Refuge provides a unique balance of solitude and support, aloneness and community.

There is a perception among some experienced meditators that their practice is not yet stable enough to sustain a personal retreat. Do you have any comments about this?

Myoshin:
It is important to build a foundation of how to do the practice, as well as having some retreat experience, before coming to the Forest Refuge. However, mastery is not required! We are all still learning. The Forest Refuge offers both tangible and intangible kinds of support. On the tangible level, there is a fair amount of teacher guidance - two personal interviews and two dharma talks are given each week. Yogis also have access to a tape library. If practice difficulties should arise, a qualified Forest Refuge teacher is always available.

It’s also helpful to remember that the sangha (community) is much in evidence at the Forest Refuge – support is felt from fellow yogis on their own personal retreats and from the wonderful staff looking after the center.

Joseph:
I can appreciate that doing a personal retreat may at first appear daunting. “How will I manage without a schedule, without bells?” But it has been quite amazing to discover, as have many yogis - to their own great surprise - that the stillness and silence of the Forest Refuge is an intangible but deeply felt presence that radiates a sense of safety and protection. Often within just a few days, this atmosphere of calm abiding and peace seems to help meditators settle effortlessly into greater depths of practice. It is quite a remarkable experience.