10 Day Retreat
The 10 day retreat is considered a whole unit. This is so there is time to cover some essential points from the teachings of Theravadin Buddhism and give the meditator sufficient techniques to create a balanced practice. A balanced practice used not only in silent retreat, but also integrating our practice into everyday life.
Scheduled talks by Steve or Rosemary will be given to the group morning and evening, helping to guide the meditator along the experiential inner journey.
Normally there are three scheduled interviews for all retreatants, aimed at giving more personalized guidance. In the interviews there is no hesitation to give specific techniques to aid the student in overcoming various obstacles which are preventing the growth of Compassionate Understanding. The private interviews allow for deeper communication between teacher and student, thus enabling the teachers, or assistant teachers, to access the student's individual needs. Due to the variety of backgrounds and conditioning of the students, Rosemary and Steve realize that different personalities often need different practices to aid the deepening of the inner journey. This also allows for the importance for discussion and debate as a means to correct wrong understanding and wrong intention. Right Understanding and Right Intention are the guiding intelligence behind technique.
Presently the number of students is limited in order to keep this personal connection between teacher and student. Private interviews can be of great importance, and can be a major influence for the student. Often a single sentence in a private interview can completely change the student's perception and their direction of their practice, helping to address personal needs at different stages of the journey.
Much time will be spent in formal sitting, walking, and standing meditation practice.
Activity throughout the day such as eating, bathing, chores, etc., will also be used to increase moment to moment awareness and help the meditator develop the capacity to be more present and aware in more normal activities. This is very important in helping the retreatant to integrate the formal practice into everyday actions.