On Virtual Retreat

The first day of our virtual retreat. Our second virtual retreat of the pandemic here at the Boundless Way Temple (on-line).  We’re calling it The Distant Temple Bell.

As far as I know, these virtual retreats are a new form of practice in the history of Zen. For thousands of years, Zen practitioners have gathered in temples and monasteries, in retreat centers and in individual’s homes for in-person intensive training periods traditionally called sesshin. During these gatherings, we live together in silence as we follow a simple routine that supports us in consciously doing the challenging and mysterious work of waking up. Sitting still together alternating with periods of walking are always the core of the schedule.

It is rigorous and wondrous work, this sitting together in silence and stillness. These next three days, a group of us will do this ancient work through periods together on Zoom alternating with time on our own. Though the form is different, the intention is the same – to withdraw from the busyness of the world in order to break through the fierce and mindless inertia of our lives—to find ourselves right where we are.

I’m reminded of St. Paul’s injunction to ‘Pray ceaselessly and rejoice in all things.’ This is a good description our intentions during intensive periods of Zen training. The ceaseless prayer is the seamless container of practice. We do our best give up pursuing the endless mind roads of desire and accumulation. We turn instead, moment after moment, to the source of life which only resides right here in this instant—this breath, this sound, this sensation. Life is always generously arising and offering itself to us, only usually we are too busy to notice.

Our vow on retreat is to practice appreciating what is actually here—to rejoice in whatever arises. Of course we have our opinions: ‘I like feeling like this. I don’t like that.’ But beyond what Rumi calls ‘the field of right and wrong’, there is a vast freedom that we touch only when our habitual objections releases us to be present to what has been here all along.

Life itself is nowhere else. There’s nothing to search for and nothing understand. Life itself is continually and effortlessly presenting itself to each one of us. All we have to do is wake up to what has always been here.

Personal Practice – Consider joining us over these next three days in consciously turning your attention to what is right in front of you. If it’s possible, allow yourself to sit in silent meditation or prayer more than usual. Don’t try to quiet your mind or achieve peace. See if you can appreciate life in whatever form it arises. No special tricks necessary.