hello, everyone!
so, what was the retreat like. well, 5 hours sitting, 6 hours sleeping, then chanting, walking looking down, working and eating in a very ritualised way. very boring. highly recommended.
also there was a zen master, so we had interviews. i found that the master is using pretty same algorithm for every student. whether this approach is efficient i would need to think over and examine. also i doubt usefulness of some koans. this matter takes further examination as well.
i took 5 vows and now bear a buddhist name in Kwan Um zen tradition. the name is myo do, which means 'mystic way'.
finally, a tip for people who plan to go on a retreat for the first time: rotate sitting positions often. :)
good luck.
mickael
2 comments:
Thank for making this effort, Mickael! Very wonderful!
Regarding interviews...usually the teacher has the "koan of the day" which all students work on. And then each student has their "homework" - the primary koan on which they're currently working. And, of course, these vary widely by student. First-time students are introduced to the koans in pretty much the same ways - the algorithm that gets people off into koanspace.
Congratulations also on taking 5 precepts. My name is "Kwan Sam," which means "perceive three."
Yes, very boring practice. What could be more recommended?!
hi Barry,
why thank me? :)
re koans: i figured that out. still i doubt the forms master uses. a failed student i would have been otherwise. ;)
good luck.
mickael
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