Fancy a Monastery Retreat?

[LitNetIsGreat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5p_U8J0iRQ

Call it what you will, but I’ve often harboured the (strange?) desire to get away from all the white noise and madness of the world, and to retreat somewhere for a bit of calm and relaxation. Often, this is called the pub or library (or bath), but beyond that there is often a nagging pull towards something a little more substantial.

Don’t get me wrong I am not religious in any way, but the thought of spending a little time directed towards self-reflection, inner peace and relaxation, harmony in a calm community – totally free and stripped from all the nonsense of everyday life is hugely appealing. Maybe this is just running away, but I don’t think it is just that, I think there is much more to it than that?

I mean it wouldn’t even have to be in a monastery or anything, I have also pondered on the idea of a small community of like-minded people, sharing in the joy of simply physical labour and plain living, with time left for personal pursuits such as reading or painting, spending a bit of quiet time or in just chatting with others - whatever really!

On a daily basis I do my best to keep at least ten miles from a TV set and to block out as much of the news/advertisements and general vulgarity as humanly possible, but let’s face it, it is blood hard work sometimes, it is all around and difficult to avoid. Then of course there is “the job”...:eek:

However, I try to build a little time each day where I am free of all worries and noise and can get on with a little reading, listening to music or just sitting quietly, so I have my peace in a way really, (so please don’t offer me advice) but I just wondered if anybody else ever felt a similar pull along the lines that I describe? Any thoughts?

Other than that, feel free to post any cool monk related stuff...:cool:

[1n50mn14]

I imagine you'd benefit from spending time at an ashram.

[Virgil]

I know the feeling Neely. I've thought about it myself.

I love early (pre-classical music) and Gregorian chants are so soothing and beautiful. Just relax and be absorbed by the music.

Here are a few clips of actually being inside a monastery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnKbPj7EhCg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr_D8oIdvQA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDQgMag2-sk&feature=related

[Paulclem]

Hi Neely,

As you know, I've got an interest in Buddhism, and I've been to such a community for a short while. Funnily enough, it is still challenging to live in such a place. We, (my wife and I), came to the conclusion that, far from running away from the world's problems, a community throws up a microcosm of human interaction problems. After all, it's not the TV, adverts and noise of modern life that are really the problem, but other people - as sartre said.

All the big things may be back in civilisation, but the little things come into focus - our dislike of someone's habits, the annoying traits that people have, the way people speak to you etc. All the problems within ourselves are projected onto other people.

I have a friend/teacher who is a monk. He spent time in a monastery in France, and he confirms the difficulties. Of course being in such an environment gives you the opportunity to deal with these things, and that is why people go there.

[papayahed]

However, I try to build a little time each day where I am free of all worries and noise and can get on with a little reading, listening to music or just sitting quietly, so I have my peace in a way really, (so please don’t offer me advice) but I just wondered if anybody else ever felt a similar pull along the lines that I describe? Any thoughts?


No. Introspection is overrated.

[DanielBenoit]

This looks like just what I need. I usually can only find peace thirty-minutes a day in meditation.

[LitNetIsGreat]

An ashram sounds cool...

Virgil, thanks for the beautiful and interesting clips, and, solidarity of feeling - it is a relief that I am not alone in such feelings then!

Yes hi Paulcelm, I guess you remember I am 5% Buddhist too then (of course you can't quantify that, but you get the meaning)? What you have said has given me some thought, good points I guess. "All the problems within ourselves are projected onto other people" yes, I know what you are getting at and that this is something that Buddhism in a way seeks to counter.

It is an interesting thought that "escaping" to a place of retreat is not really escaping at all. I suppose that such a place doesn't guarantee divine peace, but merely gives you a different set of things to get annoyed about, like changing the annoying TV ads for another annoying habit or turn of phrase. Surely though, these are minor things in comparison, or did your friend find that this was not the case?

[Paulclem]

An ashram sounds cool...

Virgil, thanks for the beautiful and interesting clips, and, solidarity of feeling - it is a relief that I am not alone in such feelings then!

Yes hi Paulcelm, I guess you remember I am 5% Buddhist too then (of course you can't quantify that, but you get the meaning)? What you have said has given me some thought, good points I guess. "All the problems within ourselves are projected onto other people" yes, I know what you are getting at and that this is something that Buddhism in a way seeks to counter.

It is an interesting thought that "escaping" to a place of retreat is not really escaping at all. I suppose that such a place doesn't guarantee divine peace, but merely gives you a different set of things to get annoyed about, like changing the annoying TV ads for another annoying habit or turn of phrase. Surely though, these are minor things in comparison, or did your friend find that this was not the case?

In a community you are living on top of diffeent types of people without the relief of being able to go home at the end of the day. Imagine your workmate with whom you get on, but who has the odd annoying trait. There's no escape - it has to be dealt with in one way or another. You're right, I think the issues are small, but they are magnified by the constant prescence. I know I feel relief when friends/ family etc leave after a short stay - even though I have enjoyed their stay. part of the problem in a community is that they don't go away.

I think that's possibly one of the reasons community living is chosen - it forces issues, and gives the opportunity to resolve it.

[The Comedian]

Does this mean that some of the posters here would be interested in doing a read/discussion thread of Thomas Merton? Based on a thread that I started some months ago, I purchased his book The Seven Storey Mountain which deals in some measure with monastery life.

Oh, and to the question of do I feel the need for solitary reflection? Yes, every day.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Interesting thoughts again Paul, I do love it when relatives clear off after a popping round to visit so I can take my socks off and relax. It's actually quite a scary thought that is, not my socks, but relatives that don't go away. I'll have to think this over, maybe brother Cs Walden was on the right track with his solitary escape? I think I would want a community that had solitary rooms though, which was my original intention mind...

I'll check out that book though Comedian and will certainly be willing to contribute to any discussion upon it - even though the work my piling up - what the hell!

[Virgil]

I bought Merton's collection of poetry, but other than glance here and there I have not really read it. I wouldn't mind a group discussion.

[SleepyWitch]

hey Neely, I often feel the same, although I'm not religious at all. but I guess Paul is right about other people being the problem. about noise, TV, etc AND people: I read in a book about emotional intelligence that people should spend around 3 days completely on their own just sitting around at home, WITHOUT reading any books, watching TV or anything. You are allowed to eat, wash and go to the loo, but not to DO anything else (including reading). I haven't tried it myself yet, but it sound like a good idea to me.

[LitNetIsGreat]

hey Neely, I often feel the same, although I'm not religious at all. but I guess Paul is right about other people being the problem. about noise, TV, etc AND people: I read in a book about emotional intelligence that people should spend around 3 days completely on their own just sitting around at home, WITHOUT reading any books, watching TV or anything. You are allowed to eat, wash and go to the loo, but not to DO anything else (including reading). I haven't tried it myself yet, but it sound like a good idea to me.

Good, more people feel the same then and I can see where that article is coming from I suppose - a sort of holiday for the brain. I think this would be much harder than it sounds too, as Wilde said that it is awfully difficult doing nothing...

I think overall I would be happy to have half-an-hour a day free from activity and noise, I really hate noise, this such suffice to help restore the mind a little from all the nonsense stresses and agitations of daily life.

The reality is that most people dash around from A to B and fill their senses constantly with radiation from the TV and junk from the papers - no wonder everybody is crazy and every other kid has ADHD!

For me though, today, (Saturday) I've all but constantly been listening to Gregorian chant, and the rain against the window, as I work on a couple of essays. I must say I feel quite refreshed for it too, I just can't imagine the potential peace of mind of the real thing for a while...anyway it is nearly time for bath and a Belgian beer.:nod:

[SleepyWitch]

Good, more people feel the same then and I can see where that article is coming from I suppose - a sort of holiday for the brain. I think this would be much harder than it sounds too, as Wilde said that it is awfully difficult doing nothing...

yep, that book said that you start to go crazy on the second day because it's really hard not to do anything. this is why I haven't tried this yet.

[Virgil]

Haha, I have tried to meditate for fifteen minutes, and it's hard. It's hard to sit still and do nothing and think of nothing. But to be honest, I think however long one can do it, it's pleasurable.

[Taliesin]

I must admit that, on seeing this thread, I thought that Neely would introduce some fine monastery-brewed Belgian beer to us.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Haha, I have tried to meditate for fifteen minutes, and it's hard. It's hard to sit still and do nothing and think of nothing. But to be honest, I think however long one can do it, it's pleasurable.

Yes, I think I once lasted 10/15 minutes max, not that I have tried for a while. It certainly gives you a mental boost of energy, even if it is just for 5 minutes, it is 5 minutes of pure calm, I can liken it to the feeling you get after you have just played a game of chess - not that I have done that for a while either, but you get the picture.

Really - I've found that quite of the Buddhist stuff does make a lot of sense on paper, it's just a case of putting it into action I suppose, though I can't go for it 100%, not even close really, (what is it with the thing I've got with Buddhism and percentages?) anyway I'm not predominately thinking of Buddhism, just the general retreat thing anyway.


I must admit that, on seeing this thread, I thought that Neely would introduce some fine monastery-brewed Belgian beer to us.

:lol::lol: Oh, oh, I've wanted to, I've thought about it, I'd love to click on the page and see a large foamy brew, but alas it is already there on the first page of the world famous Belgian Beer thread, oh the Westmalle!

[kasie]

A former colleague of mine used to go on a Retreat regularly - she would leave her family and take off to a convent for a week-end of quiet reflection. She would come back refreshed and calm and ready for whatever onslaught work was going to throw at us. She was of a religious turn of mind but she assured us that the Retreat was arranged so that the participants could take as much of the religious services as they wanted, none at all if that was their wish, but there were Sisters ready to talk and counsel if required, or visitors could read in the library, wander in the gardens or just sit and think - how you used the time there was entirely up to you.

Many religious orders offer facilities for Retreat - perhaps you may find a short introductory stay would answer your needs at the moment, Neely?

[Virgil]

Now if Neely can find a Belgium monastery that brewed beer and offered mediation, I think he would be in heaven. We probably woould never see the likes of him again. :lol:

[LitNetIsGreat]

Now if Neely can find a Belgium monastery that brewed beer and offered mediation, I think he would be in heaven. We probably would never see the likes of him again. :lol:

Too damn right.

I've got my eye on the Westmalle monastery, if that lives up to expectations I think I'll kiss goodbye to it all - oh my god with all that and a well stocked library at hand what more could a mortal wish for???

[Virgil]

Too damn right.

I've got my eye on the Westmalle monastery, if that lives up to expectations I think I'll kiss goodbye to it all - oh my god with all that and a well stocked library at hand what more could a mortal wish for???

I know it. You may have to hold a spot there for me. :D

[LitNetIsGreat]

A former colleague of mine used to go on a Retreat regularly - she would leave her family and take off to a convent for a week-end of quiet reflection. She would come back refreshed and calm and ready for whatever onslaught work was going to throw at us. She was of a religious turn of mind but she assured us that the Retreat was arranged so that the participants could take as much of the religious services as they wanted, none at all if that was their wish, but there were Sisters ready to talk and counsel if required, or visitors could read in the library, wander in the gardens or just sit and think - how you used the time there was entirely up to you.

Many religious orders offer facilities for Retreat - perhaps you may find a short introductory stay would answer your needs at the moment, Neely?

I would love to try it actually, I never thought I would say that, but that experience of your friend's sounds quite interesting. However, I wouldn't want to leave my family (even for a week) so it is unlikely that I would investigate that further in a practical sense.

Really, for me I would like to take out the religious aspect of it* and just take the quiet reflection, library and the gardens, and hopefully the company of like minded individuals - at the very least respectful people (it would make a change from been shouted and swore at on a daily basis at least!). As I say, I find time to experience calm moments every day, it is important to me, but I think a full week of it would be an altogether different and satisfactory experience.

I think that it is very important to take a stock of your life now and then and to fully reflect - having time to stand and stare like sheep and cows and all that...

I also think that today's society is sometimes very unhealthy for the individual, especially for the child. I work with kids who just cannot sit still for more than a minute at a time without bouncing around, making noises or fiddling with electronic devices - it is really quite shocking when you think about it.

* Though I am interested in Buddhism.

[SleepyWitch]

I would love to try it actually, I never thought I would say that, but that experience of your friend's sounds quite interesting. However, I wouldn't want to leave my family (even for a week) so it is unlikely that I would investigate that further in a practical sense.



It's the same for me. I couldn't leave my hubby behind because I'd want to share this with him, which is NOT the point of the whole idea.
Plus, I can see myself starting to read a book at the monastery or whatever it is and then getting stressed because I'd want to finish the book, so a weekend wouldn't be long enough for me.

[LitNetIsGreat]

This is what I am getting at, taken from The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler:


When life becomes too complcated and we feel overwhelmed, it's often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take.


So let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that. The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren't born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities - warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful, and more peaceful - happier.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:difLRMrHvDXKkM:http://coalcountry.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/dalai-lama1.jpg

At least, it is about time we had an image of a cool monk on this thread. :thumbs_up

[Paulclem]

This is what I am getting at, taken from The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler:




http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:difLRMrHvDXKkM:http://coalcountry.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/dalai-lama1.jpg

At least, it is about time we had an image of a cool monk on this thread. :thumbs_up

Yay to that! There's none better than His Holiness.