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Bhante Gunartana, author and spiritual director of the Bhavana Society Monastery in High View, West Virginia. During a recent interview he was asked: “You spend every January and February in solitary retreat. What is that like and what are your days like?”
His answer is both inspiring and instructive:
“During my annual seclusion period, I meditate at least two hours in the morning after I wake up. Then, after breakfast, I do a walking meditation in the meditation hall. Then, after lunch, again I walk outside for one-and-a-half hours. Then, I meditate for two to two-and-a-half hours until 5 or 5:30 p.m., when I take my evening medicine with my evening drink. After that, I meditate until I go to bed. Altogether, I’m meditating for six to seven hours, including sitting and walking meditation. Even when I’m in bed, I’m meditating until the moment I fall asleep.”
Here's the way to apply his experience: can you spend a weekend following his pattern? Could you take a weekday off and follow his meditation pattern?
His answer is both inspiring and instructive:
“During my annual seclusion period, I meditate at least two hours in the morning after I wake up. Then, after breakfast, I do a walking meditation in the meditation hall. Then, after lunch, again I walk outside for one-and-a-half hours. Then, I meditate for two to two-and-a-half hours until 5 or 5:30 p.m., when I take my evening medicine with my evening drink. After that, I meditate until I go to bed. Altogether, I’m meditating for six to seven hours, including sitting and walking meditation. Even when I’m in bed, I’m meditating until the moment I fall asleep.”
Here's the way to apply his experience: can you spend a weekend following his pattern? Could you take a weekday off and follow his meditation pattern?
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