What's it like to live like a monk? We're about to find out. For the next 10 days, this is what we've agreed to:
• Keep complete silence throughout the retreat
(exceptions: personal interviews from Day 3 to Day 8 and emergencies);
• Stay within the boundaries of the retreat center;
• Keep the Eight Precepts, which are:
1. intend not to take away any breath (abstain from killing)
2. intend not to take away what is not given (abstain from stealing)
3. intend to keep one's mind and one's body free from any sexual activity
4. intend not to harm others by speech
5. intend not to harm one's consciousness with substances that intoxicate and
lead to carelessness (no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking etc)
6. intend not to eat between after noon and before dawn
7. intend not to dance, sing, play or listen to music, watch shows, wear
garlands, ornaments and beautify oneself with perfumes and cosmetics
8. intend not to sleep or sit on luxurious beds and seats.
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| 04.00 *** | Wake up *** = Monastery bell |
| 04.30 | Morning Reading |
| 04.45 | Sitting meditation |
| 05.15 | Yoga / Exercise |
| 07.00 *** | Dhamma talk & Sitting meditation |
| 08.00 | Breakfast & Chores |
| 10.00 *** | Dhamma talk |
| 11.00 | Walking or standing meditation |
| 11.45 *** | Sitting meditation |
| 12.30 | Lunch & chores |
| 14.30 *** | Meditation instruction & Sitting meditation |
| 15.30 | Walking or standing meditation |
| 16.15 *** | Sitting meditation |
| 17.00 *** | Chanting & Loving Kindness meditation |
| 18.00 | Tea & hot springs |
| 19.30 *** | Sitting meditation |
| 20.00 | Group walking meditation |
| 20.30 *** | Sitting meditation |
| 21.00 *** | Bedtime (the gates will be closed at 21.15) |
| 21.30 *** | LIGHTS OUT |

Hi,
You probably don't remember me but Fritz is my Uncel. I live in Belgium. I send you 50 dollars. I wish you a lot of luck with this, I think it is very difficult. Enjoy your time, 10 days is a long time but I wish you the best. Greatings from me and my family.
Posted by: Brigitte Fryters | February 02, 2009 at 10:17 PM
SHHHHHH....
Damn, I was having lots of fun thru you till here....After this 10, I can tell you're gonna need a tons more dong for lots of 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Posted by: Cletus | February 11, 2009 at 05:01 PM