Retreat Into The Real World

Test Your Mettle 

Most of us are content to go on a retreat for a few days and then let things slide until the next time; happy that we have put in many hours of sitting in meditation and have listened to some Dhamma talks. For sure going on a retreat is rejuvenating and we can learn many new things and meet new friends. But what happens when we return into the real world with all its hard edges, knocks and suffering? It can seem so harsh and unfriendly after the solace of a retreat environment, but it is in the real world that our Dhamma mettle is truly tested and we can soon tell if we have really learned anything at all from the Buddhist teachings.

Remain Open And Observe

You Are So Selfish!

How do you react to someone that is verbally abusing you? Especially if that certain person is your parent. Parents can teach you more about the state of your inner world in one short telephone conversation than one year in a meditation hall. One wrong word from mum or dad can really press those buttons and set us flying off the handle like a five year old. As Eckhart Tolle says in Practising the Power of Now, “our parents are the best spiritual thermometer”. Its not only our parents that can catch us off guard, work colleagues, friends or even strangers on the bus can really flip our switch if we are not aware and open to what is. It is imperative to see that the circumstances arising in front of us can be the greatest teacher, as they show us that which we hold onto within.

Breathing Space

It's so difficult not to react to the world, but the Buddha taught that it is crucial to be free of attachment to pleasure and pain. If we are always seeking pleasure and avoiding pain then we are not following the teachings. Some people react very badly to criticism and very quickly become defensive saying “leave me alone” or words to that effect. But it is possible that there maybe some truth in the critical words that could be reflected upon and learned from. This is an intelligent way to practice. It is the same with all of our senses; tasting, touching, seeing or hearing. For example if you see someone on the street that you don't like the look of and feel aversion, there is the point of practice. If someone is having a loud conversation on the bus behind you and you are getting irritated, there is the practice. On the other side of the coin if you are being highly praised by a noteworthy person and you are beginning to swell with pride and pleasure, there is the point to practice.