Imaginary Idealistic Retreat

[Jhanon]

I was thinking about how we all want to be in the wilderness, away from the rest of civilization, enjoying the many gifts nature has for the mystic. So, I began to write.

"The dedicated small group of mystics, each sitting calmly and contently about 50 feet from each other, feel the warmth of the rising sun on their eyelids as it shines over the near tree line. Their physical eyesight returns to a bath of euphoric pink shades. A contented smile of satisfaction grows with the warmth of sun.

The few ancient bristlecone pines casting unique fire-like shadows over the small meadow in which each contemplative begins to emerge from the peaceful ecstasy of samadhi. Their bodies still immersed in a symphony of charismatic delight, a light breeze weaves through the meadows grasses softly caressing everything in its path. It is as though nature were thanking the group for the many sacrifices and hardships they endured to be a source of purity and wisdom in an otherwise harsh and delusional world. However brief the moment, each individual felt their heart swell as nature offered its gratitude.

The sweet sounds of nearby birds mix with the slow dance of trees gently swaying in the wind. As the sun rises higher into the cloudless ocean of sky, the scintillating visual charisms mingle with the sparkling surroundings as tiny drops of dew begin to evaporate. It's as though the reflections of a sun-drenched stream were washing over everything in sight. Each content mystic slowly turns their head to the others, knowing they are sharing a rare moment.

As the sun begins to warm the muscles in their bodies and eases movement, one after another rises from their seat. They recollect where they are, and what a gift the present moment is. Knowing there is so little from the strain of their lives back home to deal with, the silence continues in preservation of the knowing."


Forgive me if the above is not as gifted writing as others on here. The retreat is not finished. We've only just risen for the day. I have to go take care of some responsibilities. But I invite anyone to continue the story as they see fit It really lifted my spirits to write what I did above. So, how would your ideal retreat continue?

[Jhanananda]

This summer, Stu, Nikita and I camped along the edge of the Mugallon Rim, which is a 2,000 foot cliff that we were on top of.  Each morning we rose at dawn and meditated for about an hour together under a grove of pine trees. When we opened out eyes we could look out over the Mugallon Rim for hundreds of miles of wilderness.

At breakfast we each made whatever we wished to eat from our abundant larder of foods, while we dialoged on many topics of meditation and philosophy.  After breakfast we would take solo hikes along the jagged Mugallon Rim, or deep into the forest.  Then we would gather together again in an hour to meditate for another hour, which was typically followed by more dialog on meditation and philosophy.

Our afternoons were often spent foraging through abundant wild raspberry bushes that hugged the edge of the cliff.  Afterwards, we would gather again to meditate for another hour, or so, which was followed by an evening meal and more dialog.