Fruit of the Contemplative Life
Fruit of the contemplative life: => Retreats => : Jhanananda October 05, 2021, 11:47:39 AM
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Since I am 68 years old, and I have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and COPD, which is considered a progressive disease, no one should assume I am going to get better, but slowly get worse. So, I don't believe any of us should consider that I will ever be able to lead another meditation retreat. It has been my goal with the GWV to mentor a community of rigorous, self-aware contemplatives who have found the superior fruit of the contemplative life, and work together cooperatively to mentor future generations of fruitful contemplatives. What I can do until I no longer can is help within the limitations of my health by providing guidance and support.
At present I have retreated to a 167 acre old-growth forest and wildlife preserve 25 miles into the National Forest from Flagstaff, AZ, USA, where I have been given permission to offer for retreat for people who are interested in cultivating the superior fruit of the contemplative life. At present there is nothing out there, but wilderness and wildlife, so if a retreat is conducted out there, then everyone would have to be self-contained and camp. I do have some tents and sleeping bags to lend. Due to the limitations of my illness I will not be able to lead any meditation sits, but I will continue for a short time to consult and advise contemplatives.
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I was thinking, with COVID, it could be possible to "go digital," and have a sit over Google Meets or similar program. ;D
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Yes, I agree, Alexander, there are a number of advantages to making the GWV retreats accessible to remote retreatants. For instance we could have had Sam Lim attend from his home in Singapore, but getting broadband accessible in a remote area was not very good in those days. Starnet is now a possibility, but it is expensive. If there was sufficient support for it that is a distinct possibility.
I am aware that members of the GWV are literally all over the world. So, people who cannot for one reason or another attend a GWV retreat in person could retreat at home and connect during our group meditation sessions, and dialogs via broadband.
We will have to see how it evolves.