Supporting long retreats and the people who are doing them

 

In Asia there is a long tradition of supporting long retreats in Buddhism. People know that when retreatants practice, the benefit is not limited to the people inside the retreat. Communities, individuals and families are supported as they request prayers for themselves and loved ones in transition. They know that the retreatants pray for world peace and for harmony and progress for all beings. People are often inspired to know that while they must lead busy lives in secular world, others are able to devote themselves to deep spiritual engagement. Buddhism is not the only tradition whose adherants engage in long retreat. Graduates of long retreat may become senior community members and often live lives dedicated to serving others. Some become teachers. Some apply their skills to helping family, friends and the larger population.

 

Here are some things you can do to support a long retreat:

 

• Send food. Food on retreat is always done on a small budget to make retreat as affordable as possible. Fruit and nuts and greens are a luxury, so you donations of food--and luxury treats like tea and coffee--are especially welcome.

• Send notes of encouragement and practice requests. It's best not to send newspapers, magazines or other distractions, but your personal letters are welcome. If you have a request of people to be remembered in the retreat's daily services, it helps to send the person's first and last name and if you can, a photo. Prayer requests can be made for animals and even who countries.

• Send money. Retreats are always run on a tight budget, so any offering helps. Money can be used to help a retreatant, for example, who is sick and needs a prescription or who needs new socks or a hat.

• Send offerings for tsoks. Our retreats perform a ceremonial feast each month. This ancient practice (which acutally involves very little eating) helps connect us in gratitude to our teachers and our communities. You can send food, sweets, flowers and other offerings.

• Send your prayers, good wishes and positive aspirations. Retreat is hard work and your support is meaningful.

• Help educate people about the positive role that long retreats play in every religious tradition.

• Volunteer on the retreat land. There are monthly work parties at Ser Cho Osel Ling. Contact info@kcc.org to learn more. .

• Attend the sealing (the first day) and the opening (the last day) of long retreats.

 

For more info on how you can support retreats at KCC, please contact info@kcc.org and ask.