Sangha
3rd Jewel of Buddhism
Taking refuge in the Sangha
Namaste,
It would be difficult to explain and practice the Silent Retreats without envoking realizations of the Buddha and many more teachers since, and before then. Without adhering to any ideology or philosphy or Theism, we utilize any and every teachings from life, especially those that are simple, honest and direct on their paths to the Ultimate Realization.
Taking refuge in the Sangha in Buddhism means that the fidelity (quantity and quality) of transmission is multiplied by all the participants. In Sangha, all come to the table, offering the Dharma to flow through them, unconditionally, without roles to play or anything for anyone to gain. Because the Dharma is living, its teachings are most effective and alive in the present, spontaneously, before anybody took notice and recited it from memory, like all "dead" teachings. Here is the most simple realization of the Buddha by Tich Nhat Hanh...
What is the 4 Noble Truth
(video)
The realization of who you really are, is not a "Buddhist thing". Following any tradition does not exclude or invalidate realizations of other traditions or methods. In the contrary, various and radically different belief systems ultimately converge and point to the same ultimate realization that was arguably most eloquently stated by the Buddha. The Ultimate Realization is not a word, it is not a sentence, a paragraph, nor can it be stated in a book form, as the Tao Te Ching makes an effort just like many others since and before.
"You cannot bring truth to the level of human beings, you have to bring human beings to the level of truth"
- OSHO -
The multiple day retreat is a Living Sangha. This means that there isn't a set itenerary, we follow the moment and the life circumstances of the host. The daily activities, programs, work, eating and various functions all happen around a functioning family, life, friends, business environment, providing practical situations, and spontaneous teachings non-stop. The ultimate value of this arrangement is to be in and around Silence and Dharma even when, and especially after the "show is over". Anybody can behave and shine for a few hours, when prepared and well practiced. But what happens to the teacher when in a tight situation, just dealing with all the difficulties of the same ordinary life as everybody else? Those are the true Dharma moments, not some prepared speech and a rehearsed act.
Tentative Itenirary
(M-F School Days & Optional Participation)
5:30AM - Wake Up
6:30AM - Leave for Hilo
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM One of Hilo's Beaches, Breakfast, or go shop if need & bad weather.
10:00 AM - Home Projects (garden, building, maintenance)
12:00 Noon - Lunch & Rest
2:00 PM Pick Up Kids from school
3:00 - PM Afternoon Program (Volcano National Park, Black Sand Beach, etc.)
7:00 - PM Dinner, Home Programs, Movie, Kareoke, Bonfire, etc.
the programs are are optional and flexible as to how much "familiar" participation one would like to be a part of, or doing other activities instead (excercise, rest, other programs)
Tentative Itenirary
(Weekends)
8:00AM - Wake Up
8:30AM Breakfast
9:30 AM One of the following options..
Leaving for Kona Side of the Island for all day beach, snorkling, hiking, and coming back in the evening.
Going for a few hours of hike / picnic / hammock meditation in Volcano National Park.
Black Sand Beach palm trees and hammocks with Mandalas, Green Sand Beach Hike in the afternoon and coming home early evening, Hilo, Zoo, Richardson Beach Snorkling, Rock Balancing, food & cooking on the rocks, coming back late afternoon
Executing a project home, creating, building, planting, and having fun.