Zen Buddhist Retreat Question

[HERVEPA]

Has anyone here ever gone to an introductory Zen-Buddhist weekend retreat. Or know someone who did?
I'm curious as to how it went, and whether they continued their pursuit of Buddhism after that.

I am a cynic and a skeptic, but trying to become less so. (except in politics, where it's certainly required).

[cally]

1. Someone who works for us

is a Zen Buddhist practitioner and has been on many retreats. From what I understand, you practice silence and meditation for hours and in her case months. It helps you get in touch with yourself and your spirituality.

I've thought about going to one of the beginner sessions. I'm a Christian but I think you learn more about yourself in these retreats. Definitely make sure it's a legitimate group and a safe place, though.

[HERVEPA]

2. Thanks

I'm an atheist, which makes me skeptical of anything related to religion, but this seems to be more about oneself than outside rules. But I guess I'll find out.
It is a safe and legitimate place. Thanks for the concern.

4. actually Buddhists don't necessarily believe in god

so in a way they are atheists too.

[Az]

5. Buddhist teachings are nontheistic

Whether a buddhist themself believes in a god or god is independent. Generally speaking though one may assume that a buddhist is atheist in the simplest sense of the word. The religion does not have a specific belief in god or gods.

6. yep

you put in better detail than I did, I didn't want to speak for all Buddhists even though I went to a Buddhist school at one point

[pagerbear]

10. If you look hard enough...

...you can find similar retreats and workshops with a Christian bent. Many monasteries and convents offer retreats focused on meditation or "centering prayer" (which is basically meditation using a prayer instead of a mantra), as well as other interesting topics. While I can't speak for every retreat at every such venue, I'm sure you can find many where dogma and religion are not discussed, if that's a concern. You might start with a search for monasteries, convents, or church-affiliated retreat centers in your area and find out what they have to offer. I'm sure they won't mind if you call with questions.

By the by, this is a great opportunity for me to plug one such retreat center I know of, affiliated with the Unitarian church, Rowe Conference Center. I go to a great gay men's retreat there every year.

[FireHeart]

3. Yes, a friend of mine...

went to one and found it very uplifting. The peace, serenity and quiet as a great boon to her--she's a nurse and has been under considerable stress lately. She has not "gotten into" Buddhism, but sincerely appreciated all it had to offer her. What she really liked was that they would show you the myriad ways you can uplift yourself and your worldview--and left it right there. No preaching or attempting to get you to "join" in.

[HERVEPA]

7. Thanks to all for responses

I'm looking forward to it. (early in April)

[Nihil]

11. Can you update us afterwards please?

I (for one) would be interested to hear how you got on, not only at the
retreat itself but also with respect to the effect on a longer term ...
how it affected your life back in the mainstream?

Nihil

[Az]

8. Think of Buddhism as a philosophy

A way to live life. It may not work for you. But it may be valuable.

Most of the eastern religions/philosophies were more concerned with finding peace within chaos. War ravaged the country side and totalitarian emperors made chaos a common place factor. Thus the people strove to find ways to live within these conditions.

Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the primary surviving philosophies that came out of this particular mix. They each have their own way of finding tranquility in the storm of life. They are not even exclusionary. If you find value in mixing their teachings do so. As Lao Tzu suggests, the Tao that can be told is not the true Tao. We each must find our own way.

[TreasonousBastard]

9. Not to worry that...

your atheism will be successfully challenged. I am, of course, assuming these are real Buddhists, and not some cult claiming to be Buddhists.

Buddhism is not concerned much with deities, but rather with one's self and one's place in the cosmos. Should there be deities, they can very well take care of themselves without our assistance.

Many Christians and Jews, to say nothing of various brands of atheists, have benefitted from these retreats and from Buddhist thought and teachings. Many have had their faith (or lack of faith, as the case may be) strengthened as they understood themselves more.

A spiritual life does not have to be a conventional religious life, and investigating Buddhism is a good start.

[truthspeaker]

12. you're trying to be LESS skeptical and cynical?! Please don't!

We need more skepticism in this country, not less!

In my limited experiences with Buddhism, you are not usually expected to believe that things like chi, nirvana, and reincarnation really exist. The first two are just helpful heuristic terms for describing aspects of existence.

As long as it's not a cult or a moneymaking scam there shouldn't be anything to worry about (and that applies to any kind of retreat).

[Az]

13. Unfortunately

there are a lot of such scams and systems that play up to those considering Buddhism (or any other alternate philosophy). The reason being has a great deal to do with how the mind works.

When some one approaches a teaching such as Buddhism it is usually because they find their own belief systems in question. They are often adrift and emotionally open to new systems. Being that such an opportunity exists this is one of the times an aggressive institutionalized meme can gain access to a relatively unguarded adult mind.

Most religious beliefs gain access to minds during childhood. Once the individual has collected enough information they begin synthesizing their own understanding of the universe around them. Anything that does not fit their world view is discarded. When a person goes searching for new systems it is a flag that they have lost touch with their existing belief system and are adrift. Available for new indoctrination.