Sometimes we do things in life intuitively. Then, a few years ago, climbing into the mountains to the monks was rather an interest. But a retreat with a vow of silence teaches a lot. He teaches many to silence. Since childhood, it seemed to me that “silence is gold” is a very accurate formulation, so I did not have to help adapt to silence. But that was just the beginning. Such an experience teaches to be in place, here and now, teaches to concentrate on what is important, to remain still and relax in this, not to wait for everything to end. Do not go crazy when information from outside stops coming in. It teaches patience and discipline. I'm glad I found this old text. He is a good reminder. Now I would rewrite it differently and perceive everything differently, but for the story we will leave it as is.

Another retreat showed me for the first time that “very vegetarian cuisine” can be very delicious. before it became mainstream) I will not repeat that incredible salad with flowers that we were fed, among other things, for lunch. But at the end I will write a cool waffle recipe. Not sweet, with zucchini. Excellent non-banal and quick breakfast.

I got into the retreat by accident. Of course, I have heard this word before, because I have been practicing yoga for several years. No, I've never meditated before. The factors of total isolation — handing over the phone, not taking a laptop, the presence of mountains, the society of Buddhist monks, silence (vow of silence) and recommendations from a few friends became attractive. From culinary — very tasty (emphasized) vegetarian food. “After all, there is yoga every day, this I know, this I can!”. I signed up and left.

“IN THE END, THERE'S YOGA EVERY DAY, THAT'S WHAT I KNOW, THAT'S WHAT I CAN!”. I SIGNED UP AND LEFT.

The first few hours in the retreat are reserved for getting to know those who arrive (that is, you can still talk). You need to hand over your belongings, choose a bed in the dormitory, get a bag with mosquito net, a blanket and a bottle where you can collect drinking water.

The first step is to interview the monk about the purpose of arrival. During the conversation, my inclinations were immediately revealed. “We seem to have a yoga instructor,” said monk Tan Hubert. In the evening I was introduced as stuff. So I started teaching yoga from 5:45 to 7:00 for our English speaking group. The complex of congratulations to the sun fell precisely at dawn, which made our activities even more symbolic.

WEEKDAYS

Gong woke everyone up at 4:30 in the morning. The male and female dormitory are located at different ends of the territory and, not in the most honest way, is very far from the meditation hall. The first morning, everyone brushed their teeth in complete darkness, diligently following the advice “avoid even eye contact to tune in the right way.” The participant from Japan even closed her eyes tightly. Everyone digested the evening introductory course — a schedule of 15 meditations per day, including sitting, walking alone and in groups, chanting mantras and separately — meditation of loving kindness. Food twice a day. And although the “evening tea” still consisted of whole wheat bread, homemade butter and jam, for some reason it was not considered “eating”.

On the second day, no news comes from outside and you diligently chew through the thoughts of the past days and switch to what you are given in lectures — the teachings of Dhamma, comfortable postures for meditation, the first observations from practice. Someone can not stand it and leaves the retreat - not everyone can withstand the day of silence, but three more ahead. Many make new friends — plants and insects with birds. It turns out that spiders walk in some strange trajectory and with a very funny, serious facial expression. And they are afraid of yellow color (I checked on five individuals).

Even before the start of the retreat, we were told about what wild animals and insects with snakes we could meet on the territory (mountains, jungle) and what to do with them. There was a story about how one of the employees was stung by a scorpion. The young man simply sat on him in the meditation hall, not noticing the living creatures on the seat cushion. Then I always looked at the pillows very carefully. Just in case.

MEDITATIONS

During walking meditations, everyone was treated to the territory of the complex. From the side we looked, probably, like a house for the elderly. Slow walking on paths and in the shade of trees. And in the group we were clearly like zombies - the same movements, step by step. At night around the illuminated Buddha statue.

THE BRAIN IS ACTIVE AND WORKING, BUT THERE ARE NO THOUGHTS. A KIND OF CALL IS ACTIVE EMPTINESS.

It is not necessary to talk about meditation itself - it is difficult to describe. Perhaps, I will only say the important thing - this is not a state of falling asleep. The brain is active and working, but there are no thoughts. A kind of call is active emptiness.

ADAPTATION

Sleeping better on a wooden bed with a small wooden pillow the size of a brick than in soft beds. On the third day, I discovered a plant that hides when touched. I talked to her five times a day. Because of yoga teaching, I was deprived of other jobs (cleaning the territory, bedrooms and kitchen), so I walked even more and more often. The most beautiful view of the sunset was from the kitchen — under the mountain is the Hua Thanon district, the only Muslim village community on the island. From 18 to 19, the mule beautifully and piercingly summoned the inhabitants to the mosque. She stood and looked at the sea, and at this time, during the live performance, the sun set somewhere around the mountains.

The last, fourth dawn was the most moving. And the most beautiful. And 15 meditations a day already seemed little. Before breakfast, they remove the vow of silence. I returned home with a quiet peace, as if I knew more and more important than four days ago. Surely it is.

Addition. This is one of the few free retreats in Southeast Asia. During participation, you are asked to strictly follow the rules and not to leave the territory of the meditation center.

Zucchini morning waffles

In season, zucchini and zucchini are cheaper than other vegetables. They are useful to anyone who cares - low-calorie plus are perfectly combined with other products. There are dozens of ideas and recipes to help you fall in love with zucchini more than ever. But these waffles for breakfast are one of the favorites. The bonus is not very high in calories, high in protein and gluten free.