Originally, I thought of writing a single post for my experience at the retreat but I ended up writing so much. Hence, I am going to write several posts on the retreat, so you can skip the boring parts easily.
The different posts would be
- Introduction
- General Overview (of the retreat)
- Day by Day (My meditation and changes in thoughts as the days go by)
- Conclusion
- Photos of the retreat (with captions)
Sections in this post are:
1. Introduction
1.1 No Reading and No Writing
1.2 Additional things to bring for the retreat
1.2.1 Flip-flops (Slippers or Thongs(in Australia))
1.2.2 Mug with 3in1 Milo sachets
1.2.3 Mirror?
1.2.4 White Scarf or Shawl
1. Introduction
I got to know about this meditation retreat from a friend only in Nov 2018. I have always wanted to attend such meditation retreat or be a monk for a short term. However, such meditation retreats tend to have schedules to follow. The beauty of this meditation retreat centre is that they have continuous meditation retreats; there are opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies daily. Availability is based on whether there are rooms instead of a schedule.
After talking to my friend about the meditation retreat, I immediately booked my retreat for the end of January 2019, my earliest possible dates.
You can read more about it from www.fivethousandyears.org. I would not be repeating things that have been stated inside the website.
1.1 No Reading and No writing
This rule caught me by surprise. This rule is written on their brochures and listed on the rules given to us during the introduction on the first day, but was not stated on their website. I even asked about this rule during the introduction. The rationale is that you should not be distracted from the teachings and meditations. You may jot down some notes but not extensive writing.
I had planned to read and write a lot during my free time when I am in the meditation retreat. What am I supposed to do in between my meditations or in my free time? I feel that this is where I was totally not mentally prepared for and made me decide to shorten my 7 days to 6 days. I had so many thoughts and feelings that I was unable to pen down. Of course, I could just not bother and just write during the retreat but that would defeat the purpose of me being there. Sounds a bit silly to shorten my retreat due to this, doesn’t it?
1.2 Additional things to bring for the retreat
There is a mini mart at the centre which opens in the mornings. They sell the usual necessities, snacks, biscuits, drinks and even Coke! I did not purchase anything there so I do not know the costs of things there.
The room is very basic. There is no fan nor any towels provided. Toilets have the hose bidet but no toilet rolls. Bring some toilet rolls if you do not wish to purchase from the mini mart.
1.2.1 Flip-flops (Slippers or Thongs(in Australia))
Personally, I think this is a must. It is written on the website, but I thought of highlighting it. You would need to take off your footwear when entering every building except maybe your own room. The con is that the meditation centre is along a slope (or a mountain, depending on how you see it). Climbing up and down from your room in flip-flops can be an exciting adventure.
1.2.2 Mug with 3in1 Milo sachets
I brought my own plastic mug to the retreat. Best decision for this retreat. Their plastic cups do not have a handle, so holding hot tea in their cups requires some skill. Some people use 2 cups stacked together to hold their hot tea.
I brought my own 3 in 1 Milo sachets, and was able to enjoy my Milo for breakfast and lunch. Was afraid of getting hungry after 12 noon, so I had packets of Vitamilk (soy milk) as well.
Note: You can get Ovaltine sachets and soy milk from the mini mart.
1.2.3 Mirror?
I do not think mirrors are a must for this retreat, but it helps when I am shaving every morning or washing my face. After washing my face, I am wondering if there is facial left on my face, and had to go by feel.
There are no mirrors in the retreat. I have not explored the women’s blocks but there are no mirrors in the male blocks. Thinking about it, I think it is great that there are no mirrors around. We are going for a meditation retreat, a makeover of a different kind.
Maybe I should be more exact, there is 1 mirror that I found. Go for the retreat and search for it yourself.
1.2.4 White Scarf or Shawl
It is stated on the website to bring a white scarf or shawl as it can get cold in the mornings. I was unable to find a white scarf or shawl at the market, so what did I do? I bought 2 metres of white cloth and used it as my shawl. Just giving you some ideas if you plan to go for the retreat.
View from outside the meditation hall
Will travel 