Sasanarrakkha Buddhist Sanctuary

After 2 weeks, I was ready to leave this retreat center. A lot of my challenges arose out of my comparing mind. The differences in practice and culture were a constant challenge for me. The teachings emphasized causes and conditions, so I was constantly aware of my afflicted mind.

The most beautiful places of the center were off limits, which didn't make me happy. The pictures of me at the waterfall were during a short group visit. I was not allowed to return.

The monks had their own compound, which I got to visit once on a supervised group outing. It was so beautiful that it made me perceive our 'lay people' side was not important.

The hardest part for me was the inconsistencies in the renunciation of precepts. Equality and fairness are a sticky point for me, so when rules feel arbitrary, it triggers my inner justice.

With all of those mental formations, I was really grateful for the break. I slept deeply and rested.

The weather was tricky as it rained daily. When it didn't rain, it was extremely hot. I learned to appreciate the rain in spite of the mosquitoes it gave birth to.

The center was between a large cemetery below and a tropical jungle above. I, along with others, felt the presence of spirits regularly. On our first (recorded) dharma talk, Bante Agga Citta spoke of the demons in the forest that they converted to Buddhism. One night, I felt a malevolent energy as I got up to go to the bathroom. I'm usually not scared, but this feeling made me uneasy. We were taught to chant metta because spirits understand love; so I did. When I woke up the next morning, the dog was sleeping on my porch. He's usually sleeps on the other side of the center, so I took this as a sign of protection.

Anyways, a lot of interesting stuff happened that was not typical to my previous retreat experiences.

All in all, I appreciated the opportunity.Read more