The Southern Dharma is in Hot Springs, NC in a very rural area. A winding road takes you though hill country and another takes you up, up into the mountain. I went there to attend a 5 day silent retreat, learning by doing sitting meditation, yoga meditation and the tenants of Buddhism. Dharma is the original word for Buddhism. While growing up, I saw my parents benefit from attending the Insight meditation center in Barre, MA so I too wanted to try it.
here is a link to a description of the retreat
http://www.southerndharma.org/retreat_rahula.shtml
As you can see the teacher is an American. We began studying to be a monk at age 24 and has done so for 36 years. He is kind, patient, and knows so much about Buddhism . He is also funny and his teaching is never boring. He has a blog. it is http://bhanterahula.blogspot.com/
I did not miss talking nor did I miss the cell phone, computer, ipod, radio, etc. without speech, we all worked well together. always being mindful of the other persons needs. I did not know anything about them, neither their name, where they came from, what they did All the layers were peeled back to the core. what matters is that they are fellow human beings who are equal to you in every way and working together you fulfill your needs
my day began at 5am with the sounding of the gong. By 5:30 am we were at the meditation center practicing our yoga meditation and deep breathing. the day was full with sitting, standing and walking meditation as well as yoga and Dharma talks.
The retreatants did one hour of working mediation. Mine was assisting the cook in the kitchen, along with 4 other lucky retreatants. we peeled and chopped the vegetables and fruits for the lunch and dinner. it was all vegetarian and sooooo delicious. we also had other responsibilities from doing the dishes to cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming the rooms. All was so very neat, clean and well organized. Athough we did not speak we greeted each other with 2 hands together (in Thailand, this is called Namaste)
http://www.southerndharma.org/retreat_rahula.shtmlThe sitting meditation was difficult for me as my mind would wander or I would get sleepy. My thoughts evolved from worry and criticism to metta or kind thoughts.
My intentions are to continue at home with the yoga meditation and sitting and walking meditation. It is a vehicle to find peace and tranquility in a fast paced and often indifferent world. It will be a challenge to replace old habits of being with new.
Namiste
Susan
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