Self Practice in Seclusion

Many may wonder what is the purpose for one to choose to practice staying in seclusion. And how can this practice produces great merits?

When we stay in seclusion, we learn to observe our heart and emotions “观念我们的心”.

By learning to develop mindfulness, we would can understand our emotions more clearly.

Usually when we interact with others, the heart tends to move outwards. In the everyday world, one may be too distracted to be able to control one’s thoughts, words or actions.

When one stay in seclusion, one does not come in contact with others. One also do not talk with others. Through that, one avoid any unwholesome deeds through actions, words and through developing or sharpening one’s mindfulness, one can then differenciate between right or wrong.

With observance of precepts, chanting and meditation through one’s own self practice, one’s thoughts, words and deeds become pure (清白). One is able to see clearly, developing mindfulness (sati) and wisdom (panna)- enabling one to see clearly how problems arise in one’s heart and to have moral shame and moral fear (hiri ottappa) in one’s everyday actions.

Two attributes for success in practice:

1. Faith

2. Preseverance to understand

By having both the above, one would meet with success.

Schedule for self-retreat practice:

Each one would be assigned with a kuti for self practice.

Time	Indicative Schedule
4am – 7am	Wake up 起身 Pay respect to Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha 礼敬佛，法，僧 Walking Meditation and Sitting Meditation 禅修 Breakfast 早餐 Please clear up after meal and rest 用餐后请各自收拾才歇息
10.30am – 11.30am	Lunch 午餐 Please clear up after meal 用餐后请各自收拾
11.30am – 12pm	Walking Meditation and Sitting Meditation 禅修
12pm-1pm	Rest 歇息
1pm – 3pm	Walking Meditation and Sitting Meditation 禅修
3pm – 4pm	Chanting and do reading on Dhamma book 诵经， 阅读佛书
4pm – 5pm	Break and shower 歇息，洗澡
5pm – 6pm	Evening Service 晚课
6pm – 10pm	Walking Meditation and Sitting Meditation 禅修
10pm – 4am	Pay respect to Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and rest 礼敬佛，法，僧后歇息，睡觉

Note:  (1) You may have plain water before morning service. (2) No talking throughout the activity (you may ask Khun Mae for any doubtful issue on the following day)

备注：(1)  起身后，您可以在还没诵经前饮水。 (2) 为了让您有更好的修行，在闭关期间不能言语。如有疑问，您可以在第二天质询Khun Mae。