Seclusion
"Seclusion" is very important for beginners.
Since "seclusion" can keep one away from the three "causes" that cause the mind to become scattered and to do evil, it is necessary for beginners.
In order to truly understand the meaning of "seclusion," practitioners must practice diligently and meditate very seriously during "seclusion."
There are three situations that can drive our minds mad, causing us to create negative karma and become the root of all afflictions and evil deeds. These three situations include:
- Too close to "distracted objects of thought"
The "causes" that give rise to our emotions such as greed, anger, ignorance, pride, and doubt are all "enemies." If these "enemies" do not stimulate our "five poisons" in front of us, they will not manifest. Therefore, "distracted objects" are the first cause that will cause us to generate afflictions and create evil karma.
- Do not abandon the root of troubles
If one does not relinquish the root of afflictions, there will still be "enemies," and due to "ignorance," one will commit various evil deeds, both great and small. As an Arhat has already relinquished the root of afflictions, even if "enemies" are in front of him, he will not give rise to afflictions or commit evil deeds.
- Irrational attention
This refers to incorrect motives or wrong intentions.
When we haven't completely eradicated the root of our afflictions, if we try to "use wisdom to control my afflictions" when facing "enemies," it won't cause major problems.
But if we feel resentful and think bitterly, "If I had the chance, I would punch him," or "If I had the chance, I would kill him," then we are engaging in "irrational thinking."
Because retreats are confined to a special place, they help us stay away from worries and negative actions. Furthermore, if we think about how to use meditation methods to deal with thoughts and emotions, we can cut off "irrational thoughts," which proves the importance of retreats.
There are three types of seclusion: external, internal, and secret.
- External seclusion
"External retreat" primarily involves distancing oneself from objects that cause mental distraction and from the causes of afflictions and negative karma. This type of retreat requires severing all external connections; one must not hear or see people, things, or events outside the retreat environment. This type of retreat is very easy. In Tibet, many people prefer more rigorous retreats, going to mountains, forests, or caves for retreats. These all fall under the category of "external retreat."
- Inner seclusion
"Inner retreat" primarily involves severing evil deeds of body, speech, and mind.
"Internal retreat of the body" refers to abstaining from all kinds of killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, or meaningless activities and busyness. It means upholding the precepts of "not killing, not stealing, not committing adultery," eliminating these three negative thoughts and behaviors, and finally relaxing our body and the five senses.
"The inner seclusion of speech" is the adherence to the precepts of "not lying, not divisive speech, not harsh speech, and not frivolous speech." Not lying means not telling lies. Not divisive speech means not sowing discord. Not harsh speech means not speaking ill of others. Not frivolous speech means not speaking of greed, hatred, or jealousy.
- "Secluded retreat"
"Secluded retreat" is the practice of "cessation" and "insight" of the mind. It mainly involves stopping the activity of consciousness and focusing on meditation.
It is worth emphasizing that in order to benefit all sentient beings, to help them be free from the causes of suffering, and to enable them to attain Buddhahood, we aspire to meditate. This makes our retreat meditation even more meaningful.
The retreat courses established by Yuandan Chenle Dorje Rinpoche include two major systems: religious and non-religious.
A、Dzogchen Retreat Meditation
Medicine Buddha Dharma Closed Contemplation
Guanyin Bodhisattva Dharma Retreat
Manjushri Bodhisattva Dharma Retreat
Yellow Jambhala Dharma Retreat
Lotus Sect Dharma Retreat
Dharma Protection Department Retreat
Guru Dharma Retreat
Dharma Treasure Department Retreat
The Great Illusion Network – A Practice for the Mind
B、Medicine Buddha Health Meditation Retreat
Ten Comprehensive Health and Disease Treatment Methods
Ten Diseases Relief and Treatment Methods Series
A series of "fasting" practices
A series of "detox" exercises
Series of "Expelling Disease Qi" Exercises
Series of "Energy Absorption" Exercises