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you're out of the woods, you're out of the dark, you're out of the night, step into the sun, step into the light

Retreat

I’m going upstate to sit quietly for a week. Don’t do anything until I get back.

3 responses to “Retreat”

  1. morgannels » Blog Archive » I’m Back

    […] It was hard, though not necessarily in the ways that I expected, but I held my seat. Here are some pictures. […]

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  2. morgannels » Blog Archive » What I Did on my Thanksgiving Vacation

    […] I’m going to try to speak to my Buddhism class again on Wednesday. Fortuitously, my topic this time (a lojong slogan about transforming mishaps into the path of awakening) builds on the topic of my last such attempt (patience) and on an experience I had on my retreat. You can read what I’m going to say here. Does it make any sense? […]

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  3. morgannels » Blog Archive » New Camera

    […] One of the realms of Shambhala practice, in addition to the various sorts of meditative and community practices, is contemplative arts, which was the theme of my recent retreat. Amid the hours of sitting, we discussed the view of Shambhala arts, and even tried some calligraphy and body movement. The gist of the practice, if I may so violently condense it, is to be absolutely present in the moment and express only what is there, free from memories, expectations, and other concepts. The act (which may or may not leave any artifacts) is simply an expression of what is. Along with calligraphy, dance, and other arts, this practice can be pursued through photography, where it’s called miksang (Tibetan for “good eye”). I find the images produced through the miksang practice captivating, and now that I know something of its view and have a suitable camera, I’d like to give it a try (as you can see here and here). […]

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