When someone gives you candy and you then give it to someone else, that’s a re-treat. A bad pun, yes, but in Zen Buddhism the concept of a retreat is the same. You are given some silence or a place to slow down and while you may temporarily enjoy this peace, the intent is to take this gift of maitri, or lovingkindness, and pass it on to others.
A Zen Buddhist’s retreat is the awareness of tea steeping in a cup, the attention given the random drip-drop of rain on a broad leaf, the softness of the cushion and the soreness of the legs. A retreat is not an external journey. The best retreat is the silence of zazen, or seated mediation. You then share that peace throughout the day.
Like the gift of love.
A retreat is not for you
It is for others.
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