ADVICE FROM LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE on the purpose of retreat places:
A retreat place is not for gaining power like black magic, it's not for a honeymoon or holiday.
Also it is not a place in which to be spaced out. The whole purpose of a retreat place is to subdue the mind and
to actualize the lam-rim up to enlightenment. It is a place for a holiday from negative karma,
a holiday from the three poisonous minds and the self-cherishing thought, a holiday from the self-grasping of the person and phenomena,
a holiday from the wrong concepts: non-devotional thought towards the guru
up to the subtle dual view of white, increasing and attainment. |