Re:All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in ...
by SyzygistSix on Sunday December 20, 2020 @11:10AM
(#25487193)
Thank you. I have had friends, none Buddhist, attend Vipassana retreats that are similar. No phone, computer, media, or conversation for a week or a weekend, just a focus on silent meditation. And an absence of religious trappings, so suitable for both devout Christians and atheists.
They all told me it is very challenging and a good look at themselves and their cravings for interaction. I don't doubt it.
Re:All problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in ...
by collinmanderson on Sunday December 20, 2020 @09:12AM
(#25486293)
Fun to see the spiritual exercises on hn. I did a 4-day version at one point. It was wonderful.
Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order, set up a daily ritual to help keep himself (and those in the order) centred:
> To help me remember the five steps, I like to use a 5-Rs mnemonic:
> Relish the moments that went well and all of the gifts I have today.
> Request the Spirit to lead me through my review of the day.
> Review the day.
> Repent of any mistakes or failures.
> Resolve, in concrete ways, to live tomorrow well.
* https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/ignatian-spir...
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_Exercises_of_Ignatiu...
If you go online you can probably find a Jesuit retreat centre not too far from you where you can spend (say) eight days in total silence and seclusion; you can optionally (though recommended) talk with a spiritual director once a day to help you sort through anything that bubbles up during your stay.
The BBC had a short doc where a bunch of random men and women went through the exercise (episodes are available online if you search):
* https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2117584/
Perhaps worthwhile, even if that is not your particular worldview.
(This is separate than what monks do, which is seclusion from the world.)
Most faiths in the world have spiritual traditions where silence and reflection are done. Probably possible to find similar retreat centres following their traditions. It seems that it is only the modern secular worldview that hasn't adopted something (yet?). I think this is something most modern philosophical worldviews (especially in the materialist bend) overlook: human 'spiritually' (for lack of a better word).