What is the difference between retreat and vacation?
In a word, intention.
When we travel on vacation, we have intentions like seeing family, sightseeing, eating at amazing restaurants and/or rest and relaxation. The intention for a retreat is PRACTICE.
The practice of concentration on a single subject (or the use of one technique) is the best way to prevent the obstacles and their accompaniments.
Yoga Sutras 1.32
Then Patanjali goes on to speak of the many ways and techniques to practice concentration and therefore quiet the mind....
Or by concentrating on subtle sense perceptions can cause steadiness of mind.
Yoga Sutras 1.35
Over the holiday weekend, a group of Yogis from Bliss travelled to Satchidananda Ashram in Yogaville (really!), Virginia. We were there to learn and practice concentrating on subtle sense perceptions with world famous kirtan wallah Krishna Das. The practice of kirtan might seem like playing music and singing along but it is one of the ways Yogis can cultivate a quiet mind by focusing on divine sound vibration. Over the weekend, we were scheduled to practice kirtan 14 hours with KD. Even with time for question and answer and potty breaks, that is an impressive duration for sustained practice time.
I say that Yogaville is beautiful but not because it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, but because the experience is beautiful and the environment facilitates a beautiful experience. Ashrams or Yoga retreat centers traditionally are spartan, not too fancy but clean and spacious nestled in a natural setting (no tvs or phones in rooms). The scriptures talk specifically about being close to nature when doing serious practice. The food is amazing, not because it is the best food I have ever had, but because it is delicious in a way that does not over indulge the senses and it sets the foundation for the state of meditation to happen. I have worked in the kitchen as a volunteer and prayers are said all day long to bless the food and much of the food comes from their very own organic garden. The food is satvic- pure, light and simple.
Making time for extra practice has its rewards. Almost always, the body and mind feel rejuvenated and a new insight comes.
