Going on a Monastic Retreat
A monastery is a home for people (commonly called monks) who have made a commitment to a religious way of life. Monks, in general, live simply and follow a daily schedule that may include time set aside for prayer, meditation, and manual labor.
Why would people outside of the monastery be drawn to this lifestyle? It may be because monastic retreats offer an experience separate from our hurried and high-pressure society.
If you are longing for solitude and spiritual direction, then staying at a retreat may be exactly what you need to bring your life back into balance.
What to Expect
Monastic retreats can vary greatly depending on the religion that the monks practice and the program that has been created for visitors. Because of this, you may want to begin by doing research online to find out what types of retreats are available. A quick search for monastic retreats in theUnited Statesmay return with hundreds of thousands of hits! So you may want to narrow your search by deciding on:
- Which religion you would like to focus on
- Where you would like to travel to
Once you have found some monasteries online, the next step is to read as much as you can about each one to pick the best match for you and your goals.
Here are some things to keep in mind to help you choose:
Location
Monasteries are usually located in beautiful, serene settings that may feature several buildings, a garden, a tree grove, and a lake.
Reasons for Going
This is one of the most important points to consider! Think about what you hope to accomplish by going on this retreat. For example, you may want to:
- Begin a spiritual journey
- Build a stronger relationship with your higher power
- Learn how to meditate
- Renew your body and mind
- Release yourself from a hectic schedule
- Devote time to reading something spiritual
Discover your own reasons for going on a retreat!
Religious Practices
While a monastery is usually thought of as home for Christian monks, there are actually monasteries for people who follow Buddhism, Hinduism, as well as other religions and philosophies. And, in general, monasteries are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Therefore, if you are new to the ZenschoolofBuddhism, for instance, that is perfectly okay! You just need to choose a retreat that is right for you.
Length of Stay
This really depends on you! There are retreats that last a weekend, several weekdays, an entire week, or even longer. If you are thinking of staying at a monastery near your home, you can even plan a brief visit to talk with the people in charge of guest relations.
Schedule
Each monastery offers a unique schedule to meet various needs. For example, you may want to go on a directed retreat where you attend conferences during the day, meet with a spiritual leader, and read recommended spiritual texts. On the other hand, you may choose to do a private retreat that allows you to spend time alone in prayer and meditation.
Lodging
Think simplicity! You can expect the monastery to offer a dorm-style atmosphere where you may be sharing a bedroom and bathroom with other guests of the same gender. In order to ensure a peaceful environment, you most likely will not be allowed to bring a computer, mp3 player, cell phone, or other electronic devices. However, most monasteries do have a library, so you can spend your free time reading.
Meals
Meals are typically very basic and served in the dining hall at set times throughout the day. Some monasteries have strict rules about meals, though, like not eating before noon or having only two meals a day. In some cases, guests are encouraged to eat their meals in silent meditation.
Manual Labor
Manual labor is an important part of a monk’s life. Because of this, guests may also take part in the duties around the monastery, like cleaning or gardening.
Clothes
No need to wear fancy clothes during your stay! Simple, comfortable clothes and shoes are fine for the monastery.
Cost
Monasteries may not be clear about the cost per night. But, in general, you can expect that it may cost $60-$100 per night. Of course, a more generous contribution will be greatly appreciated by the monks!
Special Considerations
You may be surprised to discover that there are several monasteries in the state that you live in. But, what if you have your heart set on traveling outside of theUnited States?
Take the same precautions that you would for any other trip abroad. Research the area on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, and make an appointment with your doctor to find out if you need any vaccinations or medicines before your journey.
No matter where you are staying, take the initiative to ask about the cleanliness of the monastery, especially the kitchen facilities. You can also take other steps to be healthy, like getting a flu shot and washing your hands often. These precautions can help you to stay healthy while you are creating a spiritual connection.
What to Do Next
Now that you have an overview of what to expect during a monastic retreat, it is up to you to make the next move! Many monasteries allow you to register online, just keep in mind that there may be a registration fee and possibly a deposit.
So if you feel the need to step away from life’s constant demands, then now may be a good time to replenish yourself in the peacefulness of a monastery.
REFERENCES:
About retreats. Zen Mountain Monastery website.
Accommodations and rates. New Camaldoli Hermitage website.
Coming to a retreat. Zen Mountain Monastery website.
The experience of retreats. Bhavana Society website.
