The following should provide a sense of what will happen on retreat, and an outline of some of the practices we follow in order to maximize the benefits of this time of withdrawal from the active world. CLICK HERE for the Cancellation/Refund Policy for Menucha Retreats.
What does a day's schedule look like?
Following is a sample schedule. A confirmed program schedule will be provided at the retreat.
6:30 am - 8:00 am Group meditation
8:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast and individual practice
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Group meditation
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Lunch and individual practice
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Group meditation
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Dinner and individual practice
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Group meditation
What posture is expected?
Meditation is a training of the mind and heart. There is no requirement to sit cross legged on the floor. You will be encouraged to sit comfortably upright as this is conducive to wakefulness. If you have sitting implements that you use to practice at home please bring them so you can be comfortable.
Will we observe noble silence?
One of our most potent tools in turning attention inward is the practice of remaining silent. From the first evening of the retreat until the last meal or so, you will have the opportunity to relinquish all unnecessary speech. This is not a rule that is imposed upon you, but rather something that participants undertake in order to provide themselves and each other with the optimum circumstances for introspection.
Can I bring music, books, or other entertainment?
Meditation is the practice of coming directly into intimate contact with oneself. In order to do this, we leave behind most of the distractions, responsibilities, and activities of daily life. You will find your retreat enriched by leaving at home items like music players, books, other entertainments, and hobbies. Your own body and mind are the most interesting phenomena you will ever encounter. They are the entire world.
Will Robert provide 1:1 personal guidance?
There will be ample time for individual meetings and guidance. These meetings are for the purpose of offering you personal guidance in your practice and to give you a chance to ask any questions that are arising in your meditation. They are informal meetings, which give us a chance to meet and know one another face-to-face. I will not be on retreat, I will be guiding the retreat. My purpose is to provide you with the instructions, guidance and support you need in order to make maximum use of your precious contemplative time. If something comes up and it is important that we speak before your next scheduled meeting, please come to me directly.
Can I bring drugs or medicines?
As our intention is to learn about the human mind, it is necessary to leave it as unclouded as possible. Please do not bring mind-altering substances on retreat–but please do continue to take all of your prescription medications as directed.
Will we be fasting during retreat?
The retreat center will be providing three meals per day. Whenever possible, I will request of the facility that the main meal be served at noon, and the evening meal be light. It is recommended that you eat moderately, as large meals require a lot of energy to digest and leave you sleepy. It is not recommended to fast on retreat. A meditation retreat is already a very significant fast. You will be fasting from speech, reading, working, email, social media, devices, eating whenever you want, relationships, and countless other distractions. Most profoundly, you will be fasting by interrupting and relinquishing the stories of self that the mind weaves.
How should I dress?
Dress casually, in attire that allows you to sit comfortably. Human minds become very sensitive on retreat. It is a kindness for other members of the group if you dress modestly with an intention to minimize distraction.
Can I wear perfume or other scented products?
On occasion, someone on retreat may have allergic sensitivity to perfumes and scented products. Please do your best to avoid perfumes and scents.
May I leave the retreat early?
Participants may leave early if desired. However, if you choose to leave before the end of the retreat, please speak to me prior to your departure. A conversation prior to leaving may be a significant gift to yourself.
May I drink water during the meditations?
Water bottles with a lid may be brought into the meditation hall to drink during talks and non-meditation activities, but please refrain from drinking during the meditation periods.
May I lie down or do yoga during the retreat?
Unless you must do so for health reasons, please do not lie down or do yoga in the Dharma Hall. This is particularly true during dharma talks when the intention is to be particularly attentive.
Will I need to arrive on time?
Please do your best to arrive on time for meditation sessions. When I am engaged in assisting others, I may not be present at the beginning of each session. Please just settle in and observe the precious life of each moment.
Does the registration fee include payment for the teachings?
The fees you paid upon registration cover only your room, board, and administrative costs. There is no teacher fee for Robert's retreats. There will be a “dana basket” for contributions to the teachings, available at the end of the retreat.
Following is a sample schedule. A confirmed program schedule will be provided at the retreat.
6:30 am - 8:00 am Group meditation
8:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast and individual practice
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Group meditation
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Lunch and individual practice
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Group meditation
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Dinner and individual practice
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Group meditation
What posture is expected?
Meditation is a training of the mind and heart. There is no requirement to sit cross legged on the floor. You will be encouraged to sit comfortably upright as this is conducive to wakefulness. If you have sitting implements that you use to practice at home please bring them so you can be comfortable.
Will we observe noble silence?
One of our most potent tools in turning attention inward is the practice of remaining silent. From the first evening of the retreat until the last meal or so, you will have the opportunity to relinquish all unnecessary speech. This is not a rule that is imposed upon you, but rather something that participants undertake in order to provide themselves and each other with the optimum circumstances for introspection.
Can I bring music, books, or other entertainment?
Meditation is the practice of coming directly into intimate contact with oneself. In order to do this, we leave behind most of the distractions, responsibilities, and activities of daily life. You will find your retreat enriched by leaving at home items like music players, books, other entertainments, and hobbies. Your own body and mind are the most interesting phenomena you will ever encounter. They are the entire world.
Will Robert provide 1:1 personal guidance?
There will be ample time for individual meetings and guidance. These meetings are for the purpose of offering you personal guidance in your practice and to give you a chance to ask any questions that are arising in your meditation. They are informal meetings, which give us a chance to meet and know one another face-to-face. I will not be on retreat, I will be guiding the retreat. My purpose is to provide you with the instructions, guidance and support you need in order to make maximum use of your precious contemplative time. If something comes up and it is important that we speak before your next scheduled meeting, please come to me directly.
Can I bring drugs or medicines?
As our intention is to learn about the human mind, it is necessary to leave it as unclouded as possible. Please do not bring mind-altering substances on retreat–but please do continue to take all of your prescription medications as directed.
Will we be fasting during retreat?
The retreat center will be providing three meals per day. Whenever possible, I will request of the facility that the main meal be served at noon, and the evening meal be light. It is recommended that you eat moderately, as large meals require a lot of energy to digest and leave you sleepy. It is not recommended to fast on retreat. A meditation retreat is already a very significant fast. You will be fasting from speech, reading, working, email, social media, devices, eating whenever you want, relationships, and countless other distractions. Most profoundly, you will be fasting by interrupting and relinquishing the stories of self that the mind weaves.
How should I dress?
Dress casually, in attire that allows you to sit comfortably. Human minds become very sensitive on retreat. It is a kindness for other members of the group if you dress modestly with an intention to minimize distraction.
Can I wear perfume or other scented products?
On occasion, someone on retreat may have allergic sensitivity to perfumes and scented products. Please do your best to avoid perfumes and scents.
May I leave the retreat early?
Participants may leave early if desired. However, if you choose to leave before the end of the retreat, please speak to me prior to your departure. A conversation prior to leaving may be a significant gift to yourself.
May I drink water during the meditations?
Water bottles with a lid may be brought into the meditation hall to drink during talks and non-meditation activities, but please refrain from drinking during the meditation periods.
May I lie down or do yoga during the retreat?
Unless you must do so for health reasons, please do not lie down or do yoga in the Dharma Hall. This is particularly true during dharma talks when the intention is to be particularly attentive.
Will I need to arrive on time?
Please do your best to arrive on time for meditation sessions. When I am engaged in assisting others, I may not be present at the beginning of each session. Please just settle in and observe the precious life of each moment.
Does the registration fee include payment for the teachings?
The fees you paid upon registration cover only your room, board, and administrative costs. There is no teacher fee for Robert's retreats. There will be a “dana basket” for contributions to the teachings, available at the end of the retreat.
What is the Cancellation/Refund policy? Reservations made directly with Bethlehem and Breitenbush follow the refund policies of that retreat center. For Menucha retreats only (which are reserved through Robert), your registration payment covers what Robert is contracted to pay Menucha for room and board, and their services. If you cancel, you will be refunded what you paid, minus a $50 administration fee—only if a replacement attendee is confirmed and registered. We have a waitlist form set up for interested parties, and refunds will be issued if a replacement attendee is available.
If you have additional questions or need more info, please email Robert: [email protected]
If you have additional questions or need more info, please email Robert: [email protected]