Here’s how it went:

530 wake up

600 sitting meditation and dharma talk, then stretching/yoga

830 breakfast

930 sitting meditation and dharma talk, then walking meditation

1200 lunch and nap/whatever

200 sitting meditation and dharma talk, then walking meditation

430 tea break

530 yoga

630 dinner

730 sitting meditation and dharma talk

1000 sleep

Basic rules include the five precepts (don’t kill, steal, lie, sex, or drink), plus “noble silence”- don’t talk.

I guess this is all pretty standard. The hardest part was the “talk” part of the “meditation and talk”, because I didn’t see the point of it. The monk, Ven. Sanghasena, would just talk meanderingly about whatever for an hour or so. Often it seemed very basic or obvious. But then, he’s the enlightened one, and I’m just some guy.

I’m not sure if I want to run away and play video games, or sign up for a longer more direct retreat somewhere like Dharamsala. Probably the latter. Now seems as good a time as any to make some spiritual progress. Plus, India, y’know?