Experiment:
1 Zen Buddhist Monk
1 Psychologist
4 dedicated counselors
some involving paricipants
a bunch of 11- to 14- year-old kids (with energy to spare)
2 days in a secluded countryside
20 degree F, with biting winds
And what do you have?
...
A retreat that suprises, perplexes, is sometimes annoying, sometimes insightful, and never, never boring.
Kudos to Pete and Kuo Jeun FaShih, who led some thoughtful discussions; to Anny and Joanne, whose charm and grace no doubt had a calming effect on the more energetic bunch; to all other volunteers, who made this retreat possible; and to the kids, always illuminating.
It was a wonderful weekend.
“The teacher who walks in the shadow of the temple, among his followers, gives not of his wisdom but rather of his faith and his lovingness.
If he is indeed wise he does not bid you enter the house of wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind.”
-From “The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran
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8 comments:
nice!! wish we were there too! loved "the prophet". read that in collage. what a book!
Thank you for the wonderful review. Agnes is asking someone to write a short retreat summary report, so they can post it on the website. I recommend you and Anny. how is that??:)
ho! "threshold of your own mind" is the beginning to all sorts of adventures. it never gets boring. may all find both the centeredness and exhilaration to enjoy this merry ride!
ps. fun weekend indeed. it was good to have you there!
Oh Pete, you've gotta be kidding me...
Writing harmless musing on one's blog is one thing, writing a report, even a short one, is another thing. Plus, who is better for the job than the man, the legend, who led the retreat? I know Anny will agree with me on this one :)
yes, chien, i agree whole-heartedly.
and pete, you really should do it. through writing the report, you'll get to re-live the entire weekend again. won't it be fun!
good job anny & Chien chien! i actually feel i got to you know two better through the discussion. what an interesting perspective to know friends! thanks for the great help! Joanne
I would love to write, but I don't think anyone is going to understand what I am writing about. Besides, we need the perspecitve from a camper, not the counselor. Thus, Chien-Chien is the best candidate. I believe Agnes has already given you a deadline:)
I told Agnes that in August we can try something similar again. It can be done with a different theme (e.g. bubble tea and comic?) I hope you all can join. It was fun to work together.
sure, by then nana would be 5 months old!
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