Unpacking the Rewards of Meditation Retreats with Phra Pandit [S6.E55]

Ed interviews recurring guest of the show Phra Pandit on
meditation retreats. This is Part Two of a two part series; Part
One is a basic introduction to meditation. The discussion begins
with Phra Pandit giving some very solid advice for choosing a
retreat: make sure you know the accommodations, including food
and lodging, are at least adequate. Later he makes clear that
luxury isn't the way to go, but sharing a tent while covered in
mosquitoes may not be the best way to begin your journey to inner
peace. 


Next, Ed brings up the one ten-day meditation retreat he did a
long while ago, and Phra Pandit stresses the importance of
knowing all the rules you must follow while in attendance. The
monk believes that in general stricter is better (go big or go
home!), with silence being an absolute must. While some of the
rules might seem a bit cultish, Phra Pandit notes that temporary
restrictions for a few days does not a cult make! 


Ed then turns to the expert to explain some of the weird (and
sometimes frightening) mental experiences he had on his long
retreat. Phra Pandit uses Ed's experience as a way to illustrate
a few important concepts relating to Buddhist philosophy and
theory of meditation. 


A psychedelic of your choice may help the episode go down a bit
better. Just sayin'. 


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