In this post I copy the interview what did I do Iñaki Calvo for your blog conconciencia.com. Already around the sesshin that is mentioned in it, the experience could not be better, soon I will share in this space the chronicle of the retreat. Thank you very much Iñaki for the interview, for me it has been a gift.
How did you discover zen? And how did you start practicing it?
I discovered zen through a good friend, which invited me to attend the conferences and seminars that the teacher gave Dokusho Villalba annually in Alicante. After attending a couple I decided to practice, first in a weekend days in the Zen Center of Alicante and later in an introductory sesshin at the Luz Serena Monastery. After these first experiences, I decided to continue deepening the practice and began to regularly attend the headquarters of the Zen Association of Alicante until today., for almost twenty years.
How do you remember the experience of your first retreat?
I made my first retreat when I was twenty-three years old, it was a devastating experience, turned my little known internal world upside down. I vividly remember how the silence greatly amplified the awareness of my continuous mental chatter.. For a moment I thought that I was going crazy. But the teachings of my teacher and the dynamics of the retreat made that at the end I collected the fruits of the practice and that left an indelible mark that lasts to this day..
What is a CBSZ Introductory Zen Retreat?? Tell us how is the day to day?
CBSZ Introductory Retreats are designed for people who want to learn about Zen meditation and have little to no practical experience. The meditation periods are shorter and less frequent than in the rest of the retreats and the teachings are aimed at focusing the practice appropriately, They are attended by both beginners and more experienced practitioners who serve as support for first-time visitors.
The retreats are silent, in a beautiful environment surrounded by nature very conducive to the practice of meditation. The day is fully organized from dawn to dusk, alternating moments of meditation, recitation of sutras, food with oryokis —Traditional Japanese bowls—, stretching, teaching, rest and conscious work with the body. It is about focusing attention in each moment so that mental activity gradually and naturally calms down..
What are the most common difficulties for beginners?
The most common difficulty is usually the face-to-face encounter with oneself. It is usually attributed to physical pain, the biggest obstacle to sitting down and staying focused. But as one perseveres in the practice of withdrawal one may realize how difficulties are rather self-limitations imposed by a distorted self-image of oneself.. The practice of retreat offers a unique setting to observe ourselves in detail and, thanks to the power of sustained attention, free ourselves from unnecessary suffering.
How are advanced withdrawals?
In advanced retreats there is more meditation, more silence and more introspection. All practitioners already know how to function adequately so that the study focuses on deepening more and more. As it matures, one is able to probe deeply into the inner world and at the same time be more aware of the interrelationships that occur with other practitioners. Since it is a community practice, we act as mirrors of each other, it is something truly enriching.
And what difficulties do more advanced practitioners usually encounter?
All. Moving forward is a matter of perseverance. Zen is a very difficult path from the perspective of a society like ours where everything has to be for yesterday. With practice one realizes that it is not a matter of obtaining but rather of losing, to be shedding everything that weighs us down and does not allow us to live a full and happy life. And here the figure of the teacher takes on special importance to help overcome the obstacles that arise. Fortunately in our community we have the invaluable support of the teacher Dokushô Villalba, which closely guards our practice.
What does participating in a retreat bring to you personally?
A retreat is the opportunity to reconnect with myself, with the source of innate happiness. My whole being rejoices when I put my foot in it Luz Serena Monastery. The day to day in the busy daily life is taking me away from this background of authentic peace and returning to Luz Serena is like returning home.
How do you feel now that you are leading a temple retreat??
Happy to be able to give back part of what I have received during all these years, a practice that has contributed so much to me at all levels and that feels good to me, I am sure it will also benefit many people. Happy to have the opportunity and privilege to serve my teacher and my community. Happy because on a personal level it will also be a good opportunity to continue deepening on this path that I love so much..
You are welcome, Samuel. One more time, I thank you for having participated in my blog and I invite you to do it again in the future. A hug.
It will be a real pleasure, count on it. Hugs.