I will be writing several entries this week on the topic of last weekend's Gathering of Friends Buddhist retreat in Port Hueneme, California. The weekend was very much enjoyed by all, and everyone took away new insights into their Buddhist practice.
Right now, I am waiting to get some photos to post, so that you-all can get a look at what went down at this fabulous event, and see all the "players" in their element.
The weekend itself, I must say, was quite luxurious. If the Gathering of Friends Buddhist Retreat were listed on Trip Advisor, there is no doubt that it would earn five stars!
There were about 15 of us, including Bill and Jean Anker, and Ryuei Michael McCormick, who acted as retreat facilitator. Bill and Jean have a wonderful new, large and spacious second home near the beach in Port Hueneme, California, just north of the Los Angeles area. They also have a beautiful large butsudan in the house, which is in a special room on the ground floor of the house. This special room served as a practice center and lecture hall for the length of the retreat.
We started off Friday night with evening gongyo and a Shodaigyo meditation.
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/Shodaigyo.html
This is a meditation where the chanting of Nam(u) Myoho Renge Kyo is sort of "framed" by two sessions of silent meditation. I really enjoy this approach to chanting, and use it in my private practice.
After we finished the Friday evening services, we all went to bed. My room-mate was a wonderful gal who led our Kundalini yoga on the beach session on Saturday. I drove back to LA with her on Sunday, and feel like I made a new friend.
The weather in Port Hueneme was fabulous - warm and sunny, but not too hot.
....and let's not forget the fabulous, fabulous food which we were able to eat at this wonderful event. No poor Buddhists with their begging bowls here, no sir-ee. Our dinner on Saturday evening was a delicious buffet of oregano baked chicken, multi-colored pesto fettuccini, an abundant green garden salad, and sides of tabouleh, hummus, sushi, Thai pasta salad, and a dessert of fresh strawberry shortcake. Honest to God, if the Four Seasons luxury hotel chain were to hold a Buddhist retreat, it might be something like this one.
So, anyway, my next entry will be dealing with the actual content of the retreat (dharma talks, discussions, etc.). I just had to rave about the digs and the food. It was a wonderful weekend in every way - I needed that.
More tomorrow....
Byrd in LA
Posted by wahzoh at June 30, 2008 10:05 AMI think it is so incredible you had a great time, that is a honest authentic feeling from my heart. Any statements I make about the event is only about the event as it pertains to your claim about Buddhism, but on a personal level, my heart feels your joy, and I hope you never cool down from your enthusiasm.
Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Maltz at June 30, 2008 02:31 PM