Salmon, when they are spawning, swim back to their birthplace. Retreat is coming back to our true home, our buddhahood. It is withdrawing from what we see, what we hear, what we speak, and what we think, to the pure and silent space, our original mind.
If a household just consumes without saving, that household will inevitably become bankrupt. Many people in contemporary society repeatedly deplete their energy by too much seeing, hearing, speaking, and thinking. This is why people experience mental bankruptcy: nervousness, anxiety, anger, tiredness, and even derpession.
In the Taoist tradition, our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind are called the six thieves because they drain our energy and steal our original mind. Through retreat we move back from our sensory experience and have a mental vacation; a deep inner journey to discover our way home.
Master Daesan, the Third Head Dharma Master of Won Buddhism, said that it is not in the spring or summer but in the winter that trees truly grow. In the cold temperature, trees shorn of their leaves endure and conserve energy in their roots, so that they can bloom during the warm months.
We humans have experienced many revolutions, from the scientific or technological, to the industrial revolution. However, what we desperately need is a revolution in our minds. This is a silent revolution, but indeed a real and true one: that which is realized by discovering our true self and inner peace and freedom. This is a revolution which all saints and sages have experienced.
This revolution begins with alertly observing our minds. The Won Dharma Center will provide the environment and opportunity for you to have a true mental vacation, reflect on your mind and life, and discover your authentic self in order that you may be revitalized and prepare for a brighter and more vital future.
