First 9-Day Retreat

[Guy]

Hello All,

I will be going on my first 9-day retreat in April and I was interested to hear what advice people have, especially from those of you with much retreat experience.

Is there anything I can do in the months leading up to the retreat (other than get a lot of meditation practice) which will be beneficial come retreat time?

Some ideas I have before the retreat:
1) If I have the time available I will probably sleep a lot for 2 days prior to the retreat to help with sloth and torpor
2) I will try to avoid most forms of entertainment, especially as I come close to the retreat period
3) I will ask some of the Ajahns here questions about my meditation practice

During the retreat:
1) Be kind to my body and mind
2) Give it my best effort
3) No expectations

Feedback on these ideas would be appreciated as well as anything which you have found useful.

With Metta,

Guy

[Slow Learner]

During the retreat:
1) Be kind to my body and mind
2) Give it my best effort
3) No expectations

Feedback on these ideas would be appreciated as well as anything which you have found useful.

With Metta,

Guy

Hi Guy - here's a link to some retreat advice that I've found useful in the past and have shown to friends going on their first retreats:

http://www.interactivebuddha.com/retreats.shtml

Best wishes for your preparation and retreat,

Tim

[Guy]

Thanks Tim, good practical advice!