Retreat
Completion of Retreat
A student who had completed a retreat in South India sent the following letter to Rinpoche, who wanted her comments made available to everyone.
Dear Lama Zopa Rinpoche,
I am writing to thank you from the depths of my heart for advising me to do a Hayagriva retreat. With Geshe-la’s incredible help, I was able to receive the initiation from the geshe at Sera Je College, along with a couple of hundred monks. The geshe then helped me to do the retreat, with all of the rituals, tormas and a fire puja. I am so lucky to know Geshe-la and thank you every day for sending him to us.
Your assistant made sure I had the English translation of the sadhana, as well as your commentary and advice about the importance of remembering the lamrim during retreat. Another member of FPMT staff also offered many words of encouragement. I don’t know how I was lucky enough to know all of you. I only hope to prove worthy of such good fortune.
I am working to finish my fifth collection of 111,111 prostrations. I recited the Golden Light Sutra once while at Sera Je. I have recited the Sanghata Sutra five times and my goal now is to recite it once a month. I continue to recite the King of Prayers one to three times a day.
I don’t have enough words to express my sincere gratitude, but I dedicate any merit that I may have accumulated to the success of all of your Dharma projects. Please don’t leave us. Live a long time and continue to teach us all.
Much love and countless prayers,
Julie
Fasting Retreat
A student who had done the chu-len fasting retreat made the following comments, which Rinpoche wanted made available for all.
The commentary by Lama Yeshe at Tushita, says to only drink a small amount of water each day, but I found it necessary to drink as much as I needed to feel hydrated, so I didn’t get intense dehydration headaches. This happened to me the first time I tried chu-len, but it may be different for each individual. The first week or so was the most difficult, then it got easier. Also, it seems that it took some attempts before the pill began to work, so don’t give up after trying only one time.
It’s very good to plan ahead before doing it. Make strong prayers, start on an auspicious day, ensure that all tempting food is put away and the cabin is clean (as well as your clothes). Otherwise, sometimes you can be too weak to do household chores.
I found one pill a day sufficient after the first week or so. It’s very good to do a strong visualization of elements, energy, and blessings strongly absorbing into pill. This is a very amazing practice and strong blessings can come. May all who wish to do this practice be able to have success.