The Purpose of Retreat

If, after staying in a quiet retreat, you become more intolerant of noise and disturbances, it is a sign that your practice has not gone well. In fact, it has made you worse—now you cannot tolerate something you could before.

Yes, it is taught that when we begin practicing, we should go to a quiet, isolated place, a conducive environment. However, we must be clear that the purpose is not to run away from difficulties. Instead, it is to prepare ourselves for more challenging environments. This mindset is essential.

But often, the opposite happens—our minds become weaker with ineffective practice in a quiet place. Instead of developing patience and resilience, we become more sensitive and reactive, feeling aversion to everything unexpected we experience—what we see, hear, and so on. This completely defeats the purpose of retreat.

A supportive environment is needed at the beginning because beginners are easily influenced by external conditions and triggers. It is like learning to ride a mountain bike—no one would send a beginner, someone who cannot even ride on a smooth road, down a staircase. That would be dangerous; they might break their legs or even lose their life.

Instead, training starts on flat ground, sometimes with support. Once the rider gains confidence, they gradually move to more difficult terrain. Over time, they develop the ability to handle any challenge effortlessly.

Practice is the same. We begin in a supportive environment and gradually expose ourselves to greater difficulties. The purpose is to train ourselves to handle whatever we encounter—whether internal afflictions or external disturbances—so that nothing becomes an obstacle.

So we must keep in mind that retreat is not about escaping to a peaceful place for a comfortable life. It is preparation. It is training—so that one day, we can enter difficult, even life-threatening situations to help others without hesitation. It is a path to becoming fearless and immensely capable.

This is especially true for those who aspire to practice Vajrayana. One must be able to accept everything—not by forcing oneself, but by cultivating a vast and open mind that sees the good in all things. With a pure way of thinking, you become easygoing, and no matter what happens, nothing becomes a problem for you.

31 March 2025, Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal