[Discussion-AZC] Summer retreat

[drstopher]

Dear Sangha,
 
I took the following excerpt from a Tibetan Buddhist website:  
 
Every year, during the summer months, Buddha did a three-month retreat with his disciples. His reason for doing this was to avoid harming insects and other animals. 
If we go out a lot during the summer months we will naturally kill more insects and other animals than at other times of the year. The nature of Buddhadharma is compassion – an unbiased compassion that is not just for human beings but for every living being, including animals. 
 
In fact, we should have stronger compassion for animals than for human beings because animals suffer more. Human beings have better conditions and are more fortunate than animals. Because animals have so much suffering and no freedom, out of compassion Buddhists should try not to kill or disturb them. So, for three months during the summer, Buddha advised his disciples to retreat, staying always inside and living carefully and conscientiously. 
 
We are having a 7 day retreat next week where we can keep still, and not give the universe too much to worry about since we will be travelling around less; we'll use less gas, eat less, relocate less, talk less, and otherwise do things so much more mind-FULLY.  
 
Please consider this opportunity to be more harmless.  The sesshin is
open to people coming and going as well as full time participants.  Details
can be found on the website.  If you have any questions I can try and answer them or find someone who can.  
 
Thank you,
Rinshin David Stopher


      
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