The old year is already behind us. The new one poses new challenges and will certainly bring many surprises. Last year was quite intense for Ikian. It ended with a light retreat that finished on December 30. In it, we found further clarity in showing how Zen works in everyday life; how to integrate breath, body and mind.

Thanks to our great participants we got to try a retreat that combined silent zazen, physical exercises, work, rest and sauna baths. We also combined breathing exercises with the use of voice. During the daily tea ceremony, we discussed topics such as ”what happiness means”, ”the meaning of bowing and rituals”, ”giving and generosity”, and ”others before self”. We appreciated the interactive approach, where the participants brought up their own questions and perspectives.

Sometimes there is a danger that for a beginner, the framework of a Zen retreat feels like a set of rules imposed from the outside. But by unfolding the meaning of the silent retreat together, its pieces fall into place and we begin to appreciate it.

The gentle retreat brought the expected results. With its flexibility and an increased range of forms in practice, it helped to deepen our personal development. It is a path for our own development, but above all for helping others. We intend to continue retreats with such programs.