This is the Way – 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat
Here are more of the stories from our January 2018 retreat, stories of transformation and healing, stories we love to hear and love to share with you.
Matthew
A friend in Berkeley, California, told me about Bodhi Meditation about four years ago, urging me to try it out.
A couple of years ago I came to a Thursday evening practice where I practiced The Meditation of Greater Illumination. Later, I did it again. Last year I was at the Wellness Show and went for a healing at the Bodhi booth. I sat down and felt a presence. It was something I needed. I knew that when the time was right I’d come to an 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat.
I had supported my mother to the end and even though we were at peace, I experienced fragmentation when she died just over a year ago. I experienced anger issues, frustration, procrastination and felt like I was becoming steadily depleted. In December, I went to the Bodhi website and signed up for the January retreat. Shortly after that, I received an email announcing that Grandmaster JinBodhi would be in town for a New Year’s blessing.
When I got here for that event I didn’t realize there were translation machines, but I was good listening to Mandarin! When Master JinBodhi walked into the room I could feel the energy blessing fill the room. During the chanting, I chanted along. I knew Master JinBodhi was approaching for the blessing, and when he touched me, my head felt like it cracked open and waves ran down my spine. It was very profound and I felt the energy continue building throughout the week. It was energy I hadn’t felt before. It was a jump start for the new year. There was a shift of awareness.
Before the retreat, I had to try to generate things, but now they are growing inside me. I now don’t react like I did before the retreat. I’m grateful to Master JinBodhi and all who have ever participated in this. It’s all seeded by Master JinBodhi. Being at the retreat was like coming home and connecting with family. I will continue to build and to hold each other up.
Jason
I’m so happy to be here. I was crushed by a tractor trailer and for three and a half years I underwent intensive rehabilitation just to learn how to walk. I experienced many losses and felt broken. I was lacking cultivation as Master JinBodhi would say.
In 2013 I came to Bodhi for a Thursday evening class. I wanted to return every week. A volunteer would ask me, “Jason, did you sign up for the retreat?” No. “You would benefit,” she’d say. I finally did come to Day 3 of the retreat and I am glad I listened to her. The energy that flows is amazing.
On Day 4 a disc in my back went out. In the past I’d go to the hospital or lay down for days, but I knew I needed to be at the retreat. So I came, relying on a cane for support. Two days later I didn’t need the cane. I had never healed that quickly before.
Marie
I’m here with my twin sister. I cry, not because I’m sad, but because I’m filled with emotion.
I suffer from knee pain and knew it was there because of the abuse I suffered as a child.
After I shared my story, so many people said I was courageous to speak and that it helped them. Everyone gave me so much love.
During the chanting I wanted to forgive my dad. Part of me wanted to leave, but my knees were too sore and I knew that this was an opportunity for something big to happen. I had cursed my father so much that my throat completely closed. My heart was full of knives. I could only whisper during the chanting. I saw my dad as a little guy, still innocent. He had had his own trauma and wanted my innocence. All of a sudden a vortex in my throat opened to Buddha. I could feel so much gratitude because I’m here in the world because of my dad. I felt the energy of the room, of everyone chanting. It’s a miracle I wouldn’t want to miss.
Afterwards, I got up for lunch and realized there was 100% no pain in my knee. I jumped and skipped. It is possible to be pain free! I felt the strength of Medicine Buddha. There’s so much strength in the work we do here. If not here, then where? You don’t give up.
When I chanted for my mother, hate arose. Why didn’t she protect me? But as I chanted, I wondered how can I hate my mother?
During the healing, the energy scrubbed all the dungeons full of unexpressed sorrow through time and space with the support of Master JinBodhi and Buddha and everyone here.
This is just the beginning.
Disclaimer:
- The effects associated with practicing Bodhi Meditation can vary from person to person.
- Any and all content, views, opinions, and/or responses in this student sharing are solely the views, opinions and responsibility of the respondent and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Bodhi Meditation.
- Bodhi Meditation does not provide or replace any medical advice or treatment. We recommend everyone adhere to their medical treatment and prescription.