Home for the Soul – Part III
Grandmaster JinBodhi said, “You will reap great rewards from your investment of time and effort.” The students of January’s 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat can attest to that truth. They made a commitment to attend the retreat and practice meditation with sincerity. They had a willingness to try something new. They had faith in the process. They opened their heart to new possibilities. They developed a new outlook on life.
Annette’s friend of 30 years tried to get her to come to the Bodhi Meditation Centre for the past two years. Finally, she came.
On the first day of the 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat, she could feel Master JinBodhi’s presence. The teacher had told the group to keep warm and open their hands, palms facing up. Annette kept her hands together because she was cold. Her hands were then forced apart. She opened her eyes to see who did it. No one was there. At one point during meditation she felt a fire ball of pain running down her arm. She silently asked Master JinBodhi to ease the pain. She felt something hit the top of her head and then her back. Again, no one was there. But the pain disappeared.
“I had a PhD in anger and pain,” said Annette. “For the rest of my life I’m going to get a PhD in happy. My power is my love. My power is my joy. My power can move mountains.”
Penny first came to a Bodhi retreat in November 2015. At the time she was gregarious and outgoing. She learned so much from the retreat and registered for the next two classes, but found excuses not to come: too sick, too tired, etc. She wasn’t chastised by volunteers at Bodhi. Instead, they showed her love and patience.
What she was suffering was heartbreak. Her son-in-law had denied her access to her grandchildren. She didn’t want to return to Bodhi because she couldn’t do the meditation perfectly. Finally, she gave herself some grace. She didn’t have to be a perfectionist, just committed.
By practicing The Meditation of Greater Illumination, she is being good to herself and is so much happier deep within. During the retreat, her sister asked her why she was tired. “All you’re doing is sitting.” But Penny’s Fitbit proved that wrong. One day in class, it registered 7900 steps.
Elz was skeptical when she showed up on the first day of the retreat. She’s Catholic and active in her church.
On Day 1 of the retreat, she found it weird that everyone was so kind, loving and compassionate.
On Day 2, during an energy healing, she silently asked Master JinBodhi, “If you are real, manifest to me and heal me of my pain, past, memories.” Purple and blue light shone into her. She let it envelop her. She cried like a river.
On Day 3, she had another manifestation during the Meditation of Purity. She experienced the breeze, the wind and the water in her face. She could smell the sweet air.
On Day 6, her blood pressure, which is usually high, was a more normal 139/80.
On Day 7, during meditation, she felt someone tap her shoulder, but no one was there. “It must have been Master JinBodhi,” she told everyone.
During chanting on Day 8, Elz experienced the happiest moment in her life since childhood and realized that there is a divine plan for her life. “My heart cannot hold all this happiness. I want to shout my joy.”
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.
Photos by Bruce CG Gallagher