Has anyone been on a religious retreat?

Question

Where did you go, what did you do, was the experience worth while? I'm particularly interested in knowing about ones where attendees aren't supposed to talk.

Answer 1

Yes. I've on numerous retreats: Christian retreats, Buddhist retreats, and Vedantist (Hindu) retreats. Some were silent retreats. A retreat is different from a workshop although sometimes workshops are called retreats. A workshop would be where you go somewhere with a bunch other people to hear talks, have group discussions, and perhaps have group meditations or other activities. As a teenager, I participated in many events like this, which were called retreats, but also had a little bit of a brainwashing aspect to them (tightly put together schedules where you are either being continually lectured to or in a group discussion and where you don't get to sleep much. There's certainly nothing wrong with workshops but stay away from those that are heavily packed with activities and lecturing. You will find yourself being indoctrinated and psychologically jerked around into something.)

While on retreat, you basically spend time alone in contemplation, meditation, and perhaps prayer. At a Buddhist retreat, you might simply meditate for 16 hours a day.

For years now, I have been going to a retreat facility owned by the Vedanta Society--a group affiliated with a sect of Hinduism. I get up at about 6 am to meditate with other retreatants, have breakfast, read or walk the grounds (or else listen to a guest speaker or the resident teacher if a sermon or teaching is to presented that morning), participate in the midafternoon meditation, have lunch with other retreatants, and then find a quiet spot on the grounds to study or meditate or contemplate in the afternoon. At sundown, I attend vespers (some singing and more group meditation). Then I have dinner and if I am sharing quarters with other retreatants, we sit and chat. That's the day at a retreat. After doing that for a few days, you feel rather clear and peaceful. A similar kind of regimen might be found at a Christian or Jewish retreat center. You would be left to yourself and might be expected or encouraged to participate in daily scheduled prayer or meditation and a spiritual counselor might be at hand to speak with during your retreat experience.

Answer 2

I was forced to go on one as a part of the Confirmation process with my church when I was around 13. We were out in the middle of nowhere at some camp site. Nice cabins, but a boring time. We played odd religious games and had bible classes, along with some free time here & there. I didn't appreciate being forced to go and to be confirmed so it's obvious that I didn't have a great time.

Answer 3

lol bigirv - clever====
Yes I have been on religious retreats, havent been on any silent ones, they were called revivals back in the day, it seemed worth it at the time, not for me now, but I think you should go if given the opportunity, experiences are things we remember, some touch us deeply, others amaze us, the fellowship makes it all worth it when you are around others who are there with the same purpose as you regardless of what religion, be it Christian of any denomination, Taoism, Buddhism, Pagan or Wiccan.

Answer 4

I have been on spiritual retreats, drum circles, recovery retreats.....etc...each have been a bit different. The similarities being that all have went along a certain schedule...and that there were speakers, guided meditations, etc...
I am sorry,but i have never attended anything where speaking was prohibited.

I hope you find what it is you seek...

blessed be
)o(
trinity

Answer 5

I've been retreating from religion all my life.

Answer 6

I went on a Sorority retreat for initiation once.
Get your minds out of the gutter!! Geez!