Asceticism is an adolescent mistake, another adventure, but adults find enough asceticism in accepting things as they are. Been listening to Gold Wrapped in Rags about Ajaan Jai Cundo. He didn't sleep hardly at all during the rains retreats, a bit leaning against something in the daytime, so he could stay up all night. Quite inspiring stories.
I stayed up once to raise money for the Dalits of India, the ex-untouchable movement of Ambedkar. We would meditate 40 minutes, and walk for 20, then 30 minutes and have some tea for 30 minutes. I did fall asleep for a moment on one break.
But for a few month of a rains retreat he didn't sleep laying down?! He wasn't really into Buddhism, he had fun doing the work for the family business, and protecting their interests, just ordained to please his parents, show them respect, but it held.
The Dhutanga monks of the Thai Forest tradition countered the comfortable city monks who were only really trying to take the easy path, not the middle way. He would meditate for 3 hours in one sitting. For me a triple sit of 40 minute sits with breaks is quite a challenge.
I was challenging to Shams today. I'm not most days, most days I focus on listening, trying say helpful things. Guess it's the mood I'm in. Also feel like he might have needed that. Hope he takes it well.
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