Has anybody ever been to one? If so, what was your experience like?

I'm reading up on them and I've found one where you stay for a week for free in return of 35 hours work (help in maintaining the houses grounds and buildings) and in the week you can attend all the meditation classes and teachings as you want.

I'm not a religious person or thinking of converting but think this could benefit anyone who wants to broaden there horizons and learn a thing or two. Am I right in thinking this?

i've never been but really want too.
and there's one just up the road from my job. it's called The Vajapani Institute, i'm always tempted.

i'm not Buddhist either, but still..

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There is a place here that allows you to attend for a weekend completely free of charge. They do appreciate a donation however (not a whole lot from what I can remember off the top of my head, def more than worth getting food and shelter for a weekend stay). But it's a silent retreat. I considered doing it a few times but I never have time. I feel like I should make time to be in silence for a few days. I think it would be very beneficial.

There is another place, a Zen place which can apparently be hard to handle if you aren't prepared to be questioned. I mean they aren't mean, but they force you to look at yourself which most people can't deal with. Both my bf and I considered that one on his uncle's recommendation. We're still looking into it though.

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"How wrong it is for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than to create it herself."

"I postpone death by living, by suffering, by error, by risking, by giving, by losing."

"I will not be just a tourist in the world of images, just watching images passing by which I cannot live in, make love to, possess as permanent sources of joy and ecstasy. "

-from the goddess that is Anaïs Nin

i think it's a great idea.
i would do it if i had the time.

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That's the whole trouble. You can't ever find a place that's nice and peaceful, because there isn't any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you're not looking, somebody'll sneak up and write "Fuck you" right under your nose.” - J. D. Salinger

a spiritual being having a human experience