The potential of retreats as a means to confront distractions
In this interview, Daniel Aitken speaks with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo about the valuable lessons she learned during her 12-year retreat.
They discuss the challenges of dealing with distractions in the mind and the importance of gaining control over it instead of being controlled by it.
Jetsunma’s reflections shed light on the transformative potential of retreats as a means to confront distractions head-on and cultivate the ability to observe the mind with clarity, a skill that proves invaluable in everyday life.
At the core of Jetsunma’s teachings is the importance of engaging in daily formal sitting practice, which she encourages as a way to create time for recognizing distractions and preserving mental clarity all day long.
Furthermore, she highlights the importance of engaging with spiritual texts during retreats, urging practitioners to delve deeply into teachings, apply them in practice, and cultivate wisdom and compassion.
Crucially, Tenzin Palmo emphasizes the goal of recognizing thoughts as separate from the self and refraining from identifying with them—a practice that fosters increased self-awareness and diminishes ignorance.
By creating distance and observing thoughts as transient phenomena, individuals can gain a sense of inner freedom and navigate their internal landscape with greater ease.
Tenzin ‘s insights underscore the transformative power of retreats and the profound impact of sustained practice and study on one’s spiritual journey.
Through dedicated effort and introspection, practitioners can cultivate the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the mind and foster a deeper understanding of the self and the world around them.
