Conclusion
It is important to remember that by practicing these disciplinary principles we are attempting to live like the emancipated Arahants of old during the retreat. The purpose is to practice the divine life (brahma cariya), to the best of our ability now, so that if we cannot complete this purity during this retreat, we would at least be able to continue it in our future lives, till we ultimately attain Nirvana.
No one can become a Buddha instantaneously. Even Prince Siddhatta had to struggle hard in his last life for six years to become a Buddha. It is important to note that his effort was not a mere six year struggle, because this struggle was only his final struggle, after struggling for a countless millions of lives practicing the qualifying paramitas. This realization reminds us of the great importance of practicing this retreat. It is of significance to you not only for this life, but also for your entire painful journey through saŋsara.
This is why the Buddhists practice meditation retreats. They are not satisfied with blind imaginary hopes, about future everlasting heavens. They struggle hard to purify their minds here and now. If we do not do it now, there is no hope that we will be doing it in the future. Without it, we cannot hope for salvation. Rising above our normal life to a Divine Life (Brahma cariya) is the only way to progress.
No one can become a Buddha instantaneously. Even Prince Siddhatta had to struggle hard in his last life for six years to become a Buddha. It is important to note that his effort was not a mere six year struggle, because this struggle was only his final struggle, after struggling for a countless millions of lives practicing the qualifying paramitas. This realization reminds us of the great importance of practicing this retreat. It is of significance to you not only for this life, but also for your entire painful journey through saŋsara.
This is why the Buddhists practice meditation retreats. They are not satisfied with blind imaginary hopes, about future everlasting heavens. They struggle hard to purify their minds here and now. If we do not do it now, there is no hope that we will be doing it in the future. Without it, we cannot hope for salvation. Rising above our normal life to a Divine Life (Brahma cariya) is the only way to progress.