As householders, you should make an effort to set up a group practice. If you live near a meditation center, then it is easier, because the setting and schedule are already established. You can show up in the morning or evening, on weekdays or weekends. If you do not live near a center, then you must improvise. It is difficult to find a place where several people can sit on a daily basis, but the more often and regularly a group meets, the better it is for everyone's practice.

The group should also try to set aside one day per week or one weekend per month for more rigorous practice. It would also be alright to spend longer periods of time ─ four to seven days ─ practicing energetically.

STUDENTS:

Is there a certain, safe time limit for retreats held without a master?

SHIH-FU:

It is not good to practice intensely for too long without a master. Problems might arise. Participating in a several day retreat without a master is already energetic. You should not follow to a "T" the stringent rules of an intensive seven-day retreat. It is better to have a more relaxed atmosphere. For instance, if you are holding a seven-day retreat without a master, then you might allow people to talk during rest periods, or to come and go as they please.