There are other forms of practice that are not as intense as meditation, such as chanting or reciting sutras. It is alright to hold such retreats without a master. People at my temple in Taiwan sometimes hold seven-day recitations when I am not present. In all situations I have described, it is easier and better to sit in groups. It is difficult to hold personal retreats and keep to the schedule. Any number of distractions

LILI LAURITANO GRADY