How to Create the Karma to go on Retreat

By Irma Gomés

Make a list of what often appear to be obstacles for you. They can be mental or physical obstacles. Then do the opposite of those obstacles for others.

Here are three common examples:

Time
Help others have more time for themselves. For example, volunteer to babysit for those who have children. Stay later at work to help a colleague finish a project. Wake up earlier to help your partner or family with household chores.

Money
If you have some material thing that another person needs then happily give it to them. For example, give an extra jacket to a homeless person
or pick up a friend who needs a ride somewhere.
It’s particularly beneficial to give such things to someone who is planning on or already in retreat. Make it even more powerful by doing so anonymously. Send them a note of encouragement. Or offer them a place to stay.

Family Support
Do what you can to help out other families or couples. Spend more time with your children, family
or partner in extra-curricular activities, especially those you don’t feel like doing. 

If your obstacles are mental such as laziness or lack of motivation, read texts that illuminate the benefits of generating the Wish for Enlightenment (bodhchitta), renunciation or realizing how rare and blessed this kind of life is.

Buddhism teaches that the power of the object you make offerings to is very important. Your Teacher, parents, family and spiritual community are the highest objects. Try to make special offerings to them and maximize the offering in your mind, making it as vast as you can.

Finally, dedicate the merit of your good deeds to going on retreat.