The retreat Part 2

The venerable took his place at the front, bowed three times to the buddha sculpture at the front of the room (his teacher) and then turned to face us, as we bowed to show respect to him (our teacher). He smiled, let the leader describe the day's agenda, and then looked a little stern when she came to the meditation strategy. "Two one hour meditations one in the morning and one in the afternoon", she announced. At this point the venerable politely but firmly changed it to 3 shorter sessions of 30 to 45 minutes. All the leader could do was smile and nod acceptance.