Thanks for helping. It means a lot. My problem is the cross-legged posture. Apparently, you have to sit in that position for 10 hours or more. The very thought scares the hell out of me, lol. What was your experience, if I may ask, of this particular aspect, namely sitting in the same posture for hours. Did it make you impatient, perhaps a little mad? I can't endure this for more than 20 minutes, hence my doubts on a 10 day retreat. This is my main worry. Of course, there is the problem of boredom even if I somehow manage the posture.
Edit:
I am a gnostic and hate the flesh. So I am hoping this specific Buddhist experience could help me forget the body. Just being clear on my objectives.
I understand. When I did it, I was not really accustomed to sitting for long periods. On the other hand, most people there probably weren't. I was not practicing yoga then. It is true that it is very physically demanding, some days more than others. You can put some support under your knees perhaps. I would certainly suggest becoming accustomed to sitting cross legged often for a while beforehand if you do not sit much now. You are not expected to sit in full lotus, simple cross legs is sufficient. Certainly take a suitable firm cushion to raise your backside a little.
I can promise you you will probably have some moments of pain. But this is actually very useful. The daily teaching really helps you make use of every kind of sensation, whether pleasure or pain, to focus your awareness on anicca. And yes, there are moments of boredom. Exploring exactly what that is is very mind-opening. During the ten days you will experience a range of different states from the uncomfortable to the sublime.
The beauty of the ten day retreat is not only being able to fully absorb the teaching in a more than theoretical way, it gives you the chance to develop a sense of what 'striving with diligence' really means. You are also in a no-escape kind of situation - even though you are free to leave of course - but it gives you the opportunity of facing that habitual tendency to self-distraction, with no option of turning on the TV or playing with your phone or whatever - the million tiny habitual distractions that are a day in samsara
Being free of the need to talk is also very much a deep inner relief, and after ten days of Noble Silence, the mind becomes very still.
It feels absolutely excellent at the end of the ten days. You will be delighted that you did it.
So is there somewhere near you where courses are run ?