Enlightenment Intensives

I am uncertain as to who to give credit for this and I don't have an on-line source. I think it was probably written by Edrid or Osha Reader or perhaps both of them but I'm not sure. I'm posting it in it's entirety because it's a nice explanation of what Enlightenment Intensives are about.

Enlightenment Intensives

The Enlightenment Intensive is a 3-day residential workshop which provides an opportunity for you to come into conscious union with the truth of yourself, life, and others. The Enlightenment Intensive technique combines the age-old practice of reflective contemplation with verbal communication in a structured and non-distractive environment.

The Enlightenment Intensive format was developed in 1968 by Charles Berner after years of research into methods by which people could deepen and improve their relationships. To help people accelerate their process of self-discovery, Berner combined contemplation of the questions Who am I? What am I? What is life? and What is another? with one-to-one communication. Using this process he discovered that within periods of a few days, his students were having enlightenment experiences identical in kind to those described by people who had practiced silent meditation for many years. Since that time, thousands of participants have accelerated their awakening, increased their communication skills and personal happiness, and improved the quality of their lives through this dynamic and powerful technique.

There is no belief system or particular view of life taught during an Enlightenment Intensive. No one tells you what the truth is. The dyad format gives you an opportunity to go beyond mental constructs and bring your full consciousness into direct contact with the truth. During the Intensive you combine the steady contemplation of your question with responsible communication to a partner. You spend half the time contemplating and communicating and half the time receiving your partner's communication, working with a new partner every forty-five minutes. These dyad periods are balanced with meals, walks, physical exercise and rest, inspirational talks, and silent contemplation. However, the majority of the time is spent each day doing the Enlightenment technique described above. Vegetarian meals, snacks, vitamins, and sleeping space are provided Participants bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and personal necessities.

Enlightenment is not a far-away, esoteric experience attainable only by a few individuals willing to give up home, family and possessions and spend their lives in caves meditating. It is available to every individual, and it can completely change your life. Though enlightenment transcends definitions and has many levels, enlightened individuals agree that it is a direct experience of truth. Unlike insight, conclusion, or belief, it involves a fundamental shift in consciousness which is separate from thinking, feeling, believing, and reasoning. In enlightenment there is only union. It is absolute, timeless, and unchangeable. There is no way to make enlightenment happen, yet you can put yourself in an environment where it is most likely to happen. The Enlightenment Intensive provides such a environment. It is by no means the only way for yo to come into conscious union with the truth, but it is a proven and powerful way. It is a unique opportunity.

The value of directly experiencing and communicating the truth is that it enables you to live more consciously and effectively, and in closer contact with others. Enlightenment helps yo live life in harmony with the way things actually are and facilitates your progress toward personal and spiritual goals. It enhances any discipline or work you are currently doing, improves you relationships, and empowers you as an individual.

The Love Intensive follows the same basic format as the Enlightenment Intensive except that everyone works on the question, What is love?. The Love Intensive opens your heart and deepens your contact with others.

The Dyad Sesshin is a variation on the Enlightenment Intensive designed for individuals experienced in mediation who wish to deepen their experience of who and what they are and who benefit from additional contemplation periods and more physical exercise.