m m a:
If a yogi on retreat has chronic diarhea, and the rule is no moving in the meditation hall.... should he shit himself?
Just trying to plan for the future
-max
If SE or some objective that is similar is in place, then momentum in one's practice should be priority while on retreat. So when the sensations of bowel movements triggers the thought that one should go empty said bowels, then one should maintain awareness of said thoughts and said sensations as well as the touch of feet on ground, the brushing of one's shawl on skin, the visual phenomena of the exit of the hall and the path to the loo as one walks to do what is necessary for the human body from time to time i.e. poop/pee, as well as paying attention of the poo/pee arisings and passings as well.
Alternatively one might think that momentum is maintained by simply sitting still right through the bowel movements till one is unable to hold it in. Yes, momentum can be maintained as one soils themselves and spreads a heinous smell throughout the meditation hall thus causing the teacher and manager to sniff you out and eject you for the sake of the rest of the meditators. Not as conducive to momentum for others though, eh?
The rule is there so that the wandering mind that wishes to stop meditating, get up and go mentally (or physically) masturbate, is forced to be reigned in and tied to the post of whatever technique one is using to do just that. The idea is not to shit oneself but to maintain a momentum in one's practice. If one understands that momentum of practice is key to success, uninterrupted momentum regardless of posture or situation, then getting up to relieve your innards' torment while being aware of the entire field of experience at the same time will not be such an interruption. The managing staff on the retreat will probably understand this intent and do not expect you to poop your pants.
Momentum in practice involves being aware of the entire field of experience continuously, while sitting adhitthana for hours, walking, eating, showering, lying down and while sitting on the throne to give birth to whatever horrors want out of the system. If SE or something similar is the objective of practice, then a momentum in practice without gaps but also with appropriate effort and care for the body's processes is conducive for those brain changes everyone around here goes on about.