Saturday Service (Tai Chi, Meditation and Discussion)

11 January 2009

A number of new participants joined the morning service consisting of Tai Chi, walking meditation, seated meditation and group discussion.

In a departure from the usual Saturday service, the guiding Reverend – Venerable Miaoyu - invited the participants to take part in a Buddhist ceremony in the Main Shrine to celebrate the full moon. It was interesting to witness and take part in the proceedings and listen to the Buddhist chanting. This ceremony provides an opportunity for participants to focus and reflect upon Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

Taking advantage of the summery morning, the group discussion was held under the veranda of the Front Shrine. The Venerable discussed how we like to be affirmed, praised and appreciated. She reminded us that even though this does not happen to us as we would like, we should strive to be mindful of these things when we are with our children, family, friends and colleagues or anyone we have contact with. She asked us to focus and maintain respect and awareness for others as we go about our daily lives; to note the things that we do appreciate and to remind ourselves to tell others.

The discussion then went onto humbleness and respect for others. As an example Venerable Miaoyu asked the group why we thought the middle door of the front shrine is usually closed with the two side doors open. The middle door is saved for the Master or Abbess – for their use. This reflects our respect for their guidance, leadership and importance within Fo Guang Shan. It also reminds us to be humble; by using the side doors. Very successful people are truly humble.

She encouraged the newcomers to think of the Temple like a Shopping Mall – but rather then a place to build material worth, it is a place to build spiritual wealth, inner fortune and wisdom. Through meditation, Tai Chi, study of the Dharma and association with the Sangha, the Temple is a place where you can gain greater calmness, inner strength, compassion and wisdom through the spiritual guidance on offer.