Two Day Cultivation Retreat Revitalises the Weary
With the aim of improving the Buddhism experience for BLIA members and devotees, as well as allowing them to gain insight into the practitioner’s way of life, a Two-Day Cultivation Retreat and Taking Refuge in Triple Gem Ceremony was held on 31st of July and 1st of August. BLIA South Island President Almeric Cheng, Vice-president Mei-Hua Chen, committee members and BLIA YAD South Island members were among the 50 participants.
Everyone arrived at Fo Guang Shan South Island on 31st July at 7pm for registration. As everyone donned their meditation uniform, a sense of solemn emerged, as the participants become strict Buddhist practitioners for the next two days. Venerable Juexi commenced the Retreat by introducing the syllabus and rules and regulations for the retreat.
Following the prompt briefing, Venerable Miaoyu and Venerable Rulian led the participants in chanting the “Eighty-eight Buddha Great Repentance”. Following evening chanting, Venerable Juexi demonstrated to everyone the mannerisms for having a formal meal.
During the following morning, Venerable Abbess Manshin conducted a two hour Dharma class, where she expounded the functions and significance of the temple, as well as the way to settle one’s mind. Using real life examples and Dharma words from Meditation masters, Abbess described the attitude a practitioner has towards life and living. During the solemn quiet of the early morning, everyone enjoyed Abbesses joyful and lively Dharma words. The heart-touching class fostered positive interactions, where everyone spoke from their hearts.
After the interesting class, the participants continued their cultivation with chanting “Developing One’s Bodhi-mind” which was led by the Venerables. Following the class, Venerable Abbess Manshin presided over the Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem Ceremony on behalf of 11 students, where they officially became Buddhists. Venerable Abbess Manshin gave them her blessings and hoped that they will continue to progress in and apply Buddhism to their daily lives.
At lunchtime, participants went through formal dining procedures, and in serene atmosphere, enjoyed the traditional monastic meal prepared by the Temple. During the meal, Venerable Abbess Manshin explained the significance of having formal meals, and encouraged everyone to return to the Fo Guang Shan headquarters to experience having a formal meal with many others, when the conditions arise.
In the afternoon, Venerable Rulian held a class on Manjushri Bodhisattva’s Ten Great Vows. The Venerable employed many examples to explain and describe the ten great vows made by Manjushri Bodhisattva, and encouraged everyone to learn and adopt the spirit of a bodhisattva.
The two day retreat concluded with a joyful, serene and majestic atmosphere. Venerable Abbess Manshin encouraged everyone to be diligent in learning Buddhism teachings and to become a practitioner of Humanistic Buddhism. The participants expressed their appreciation for the compassion and guidance of the Venerables in allowing them to participate in the meaningful and spiritually revitalising retreat, and promised to return to the Temple as volunteers.