One Day Meditation and Calligraphy Retreat

The “One Day Meditation and Calligraphy Retreat” was held on 24th October, which conveniently coincided with the Labour Day long weekend. This retreat was organised by Sub-chapter 4 and Venerable Miaoyu, and was participated by 23 meditators of English speaking background. The day’s exercises included various motive and silent meditation, and Buddhism lecture held in English. This allowed all participants to absorb much spiritual nutrient and essence of the Dharma throughout the day.
On the courtyard the Venerable warmed everyone up by leading them through 18 forms of tai chi stances. Then it was followed by sutra transcription to settle everyone’s body and mind. During lunch the participants were taught to observe the 5 contemplation during meal time, which enabled everyone to deeply savour the food’s true flavours.
Then during the Q&A Dharma lecture by Venerable Manshin, she brought up the question on why do people often feel pressured and stressed during life? The Abbess answered this question by stating that we all have a “Diamond”, but we also do not know how to extract this “Diamond”. The Abbess continued to explaining that through taking responsibilities, self-amendment, serving others with motivation, turning trials and tribulations into conditions that can be transformed into wisdom, then our diamonds can be revealed. She emphasised that meditation is not just sitting, but includes all actions during our daily life such as moving, abiding, sitting, lying down, speaking or being silent, in fact the opportunity to discover and cultivate Ch’an are everywhere. Finally the Abbess encouraged everyone to often come back to this spiritual home to recharge themselves and discover their inner treasure.
Participants expressed the temple’s tranquil atmosphere allowed them to feel uncommonly peaceful and motivated. They are very much appreciative to the temple for providing these conditions for their renewed energy.