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On September 21, 2024, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple hosted an English One-Day Meditation Retreat themed "Living the Good Life: Exploring the Noble Eightfold Path." The retreat aimed to equip participants with practical methods for maintaining inner peace amidst the pressures of everyday life. Over 60 people registered for the event, with more than half attending a meditation retreat for the first time.
The full-day program included themed lectures, sitting meditation and walking meditation, group discussions, and Q&A sessions. Participants learned how to cultivate mindfulness and peace through daily actions, whether walking, sitting, or simply embracing moments of stillness.
Before the sessions began, Venerable Hui Cheng emphasized that guidelines are not meant to restrict participants and that practice extends beyond the classroom and meditation cushions. Small details, such as keeping workspaces tidy, maintaining proper posture while sitting, and observing noble silence—a period of quiet reflection without speaking—are all integral to the practice. Through these efforts, participants could quiet their minds and find inner peace by reflecting on their emotions.
Hsi Lai Temple's Abbot, Venerable Hui Dong, encouraged participants to relax and keep an open mind. He noted that while everyone may experience the retreat differently, everyone can benefit and make progress by focusing on the aspects of practice that resonate with them.
Venerable Hui Cheng likened meditation practice to cleaning a pair of glasses—removing the dirt to see more clearly. He explained that the Noble Eightfold Path should be practiced not as separate steps but as an integrated approach. Group discussions were led by Venerable Hui Ze, Venerable Hui Cheng, Venerable Miao Zhong, and Venerable Zhi Xing. Many participants shared that group meditation sessions helped them focus more deeply, with some reflecting on their journey from being unfamiliar with Buddhist teachings to developing a deeper understanding. As their bodies adapted to sitting meditation, they also found their minds becoming more focused and calm.
Nicole Nutbrown, a nurse, expressed that meditation has helped her cultivate greater empathy and compassion for her patients. She plans to incorporate meditation techniques into her work, teaching her patients how to relax and reduce stress. Tyler Bensinger, who has practiced meditation for years, noted that group sessions have accelerated his progress. Michael Hodgson, a veteran of the Iraq War, shared that he rediscovered his life’s purpose through Buddhism and credited meditation with improving his concentration and focus.
(Photos by Angie Chu)
