Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
July 5, 2023

On June 18, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple held the "2023 Hsi Lai Buddhist Retreat," where 17 youths chose to immerse themselves in two weeks of authentic Chinese Buddhist monastic life. Venerable Hui Dong, the abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, encouraged the retreatants to "find perfect ease amidst discomfort."

The retreat schedule includes a full day of orientation to the monastic lifestyle, followed by just over a week of morning meditation, Buddhist studies classes, getting to know the monastery, Buddhist practices, communal work, vegetarian meals, Dharma talks, group discussions, and evening chanting.

Retreatants can learn and practice the various aspects of Humanistic Buddhism and develop one's inner potential and establish good interpersonal relations. Classes cover Buddhist Practices, Core Teachings of Buddhism and Buddhist Art and Music, and practicum includes Buddhist Etiquette, Meditation, Calligraphy, Communal Chores and more.

Venerable Hui Dong gave a lecture to the students. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Hui Dong emphasized that participating in this retreat is a wise decision. Facing unfamiliar environments and the rules and requirements of communal living may lead to discomfort and unease. However, this provides the best opportunity for students to settle their minds, reflect on their attachments, and examine their ego.

Venerable Hui Dong gave a lecture to the students, introducing the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, and discussing the principles of Humanistic Buddhism, an overview of Fo Guang Shan's global temples, the mission and creed of the Fo Guang Shan. He also presented the students with a copy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book "The Core Teachings: Essays in Basic Buddhism," symbolizing the transmission of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's wisdom.

Venerable Hui Dong presented the students with a copy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book "The Core Teachings: Essays in Basic Buddhism." photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Yi Xuan, along with the faculty members Miroj Shakya and Shou-Jen Kuo from University of the West, Professor Paul Kjellberg from Whittier College, artist Nancy Cowardin, and Venerable Zhi Xing, attended the opening ceremony to bless the students and wish them a fruitful learning experience.

The youngest student is 15-year-old Brian Lo, who hopes to enhance his focus through the meditation course. Elizabeth Badowski, who came from Arizona, aims to deepen her knowledge of Buddhism. Jacob Shepard believes he would grow and is motivated to practice the Four Givings advocated by Humanistic Buddhism.