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On June 9, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple held the opening ceremony for its English Buddhist Retreat. Seventeen young adults, averaging 27 years old, from California, Texas, Nevada, Illinois, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Florida, will study together for two weeks. This diverse group aims to deepen their self-understanding and face life with wisdom through a comprehensive Buddhist curriculum that balances theory and practice.
Venerable Hui Dong, the abbot, emphasized in his speech that Buddhist studies go beyond book knowledge and meditation. The two-week course is designed to provide a holistic understanding, enhancing wisdom and mindfulness through personal insight and practice. The structured life at the temple offers opportunities for self-reflection and transformation. Group practice fosters mutual support, compassion, and self-sacrifice, contributing to the collective goal of helping others. Venerable Hui Dong encouraged participants to persevere through the program and gifted them "The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha" by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, symbolizing the enduring wisdom of Fo Guang Shan's founding master.
Whittier College Professor Paul Kjellberg also spoke, noting the transformation experienced by previous participants of the Hsi Lai English Buddhist Retreat. He acknowledged that challenges along the way contribute to personal growth and expects current participants to undergo a similar transformative journey over the two weeks.
The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects: the life and teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Humanistic Buddhism, morning and evening chanting, Dharma services, chore work, sutra transcription, temple tours, Buddhist etiquette, scriptural Q&A, meditation, tea meditation guidance, Buddhist studies and psychological counseling, Buddhism and art, vegetarian cooking, and group discussions.
During the self-introductions, Grace Fitzpatrick expressed her hope to enhance her mindfulness through the retreat's courses. Michelle Lynn Harvey, who works in the entertainment industry with high-tech innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI), hoped to cultivate concentration amidst rapidly changing technology. Sebastian Gonzalez aimed to shape a better self by learning the true essence of Buddhism. Suneet Joshi thanked the compassionate teachers and counselors for helping him see his attachment to self.
Among the nine staff and counselors, four were participants from last year, including Brian Lo, who hosted the opening ceremony. Kai Chen shared that last year's program made him a more diligent practitioner and that the retreat provides a unique and sincere guidance experience unlike any other. Graciela Rodriguez said the retreat provided precious answers to her life's questions, and she believes this year's participants will benefit greatly as well.
(Photos by Jonathan Thang)
