Upon arrival, participants check in on-site
The Opening Ritual (Qi Qi) marks the formal beginning of the seven-day meditation retreat.
In Chan practice, sitting meditation occupies the largest proportion
Snacks and fruit during the tea break are especially popular
During the retreat, we shared a meaningful connection with the temple; the Abbot led the monastics in a blessing ceremony for us
Grateful to the Abbot
A group photo with the abbot
October 8th this year marks the Thai traditional Buddhist Lent (Vassa), the day marking the end of the monastics’ rains retreat
The Buddhist Lent ceremony is traditional and solemn, and on this day the monastics receive our offerings
Offering robes to the monastics
Every few days, meals are offered to the monastics at the temple
In addition to the Buddha’s hair relic, Wat Phra Doi Saket also enshrines the Buddha’s footprint. We also practiced sitting meditation here
Circumambulation of the Buddha’s footprint
Heading to the dining hall in line after the morning meditation
Participants observe Noble Silence while eating
The third Seven-day Meditation Retreat is a strict retreat, during which Noble Silence is observed and mobile phones are collected. It is held at a quiet hotel with beautiful surroundings
During breaks between meditation sessions, we practiced standing meditation on the hotel lawn
Each Seven-day Meditation Retreat concludes with a closing ceremony
The final walking meditation before the conclusion of the retreat. May we all reunite again soon!
