October 2018 Hong Kong China
Despite the change of venue from Mainland to Hong Kong, the enthusiasm of participants for pursuing Dharma remained the same. Despite extended travel, veteran and new participants from all over the world joined us. The Jao Tsung-I Academy, known for its cultural richness, was our venue this time.
May 2018 Guangzhou China
This time around, the event was hosted at a pristine resort where the air was as crisp as that of a natural oxygen bar. Continuing with the teachings of the previous meditation retreat, we delved into The Path to Sudden Enlightenment, an enlightening discourse expounded by Chan masters that left every practitioner in awe.
October 2017 Guangzhou China
A new form of meditation, Chan meditation, has been adopted in our Seven-Day Meditation Retreat, promising a stronger sense of ritual. Starting and ending rituals, running meditation (Pao Xiang), monitors (Jian Xiang), and the formal Buddhist meal ritual (Guo Tang) were included, among others. These various rituals helped us keep our minds from discursive thoughts and maintain inner peace.
May 2017 Guangzhou China
Senior Sangha Fan Yu explained The Treatise on the Hundred Dharmas, which is a practical treatise of the Yogachara (Mind-only) school of Mahayana Buddhism. The treatise categorizes everything in the universe through "Five Groups of the 100 Modes or 'Things,'" and the 51 Mental Formations can be used daily to observe various emotions and compositional factors.
October 2016 Guangzhou China
Senior Sangha Fan Yu emphasized that while the retreat is an opportunity to intensively practice Buddhism, it is only one aspect of cultivating a daily practice. He reminded us that discipline and persistence in our daily practice are essential to progress on the path of Buddhist practice.
May 2016 Guangzhou China
During the seven days, Senior Sangha Fan Yu taught the treatise Yongjia's Song of Enlightenment (Cheng-Dao Ke), written by Chan Master Yongjia Xuanjue after attaining enlightenment. He reminded us that taking part in more meditation retreats like this would help tremendously in the long run.
October 2015 Guangzhou China
The amount of merit and virtue generated by the group practice of Buddhadharma is enormous, and it will play a crucial role in our long-term practice. Therefore, we dedicate the merit and virtue generated by the group practice to the continuity of the Seven-Day Meditation Retreat, eliminating unfavorable conditions so that more people can benefit.
May 2015 Guangzhou China
During this event, Senior Sangha Fan Yu taught The Pith of Observing the Mind. He instructed us to constantly observe our motivation and adjust our mentality in the midst of difficult and unfavorable experiences, allowing the practice to gradually deepen and improve in our minds.
October 2014 Guangzhou China
The venue for this meditation event was a tranquil and lovely resort away from the city, surrounded by greenery. An advanced meditation class was organized for those with experience in meditation.
May 2014 Guangzhou China
During this event, Senior Sangha Fan Yu taught about Discerning Dharmas and Dharmata, one of the five treatises of Maitreya. Although this treatise is profound and difficult for us to grasp, every time we study, contemplate, and practice it, we leave a trace of it and plant the bodhicitta seed in our midstream.
October 2013 Guangzhou China
As the Seven-Day Meditation Retreat continued to expand, we gained more experience in organizing the event. Venues changed, and people came and went, but what remained unchanged was our aspiration to benefit all sentient beings.
May 2013 Guangzhou China
Our dedicated volunteers prepared and served delicious vegetarian food and tea to ensure that everyone had a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
October 2012 Guangzhou China
Senior Sangha Fan Yu taught Faith in Mind, authored by the third Chan Patriarch. The treatise emphasizes the importance of letting go of mental conceptualization and experiencing the Great Way. While its profound meaning is beyond our comprehension, continued practice will lead to eventual understanding.
May 2012 Guangzhou China
Senior Sangha Fan Yu taught Straight Talk to True Mind, introducing ten methods for revealing the true mind by eliminating discursive thoughts. He emphasized the importance of meditative concentration and encouraged us to participate in the Seven-Day Meditation Retreat as often as possible to train our bodies and minds.
October 2011 Guangzhou China
The atmosphere at the event was electric as practitioners eagerly immersed themselves in the study, contemplation, and practice of Buddhadharma. Senior Sangha Fan Yu led the teachings, focusing on the great treatise of the Mind-Only School of Buddhism, Verses Delineating the Eight Consciousnesses. Through these teachings, we gained a deep understanding of the Eight Consciousnesses, the true nature of the world, and how it functions.
May 2011 Guangzhou China
It was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on all who attended. This retreat marked the beginning of an inspiring journey towards spiritual growth and enlightenment, with many more successful retreats to come.