Taking Refuge at Xiang Yun Temple — Xiangyun Temple Concludes Three-Day English Meditation Retreat on “Samadhi”

By David Huang, Humanity News, Austin, TX

From August 8th to 10th, Xiangyun Temple in Austin hosted a three-day English meditation retreat with the theme of “Samadhi”, drawing forty participants including local practitioners and meditation enthusiasts. The retreat offered a balanced program of sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, and mindful daily-life practices, enabling participants to experience the wisdom that arises from deep concentration in a serene environment.

The retreat opened on the first evening with an introduction to meditation and orientation led by Venerable Jueji. Participants observed noble silence throughout the program, engaging in sitting, walking, and standing meditation. On the second day, additional one-day retreatants joined, taking part in stretching, qigong, seated practice, and mindfulness exercises. The morning session included teachings on the meaning of “samadhi” and a mindful lunch, while the afternoon featured walking meditation, Zen poetry composition, and temple caretaking. In the evening, participants engaged in yoga, Dharma sharing, extended meditation, and slow prostrations.

The third day began with the study of the Great Compassion Repentance liturgy and robe-wearing practice, followed by a Dharma assembly and the Refuge Ceremony to the Three Jewels. In the afternoon, participants gathered for a reflection and sharing session. Venerable Jueji concluded with teachings on the essentials of the “Threefold Training”—morality, concentration, and wisdom—encouraging practitioners to extend meditative awareness into daily life.

The retreat ended in an atmosphere of gratitude and Dharma joy, embodying the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism: “Practicing in daily life, and living in practice.”

More News