Xiang Yun Temple Holds Three-Day “Opening the Door” Meditation Retreat

Participants and Volunteers Experience Mindful Living

By David Huang, Life News Agency, Austin

Xiang Yun Temple held a three-day “Opening the Door” meditation retreat from July 31 to August 2, attracting approximately 20 participants. Centered on the theme of mindful living, the retreat featured sitting meditation, walking meditation, yoga, tea meditation, sutra copying, mindful work practice, and participation in Buddhist services. Through the practice of calming and insight meditation, participants were encouraged to slow down and cultivate greater awareness and concentration.

Venerable Jue Ji, the temple’s supervising monastic, explained the meaning and methods of meditation and shared ways to incorporate Humanistic Chan practice into everyday life. Participants also learned the rituals of the Great Compassion Repentance Service and the significance of Buddhist chanting, experiencing the calming and grounding power of the Dharma.

Mindful work practice allowed participants to experience the principle that “work itself is spiritual practice,” while tea meditation and copying the Heart Sutra encouraged them to remain fully present and contemplate the wisdom of prajñā. Throughout the retreat, participants observed silence and practiced mindful eating, learning gratitude and appreciation through every meal.

The final day of the retreat coincided with a Taking Refuge Ceremony, during which several participants took refuge in the Three Jewels and formally began their journey of Buddhist practice.

Participants shared that the three-day retreat helped them rediscover their inner selves and regain a sense of peace and stillness. They expressed hopes of bringing mindfulness and compassion into their families, workplaces, and everyday lives.

The retreat was also made possible through the dedicated support of volunteers from the temple’s English-speaking chapter. Through programs such as this, Xiang Yun Temple hopes to introduce more people to Buddhist teachings through meditation and encourage the practice of the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism in daily life.

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