Between October and December 2024, Jianhu Shifu conducted a series of meditation retreats and workshops in Taiwan, aimed at deepening the practice of both lay practitioners and monastics. These retreats focused on cultivating mindfulness, understanding the nature of the mind, and integrating Buddhist principles into daily life.
"Mindfulness of Thought" Meditation Retreat for Laity
A three-day "Mindfulness of Thought" meditation retreat-workshop, led by Jianhu Shifu, took place at the Longshan Culture Plaza in Banqiao. Over one hundred participants learned the "Mindfulness of Thought" method from the "Four Foundations of Mindfulness." The retreat centered on the core concept of "observing the mind as it is," guiding participants to be mindful of their thoughts. The teachings are already available online in Shifu’s Half Day Meditation playlist, but in-person lectures and group meditation make a significant difference.
Group discussions and Q&A sessions:
A significant aspect of the retreat was the daily group discussions, where participants learned from each other and shared insights. These sessions, along with Q&A opportunities with Jianhu Shifu, allowed for immediate clarification of doubts and a deeper understanding of the meditation techniques. At the end of the retreat, participants shared their insights and sincere gratitude to Shifu.
Five-Day Monastic Retreat
A five-day retreat, also held at Banqiao Longshan Culture Plaza, was specifically designed for monastics and led by Jianhu Shifu. The retreat adopted a format of "half-day meditation combined with group discussion," just like the previous 3-day retreat, but the five-day period allowed full explanation of the topic, "Mindfulness of Thought" meditation.
Mornings and evenings were dedicated to meditation practices, with mediation guidance given by Jianhu Shifu. Afternoons involved in-depth discussions on the morning's meditation methods, exchange of practical experiences, and exploration of how to integrate these methods with Buddhist teachings. This format facilitated a comprehensive understanding and practical application of the teachings.
Participants reported gaining a deeper understanding of "Mindfulness of Thought" and how to use Buddhist teachings to transform afflictions, with some noting the value of honestly facing their own thoughts and recognizing greed, hatred, and delusion at their root.
Eight Precepts Observance
On October 13, 2024, Jianhu Shifu led an Eight Precepts Observance at Kaohsiung Sanxi Art Museum, providing lay practitioners the chance to experience monastic life for a day and night. Jianhu Shifu emphasized that observing the eight precepts is not only about adhering to the rules but also about "cultivating the mind."
Shifu explained the five levels of observing precepts inspired by Tao Te Ching:
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Observing the rules (禮) out of fear of punishment.
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Acting with integrity (義), respecting others' rights, and having a strong sense of just behavior.
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Practicing with compassion (仁), wishing to liberate all beings from suffering.
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Virtuous conduct (德), with the hope of peace in the world.
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Aspiring to achieve Buddhahood (道), generating bodhicitta to seek enlightenment and liberate others.
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Jianhu Shifu explained each precept in detail, encouraging participants to reflect on their thoughts and motivations, and highlighted the practice of precepts as the foundation for morality, concentration, and wisdom.
Year-End Silent Retreat
From November 16 to December 15, 2024, a month-long silent retreat was held at Yawun Mountain Villa in Da Xue Shan, led by Jianhu Shifu. The retreat, attended by over ten long-term Dharma supporters and volunteers, aimed to "enhance inner awareness and concentration through intensive group practice."
Participants engaged in daily sitting and walking meditation in the serene environment of Yawun Mountain Villa, with opportunities to seek guidance from Jianhu Shifu on personal cultivation issues. The retreat served as a purification of body and mind, testing the participants' perseverance and strengthening their commitment to the Bodhisattva path.
These meditation retreats and workshops, alongside Jianhu Shifu's Dharma lectures, offer a comprehensive approach to Buddhist cultivation, providing practitioners with the tools and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges and cultivate inner peace.
