On the afternoon of December 15, 2023, the resident monks of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou assembled at the Hall of Patriarchs for an incense ceremony. Following this, two monastic chiefs led them to the Abbot’s quarters for a leave of life and death (leave of absence). Venerable Master Guangquan kindly encouraged them to set aside distractions and affiliations, focus on their Buddhist development, and fully engage in the Winter Chan Retreat – a significant aspect of Buddhist practice for the year.
At 6:00 in the evening, Venerable Master Guangquan chanted the Buddhist mantra to inaugurate the Chan Retreat at the Prajna Hall. With the command “Begin,” the Winter Chan Retreat officially commenced.
The Seven-Day Chant Retreat, also known as “Chan Seven”, is a practice observed in Chan Buddhist temples with the goal of attaining enlightenment within a specified seven-day period. During this retreat, participants leave behind worldly matters and focus solely on the practice of Buddhism. After requesting a temporary departure from life and death, they commit to unswervingly engaging in the practice of Buddhism. No correspondence, frivolity or indulgence is allowed during this time. Participants are required to constantly contemplate the question “Who is reciting the name of the Buddha?” with the aim of shedding all attachments and realizing the true nature of the mind as soon as possible.
