From March 8th to 11th, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou held the first session of the Buddhist retreat in 2024 for the novice disciples. Over 150 Buddhist disciples gathered at the temple to get closer to the Triple Gem, letting go of worldly distractions and diligently engaging in Buddhist study and practice.
Introducing the temple’s daily rituals to novice disciples
Making incense and water offerings and lighting lamps at temple halls every early morning
Having Buddhist sessions in the hall under the guidance of Buddhist masters
Lining up at the bell tower for temple bells and bell-chanting verses
In addition to experiencing the daily life of the temple, the participants engaged in a variety of enriching activities organized by the temple, such as listening to sutra teachings, observing the eight precepts, chanting scriptures, and copying scriptures.
On the 9th and 10th, Master Tongrun lectured on the significance of taking refuge and provided a brief explanation of the Heart Sutra, emphasizing the virtues of the Triple Gem, the meaning of the Three Refuges, and the core principles of dependent origination and emptiness in Mahayana Buddhism.
On the afternoon of the 9th, Master Xianglian elaborated on the eight precepts, the purpose of observing them, and the guidelines for upholding them. He patiently answered questions and led the participants in a sincere repentance practice to purify their minds and bodies in preparation for taking the eight precepts the following day.
On the morning of the 10th, the participants respectfully invited Master Huichuan to bestow the eight precepts. Following the rituals of inspiration, supplication, repentance, confession of faults, taking refuge, declaring percepts and making vows, the participants formally received the precepts as instructed by the host master.
Reading and reciting the "Universal Gateway Chapter" of the Lotus Sutra
Respectfully copying the Heart Sutra
After the midday meal on the 11th, as the retreat activities drew to a close, participants watched a flash video capturing the highlights of the retreat. Many eagerly shared their insights and experiences on stage, expressing their commitment to integrating the teachings of Buddhism into their daily lives and spreading the values of benevolence, inclusiveness, and gratitude they gained during the retreat to others.
Under the compassionate guidance of Abbot Guangquan, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou has established a regular training program for novice disciples. The retreat activities aim to help participants establish right views and engage in proper study and practice through Buddhist teachings and experiences of monastic life.
