On December 20, 2024 (the twentieth day of the eleventh month in the Chinese calendar), the seven-day winter Chan retreat at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou came to a successful conclusion, accompanied by a completion ceremony in the Prajna Hall.
The retreat commenced on December 14, when the Lingyin Sangha entered the Chan Meditation Hall – an esteemed space for cultivating mindfulness and insights. Buddhist masters engaged in deep investigation of koans and dedicated themselves to refining their bodies and minds. Throughout the retreat, the leading masters delivered Dharma talks, inspiring participants to overcome various obstacles on their path to enlightenment.
With a history spanning over 1,600 years, Lingyin Temple has a longstanding commitment to preserving and promoting Chan Buddhism. During the winter Chan retreat, the masters adhered strictly to traditional practices, demonstrating genuine dedication to their scheduled meditative disciplines. Lingyin Temple emphasizes the importance of moral development in Buddhism and the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy and principles. It remains essential for the temple to continue honoring traditional rites and rituals, setting a guiding example for future generations.
