On December 14 (the 25th day of the tenth lunar month), Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou began its Winter Chan Retreat.
In the afternoon, led by two monastic chiefs, the resident monks proceeded to the Hall of Patriarchs to request the Abbot’s permission for a life-and-death leave (leave of absence). Venerable Master Guangquan kindly encouraged them to let go of distractions and attachments, to devote themselves to Buddhist practice, and to engage fully in the Winter Chan Retreat – a significant annual opportunity for Buddhist cultivation.
At 6:00 p.m., Venerable Master Guangquan delivered a Dharma mantra in the Prajna Hall to inaugurate the event. With the signal to “Begin,” the Winter Chan Retreat officially commenced.
Chan Retreat, also known as “Chan Seven”, traces its origin to Shakyamuni Buddha’s six years of arduous ascetic practice on Snow Mountain, where he trained under the Bodhi tree for seven days, ultimately attaining enlightenment. The Chan Retreat is organized in seven-day cycles, aimed at realizing enlightenment within a defined period and clearing the mind to see one’s true nature.
