DDM San Francisco Bay Area Center’s “Half-day Chan Meditation Retreat” – Return to the Present Moment and Experience Relaxation

On March 2, DDM San Francisco Bay Area Center organized a "Half-day Chan Meditation Retreat." Under the guidance of Ven. Chang Xing, approximately 25 devotees experienced Chan meditation through the practice of Eight-form Moving Meditation, sitting and working meditation, and standing yoga.

Before the event, Ven. Chang Xing reminded everyone of the "Three No's" during the retreat: no talking, no use of digital devices, and no reading books. These restrictions are in place to allow our racing minds to rest briefly. Whether we are meditating on the meditation cushion, walking, eating, or doing working meditation, we should allow ourselves to feel peace and stability in body and mind.

The objective of the "Half-day Chan Meditation Retreat" is to allow everyone to experience their bodily sensations throughout the five-hour event. "Eating meditation" involves sitting upright while savoring the taste of food through the practice of slow and deliberate chewing. "Eight-form Moving Meditation" allows the body to clearly feel the changes in the tension and relaxation of the body, shoulders, and limb muscles. After assuming a meditative posture, we should allow ourselves to experience the gradual relaxation of each and every part of our body, from head to toe. When ready to emerge from the meditative state, announce your intention to yourself, then gently sway the body followed with gentle circular motions. Gradually increase the amplitude of the circles until your body is fully loosened up. All of the movements are designed for us to experience the gradual changes in our body and mind.

 
To accommodate the daily routines of the local practitioners, the Bay Area Center has arranged a "Half-day Chan Meditation Retreat." This retreat allows everyone to temporarily set aside their hectic workload and family chores, bring their minds back to the present moment, experience relaxation, and feel at ease. For more information about the upcoming events at the DDM San Francisco Bay Area Center, please visit our online homepage at https://ddmbasf.org/
 
Text, Photo: DDM San Francisco Bay Area Center 20230315
Translation by: Shiang Shen (沈純湘) (20230316)
Edited by: Keith Brown (20230324), Cheng-yu Chang (張振郁) (20230321)