Cherish Every Opportunity to Learn Buddhism -- One-Day Online Retreat at DDM Malaysia Chapter

On September 19, 2021, DDM Malaysia Chapter held an online one-day retreat with 42 participants. In their own homes, participants experienced a joyful day of Chan with other participants online, practicing sitting meditation, moving meditation, bowing to the Buddha, as well as yoga exercise.

In these modern times, most people lead a busy life and as such are very tense; they are unable to relax fully even though they are resting. In a video clip shown during this retreat, Master Sheng Yen advised that in order to relax our brain, we must first relax our eyeballs, harmonize our breathing, and finally relax our body. In order to maintain a relaxed state, we need to practice relaxation every moment in our daily lives, during our daily practice, sitting, standing, walking, talking, and thinking. Once our breathing is harmonized, thoughts are naturally reduced, and our mind can focus on the method of practice. Several participants claimed that they were able to develop a more profound understanding and experience in harmonizing their body, breath, and mind after listening to Master Sheng Yen's talk in this video.

Towards the end of this one-day retreat, Venerable Chang Shi acknowledged the changes in our lifestyle due to the pandemic. The constant change in causes and conditions serves to remind us of the law of impermanence and the importance of the Buddha Dharma. We are very fortunate to encounter the Buddha Dharma in this lifetime and have the opportunity to practice Chan; therefore, we should cherish every moment and practice diligently. Venerable Chang Shi also informed everyone that DDM Malaysia Chapter will continue to host one-day online retreats for the next three months, encouraging everyone to participate and to prioritize our Buddhist practice.

Text: Chen Li-xiang (陳立祥)
Photos: DDM Malaysia Chapter 
Translation: Olivia
Editing: Leefah Thong