Thoughts after attending the meditation retreat during 2/4-2/5/2023

This two-day meditation retreat was very rewarding!
 

1. The useful method of meditation. Venerable Guo Guang and Venerable Chang Zhai taught us to focus on the tip of the nose so that the mind would not be disturbed. Ven. Guo Guang also shared her own meditation story, which was very interesting and showed me a role model to learn from. In addition, I am very grateful to the two teachers for patiently answering many of my questions, which strengthened my determination to practice.
 

2. Feeling more peaceful. After two days of concentrated practice (sitting meditation, walking meditation, eating meditation, standing meditation), my movements slowed down. I became more patient in working and handling housework the next day. I really like this feeling of not being in a hurry.
 

3. Delicious meals. I didn't expect vegetarian food to be as delicious as meat dishes. The vegetarian restaurant named Vegreen offered us a variety of Chinese and Western food - fried noodles, fried rice noodles, fried rice, crispy fried kale, super fresh lettuce salad, etc., all of which were very delicious. I know that meditation requires letting go of attachments, but it may take some time for me to let go of delicious food.
 

4. Meeting new friends. Everyone I met here was friendly, kind, and considerate of others.

All in all, this retreat has been of great help to me, and I will definitely participate again if I have the chance! I hope that more people can join us and experience the nourishing effect of meditation on the soul. I believe everyone will gain something as I did.

Finally, I would like to thank Ven. Guo Guang and Ven. Chang Zhai for their tireless efforts to guide us in meditation. It was really hard work. And many thanks to Ricky and Sophia for operating the Dharma Drum Mountain Chan Medication Center at Atlanta so well, and thanks to volunteers including Chris, Selina, and Ivy, who have been dedicated and holding meditation activities every weekend, so that I have a place to learn and improve my meditation. I am really grateful, thank you all so much!

Text：Jing Wang