Chan Meditation Center Hosts Fall Outdoor Chan Meditation - Participants Experience Relaxation and Walking Meditation

On September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Chan Meditation Center (CMC), together with the Dharma Drum for Young People (DDYP) in New York, held a Fall Outdoor Chan Meditation at Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center in the Bronx, New York. Venerable Guo Xing (果醒法師), master of the Dharma Drum Mountain Meditation Hall, guided nearly a hundred participants—including practitioners from New York, New Jersey, and Long Island, along with their family and friends—in experiencing mindful and relaxing walking meditation amid the embrace of nature. 

Through the practice of direct contemplation, participants were guided to clearly relax and calm both body and mind. Venerable Guo Xing led participants to practice sitting meditation on the lawn. He then reminded everyone that during meditation, no matter what one sees or hears, one should "not label, not describe, and not compare." He emphasized that whenever wandering thoughts arise, we should gently return to the method. Through ongoing awareness and mindful observation, we can gradually free ourselves from discriminative thinking and the mental afflictions born of ignorance and attachment. Venerable Guo Xing also encouraged everyone to continue their practice even in post-meditation and in daily life, so that they can gradually strengthen their concentration and meditative stability.

Under the guidance of Venerable Guo Xing and supporting volunteers, participants walked mindfully along forest trails, continuing to practice awareness and relaxation in the serene presence of towering trees. During the free activity period, attendees visited the Glyndor Gallery and botanical gardens, enjoying the uplifting and refreshing atmosphere. At lunchtime, everyone gathered together to enjoy the vegetarian meals prepared by the CMC. Warm and lively conversations naturally arose as people exchanged their insights and experiences of Buddhist practice.

Pan-Pan, a volunteer photographer and member of DDYP in New York, expressed her joy in being able to document the event, preserving the happiness and touching moments shared by all. She also noted that the walking route was very comfortable and greatly supported her mindfulness and awareness practice. Janice, another member of DDYP in New York, shared that the outdoor Chan meditation offered a wonderful opportunity for connection and exchange. By blending nature with Chan practice, she felt both body and mind becoming calm and joyful. Janice also expressed her hope to continue applying what she learned during the outdoor Chan meditation to her daily life.



◎Original text in Chinese：Amanda Yeung
◎Photos：Pan-Pan, Ting-Hsin Wang, Miya
◎Translation: Patricia Yang 
◎Editing: Keith Brown