Experience sharing
Insights from an English Chan Retreat
Last Saturday 20260207, I attended a one-day English meditation retreat at the Xindian Branch of Dharma Drum Mountain. Although I have joined many retreats before, this was my first time practicing entirely in English. The shift in language slowed me down—less intent on "getting" every word, I became more attentive to my breath, my body, and present-moment awareness. The retreat was guided by Venerable Guo-Chii (果啟法師). Drawing on the Chinese Chan Buddhist lineage of Maste...
Beginning Anew: Reflections on a Dharma Drum Meditation Retreat
I've always romanticized my first meditation retreat since I was a teen, being in the woods away from society and finding my peace one breath at a time as a temporary monastic. This dreamlike expectation was, however, contrasted with many frustrations during the first two days of the retreat. The reality was that I struggled to sit still with unhelpful thoughts constantly intruding upon my mind, while I saw the other retreatants with perfect postures and subtle smiles on their faces....
Reflections on “True Self-worth: Affirmation without Ego”
On December 27, 2025 at the Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre, David Listen gave a talk via Zoom entitled "True Self-worth: Affirmation without Ego". Eastern storms had scuttled his flight, necessitating a remote format in lieu of the live presentation. David spoke of the common insecurity that most of us experience in varying degrees day-to-day -- confidence. Even this very talk would give rise to him wondering if he would be successful or popular enough to provide himself with aff...
The greatest takeaways for me in 2026
Written by Grace L. It was a blessing to be able to join the English intensive meditation class on January 3 & 4, 2026, at Yun Lai Branch. The greatest takeaways for me are as follows: 1. Be the finest horse: Fashi mentioned at the beginning of the class an analogy given by the Buddha about different levels of spiritual awareness. The finest horse runs just by seeing the shadow of a whip. The good horse runs once the whip touches its hair. The average horse only...
Witnessing the Cross-Cultural Power of Chan - Reflections on the English Beginner's Chan Meditation Workshop (Jan 3-4, 2026)
Written by Vera C. Connecting Hearts through the Beginner's Mind: Witnessing the Cross-Cultural Power of Chan With causes and conditions maturing, I was able to participate in the English Beginner's Chan Workshop as a volunteer again after a three-year hiatus. For a practitioner, the Beginner's Workshop is far more than just introductory technical instruction; it is the most critical cornerstone for establishing "Right View" and the correct "applica...
2-Day Retreat Personal Experience & General Observations
Written by Mason K. As the Year of the Horse begins, the swift horse gallops straight to the place of true treasure. I was very grateful to have the opportunity to attend and assist new students at this 2-day retreat. I was personally glad for the opportunity to refresh my meditation knowledge and gain new insights, such as knowledge about times not suitable for meditation. I was very stressed on Saturday due to events from the previous week, but by Sund...
The deeper meaning of life in the opening of New Year 2026
Written by Meiching Liao From January 3rd to 4th, 2026, I participated in a two-day intensive English meditation class under the compassionate guidance of Venerable Guo Chii (果啟法師). The retreat included a rich range of meditation practices, such as experiencing the breath, counting the breath, and gently returning to the method whenever wandering thoughts arose. We were encouraged not to dwell in the past or project into the future, but to settle both body and mind in the prese...
Feedback on One-day Amituofo-Chanting-Retreat
Last Sunday, I attended my first one-day Buddha-recitation Chan retreat (念佛禪一) at the Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre. Although I am new to Buddhism, I have been visiting the Centre regularly over the past three months. As I do not speak or understand Chinese, I felt some uncertainty before attending this retreat. However, from the moment I entered the Chan Hall, I felt supported by the calm atmosphere and the gentle presence of the monastics and volunteers. Early in the re...
Reflections on the Buddhist Ceremony for the Departed
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the DDM Sydney Chapter and all volunteers who made the Buddhist Ceremony for the Departed such a meaningful and compassionate gathering. From the moment we arrived, we were met with heartfelt sincerity, gentle guidance, and a profound sense of spiritual warmth. The atmosphere created by the community allowed participants to lay down their burdens, honor their loved ones, and find solace through shared practice. What drew us...
Finding Clarity in the Present——DDYP Meditation Event
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to experience different forms of meditation during this special event, held on September 7 at Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre. During our sharing period, I reflected on the tea ceremony and the impact it had on me. While it was happening, I felt deeply present — fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and sensations. Yet, when I shared my experience afterward, I realized how quickly that moment had slipped away. It already felt distant, almost as if...