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 present moment, either through breath counting or through mindful observation of the breath. In addition to seated meditation, the retreat also incorporated the practice of carrying a water bowl and the Eight-Form Moving Meditation, allowing meditation to unfold through both stillness and mindful movement.

After each session of seated meditation, ample time was provided for body massage. This enabled the body to relax deeply and supported the mind in returning to calmness and clarity.

Through the guidance of Venerable Guo Chii, I gradually came to clarify several fundamental questions. I gained a clearer understanding of what meditation truly is and how to live in the present moment. During meditation, I felt soreness in my legs, and I learned how to face it as it arose—not through avoidance or resistance, but with awareness and steadiness, just as we face difficulties in life.

From my understanding, meditation is a training in living fully in the present moment. This reminded me of Master Sheng Yen's visit to the Vatican in 1997.

Despite his frail physical condition, Master Sheng Yen climbed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica step by step to enjoy the view of Rome and the Vatican. After ascending 972 steps, he was calm and unstrained. When asked how he managed the climb, he replied that he had no special method. He simply focused on walking upward, one step at a time.

He did not think about the steps already taken, nor about those still ahead. He stayed with each step as it was, fully present.
Not thinking of the past, not thinking of the future—only taking this step well.

Ven. Fashi highlights always upon Master Sheng Yen's essence of teaching. Ven. taught that when any difficulty arises, one should meet it in the present moment—face it, accept it, deal with it, and then let it go. This, he taught, is the finest attitude that meditation training offers for engaging with life and with others. We have been learning so much from stories sharing about Master Sheng Yen from Ven. in the two days' class. How blissful we truly are.

During group discussions, everyone reflected deeply on why we practice benefiting others. We came to see that benefiting others nurtures harmonious relationships, inner balance, and the expression of empathy and wisdom. In this sense, to benefit others is also to benefit oneself. Through these reflections, I was further led to contemplate the deeper meaning of life.

By following Master Sheng Yen's teachings, I trust that my life will unfold with fewer problems and fewer worries, grounded in clarity, calmness, and compassion.