Experience sharing
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 "application of body and mind." Through these two days of classes, I deeply realized that regardless of how long one has practiced, the most solid cultivation lies in returning to the fundamentals of relaxation and focus, and re-examining the implementation of every concept. Participating as a volunteer this time was not merely to learn the methods, but to support others as they step onto this path of liberation. Witnessing how the Buddhadharma becomes a force for settling the body and mind of modern people holds a significance far more profound than solitary practice.
Regarding the design of the physical activities, I must express my admiration for the brilliance and teaching tension of the "Water Bowl Meditation" (Holding the Water Bowl). Watching the students hold their bowls—transforming from their initial state of walking on eggshells with stiff bodies to eventually grasping the essence of "where the body is, there the mind is"—was a highly inspiring process. This was especially evident when volunteers carried out the challenge of "adding water halfway." I observed that many students' immediate reactions were very genuine—some were surprised, some nervous—but they were able to immediately apply what they learned in class, bringing their focus back to the present moment and adjusting their breathing to make their minds as still as the water. This activity brilliantly concretized the abstract methods of Chan, allowing students to directly see the "fluctuations of their own minds" through movement. As an observing supporter, watching the look in their eyes shift from chaos to stability—that quiet strength generated by the Dharma entering their hearts—was truly moving.
Furthermore, the most interesting highlight of serving as an English volunteer was undoubtedly witnessing the universality and internationalization of "Chan." During the group discussions, students from various countries, with different skin colors and cultural backgrounds, engaged in enthusiastic discussions about Han Transmission Chan Buddhism in English. Although their expressions regarding "how to apply Chan methods to benefit sentient beings" varied, their original intention—the desire for altruism and the reduction of vexations—was completely identical. Watching Western students strive to interpret Eastern Chan concepts in English, creating an atmosphere that transcended language barriers and united everyone in truth, was both sacred and filled with Dharma joy. It allowed me to see Master Sheng Yen's compassionate vow to push Chan Buddhism into the world truly unfolding right there in that classroom.
Finally, I am grateful to the Venerable for the gift of the Dharma bowl and other items, which made the spirit of transmission feel tangible and gave the heart something to rely on. I also appreciate the unique way the Venerable Guochii enlivened the atmosphere, bringing a joy rarely seen in such assemblies. I am equally grateful to all the participating Volunteer Bodhisattvas and students, who allowed everyone to feel that the heart which aspires to goodness and improvement knows no borders.
With this, I remind myself:
The past mind cannot be grasped; the present mind cannot be grasped; the future mind cannot be grasped.
Vera C.
With palms joined in gratitude
January 6, 2026