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 Master Sheng Yen, Ven. offers guidance to practitioners in English. Repeatedly reminding us of key principles: collecting the mind—calm abiding and relax, letting go of self-attachment; and returning to the present moment with mindfulness, whether in stillness or in movement. She also emphasized that practice is not confined to sitting. As Master Sheng Yen taught, cultivation is carried out in daily life—in walking, standing, sitting, and lying down.

We enjoyed very much the basics before the sitting, massage, walking, stretching, meal meditation etc.. Venerable Guo-Chii also demonstrated bowing and full prostrations, explaining that true prostration is not about outward form, but about letting go of the self and returning to humility and awareness. Such "prostration in effortlessness," whether in the meditation hall or in everyday life, is a continuation of practice.

The practitioners in our retreat came from different countries and diverse backgrounds, yet everyone practiced quietly and with focus. During group sharing, we agreed that meditation helps us settle and relax—and that these methods can be applied in daily life. Several group members noted that slow walking meditation was actually the most difficult practice. It reminded us that when life calls for it, truly slowing down is not easy, yet deeply necessary.

One young man from Scotland left a strong impression on me. Though it was his first time sitting meditation, he was still willing—while his legs grew sore and numb from sitting cross-legged—to return to the breath again and again.
In addition, there were two young people from the United Kingdom. They arrived to register carrying large suitcases. Only then did I learn that they had come to Taiwan to conduct a workshop. Taking advantage of the time before their flight, they arranged to join a one-day English Zen retreat. After the retreat concluded smoothly, they went straight to Chiang Kai-shek International Airport and headed back to their homeland. With suitcases in hand, they arrived. Before their flight, a day of English Chan was offered. The retreat ended in full joy—and they returned home fulfilled. Listening to these reflections, I found myself thinking back to my younger self—how could I ever have imagined drawing close to meditation and the Dharma? In that moment, I naturally felt respect for these young practitioners: for their sincerity in pausing and cultivating awareness, and through them, a deeper sense of the Dharma's universal value as a guide for life—regardless of age, education, or nationality.

Last year, I quietly made a vow: I am envisioning a future in Portugal. I hoped to share meditation practice and the Dharma with local people. Looking back, this special English retreat feels like an inspiring step toward that vow. For me, it was a clear and gentle reminder—to make use of my English skills and to practice the giving of the Dharma in everyday life, moving steadily toward wholeness. Amitābha!


Jessica Rowwhei Wu (Guo-Deng)
With palms joined