A Reflection on the One-Day Retreat at the DDM Degui Academy

Stepping into the tenth floor of the Degui Academy (德貴學苑) of Dharma Drum Mountain, the room initially felt slightly narrow. With so many cushions placed close together in a limited space, I wondered how we would all find the inner room for deep meditation.

However, learning from the Fa-shi about Master Sheng Yen's arduous solitary retreat in a tiny, primitive space completely shifted our perspective. Compared to his six years of austerity, having air conditioning and a space free of insects felt like a true luxury. This realization allowed everyone to relax, settle onto their cushions, and fully embrace the practice across the four different sessions.
 
The most remarkable part of this indoor practice was how, despite being a room full of strangers from different countries and backgrounds, the shared silence created a profound, unspoken connection. I am deeply grateful for the Fa-shi's skillful means. They knew exactly how to pacify our minds, helping us release our physical tension and mental unease, leaving us with a lasting sense of peace.
 
Beyond this shift from physical confinement to deep appreciation, another standout experience occurred during the walking meditation along the open corridors. While we were moving in mindful silence, curious onlookers from the outside world noticed our group and began asking, "What are you guys doing?"
 
Faced with this, a few of us naturally tried to help out—quietly addressing the strangers' curiosity while ensuring our line remained continuous and uninterrupted. This interaction turned out to be a profound lesson. Protecting the practitioners' quiet space from being disrupted provided a stark, beautiful contrast between a chaotic society and a silent sangha.
 
Encountering the curiosity of the outside world during walking meditation served as a powerful mirror. It became a miniature of modern life, showing us exactly how to maintain inner peace amidst daily chaos. It was a vivid reminder that true practice doesn't require a pristine, isolated bubble; rather, it teaches us how to hold onto our center, navigate unexpected boundaries, and bring mindfulness directly into the noise of the world.
 
The Unmeasurable Treasure of Mutual Sincerity

Ultimately, what moved me most deeply about this day was witnessing the collective effort toward goodness. On one hand, you have a room full of diverse people, all earnestly trying to find their inner peace. On the other hand, you have the quiet protectors of the practice—the volunteers and monastic who provide the best food, seamless coordination, and pure sincerity so that everyone can practice without worry.
To experience a space where people protect one another's minds with such care is a rare gift. The devotion of those who serve, and the sincere striving of those who sit, are not things you can calculate or quantify. They are truly unmeasurable treasures for the human spirit, leaving me with a heart full of gratitude as I step back into the world.
 

Having One-Day Retreat at the Degui Academy is really like at ‘The Great Branch’.

Written by Apple Florence