Experience sharing

5/13 English One Day Retreat

This Chan retreat was very special for me. Gratitude is something I have been reflecting on much recently, and I think humbleness and gratitude are core to Buddhist practice. Gratitude when doing prostrations, gratitude when praying, gratitude when contemplating Tathagata's Name.

As Mother's Day was the day after our retreat, I kept my mother in mind. She passed nine years ago, on May 27th. My mother introduced me to Buddhism, and so I dedicate much of my practice to her. I have only earnestly been studying Buddhism for 5 years, and I often feel very ignorant and lacking. For example, I feel human relationships can be difficult and that it's easy to get upset or cause harm, especially among friends, family, and loved ones. Strangers too, who we don't give much passing thought or patience. No matter our intention, we may create suffering, and no matter what we do, suffering can still fall upon us.

This is why I think humbleness is important, being aware of our own faults and limitations. Humbleness also means gratitude, being grateful for all the experiences and interactions we have had throughout our lives that allows us to be where we are now, and for making life meaningful.

I try to be more compassionate and understanding. I try my best to do repentance and gratitude prostrations. I have so many regrets and sorrow in my mind. But experiencing this Chan retreat helped me to ground myself again and remind myself of important things. The instruction was clear and thoughtful. I really think there is something special about Dharma Drum monastics. They have sincere compassion and wisdom, and I give my deepest respect, thanks, and admiration to them and to Shifu.

I still have much to do and to think about. But for now I can only express my gratitude. I can only say thank you to all the volunteers and to Venerable for hosting this retreat. May all be free from suffering. Namo Amituofo.

By Edward