Planning Outdoor Chan at Ease

Traveling is a good opportunity for us to contemplate the mind while in contact with the natural scenery. With the exception of solo trips, traveling requires that we cooperate with travel mates and adapt to itineraries. How do we plan for a trip then? Let's invite Ven. Yan Dao (演道法師), who is experienced in planning outdoor Chan, to give us some tips.


Q1: It is easy to linger at the beauty of the scenery during one's trip. How do we get back to the method of contemplating the mind while admiring the scenery?

Appreciating beautiful scenery is a wonderful thing to do. People inevitably linger over beautiful scenery. But first of all, when traveling with companions, we should take them into account and avoid causing them inconvenience. Therefore, we should remind ourselves not to become attached to the scenery, and simply cherish the beautiful feeling at the moment.
 
When traveling alone, we can experience how the magnificent scenery changes over time. For example, some scenery looks vibrant in the morning, but appears to be desolate and gloomy in the afternoon, and then becomes extremely dark at night. In addition to revealing its beauty, nature also tells us that all phenomena are impermanent. Therefore, we should not get attached to it.
 
Q2: It is easy to remain silent when traveling alone. But when traveling as a family, how do we ask everyone to talk less and simply enjoy the scenery with a peaceful mind?

As people are always excited while traveling, it is natural to interact, share, and communicate with the people around us. The reasons for people to engage in a conversation might be to check the itinerary or simply to chat. It is not feasible to ask our family members not to talk during a trip, especially when they do not know why talking is discouraged. If we forcibly prohibit talking, the atmosphere of the family trip becomes stifling. Unless the family has a consensus that we will experience Chan practice in this outdoor outing, we can then set up a period of time to keep quiet.

In addition, we can surely play some soft music during the ride, and guide everyone to listen to and enjoy it. Before and after an event, we can lead our family in simple moving meditation and yoga, to experience Chan in motion. Before hiking or walking, we can introduce them to the method of resting their mind on taking every step with a recitation of the Buddha's name. During meals, we can guide them to savor each bite and chew mindfully. During a break, we can introduce the corpse pose (savasana) to them to experience total relaxation.

When engaging in these practices, people are less likely to have idle talks with a distracted mind, and are more likely to experience the practice of Chan.


Q3: How do I practice the method of Chan when traveling with a group?

People who are experienced in Chan practice often want to apply the method by taking their surroundings as the object of focus. However, when we go on a group tour, it is even more of an opportunity to practice going with the flow. For example, we can practice with a method if the condition allows; if not, then, at any time, we can practice letting go of what we intend to do, thereby turning it into a good experience of Chan practice. The method of Chan is flexible since there is no such thing as a fixed way to practice it. Even if we get distracted while watching the scenery, it is still good to be aware that we are distracted, because such awareness reminds us to return to the present moment. The principle of Chan practice is nothing but being clearly aware and relaxed. As long as we can follow the principle, we are using the method. The method of Chan is flexible and lively, as is the way we use it.

Q4: How do we practice eating meditation when traveling with a group?

The practice of eating meditation requires a longer meal time. If time allows, it is good to practice eating meditation.

Eating slowly is also a healthy eating habit, so we should not be too concerned about how others view us. However, if the time frame is not enough, we should let it go at any time, adapt to the group's schedule, and focus on the present moment to avoid causing troubles for the group.

There are surely some alternative approaches. One example is to practice eating meditation in the first three bites, after which one proceeds at a normal pace, without intentionally slowing down. Just savor each bite and do not chat over the meal. This is yet another approach to practicing eating meditation.

Q5: How do we plan the trip when traveling with elders and children?

When traveling with elders and children, their health conditions and physical fitness are the primary concerns. In addition, we should consider that elders and children cannot focus for a long time. Therefore, when planning the sightseeing spots and schedule, it is important to consider whether we can always find a resting place to let them stay hydrated, use the toilet, and replenish their energy.

If there is a big age difference among the members, it is better to travel to and stay at a specific location. For example, forests and resorts with accommodations and recreational facilities are relatively safe and suitable for family trips.

Through pre-travel communications, not only can we let our family know the purpose of the trip, but also we can listen to their feelings and thoughts and learn how to assist them. Whenever appropriate, we can show our loving care by accommodating to their needs. Since our family knows that we are genuinely keeping their interests in mind, they will be willing to go along with our arrangements.

Q6: Camping is popular nowadays. How do we incorporate outdoor Chan into camping?

When going camping, we spend more time outdoors than with regular trips, and we also have more opportunities to engage in hands-on activities. For example, kitchen tasks are suitable for practicing work meditation, as everyone can be assigned to tasks such as washing and chopping the ingredients, cooking, table setting, and the clean-up afterwards. Meanwhile, everyone can enjoy the fun of hands-on tasks while staying in Mother Nature.

When roaming amidst mountains, forests and streams, we can admire the mountainous landscapes, listen to the streams, enjoy the wind, and feel the changes in the natural environment. As we relax and enjoy the moment, we are practicing Chan here and now. Alternatively, when exploring remote mountain trails, we can feel the boundless energy of the earth with each step we take.

At night time, whether we are making tea or coffee, it is a good time for tea or coffee meditation. We can even practice moonlight or starlight meditation by looking up at the starry sky and imagining the innate perfection in everyone. Let the moonlight or starlight cleanse our vexations as it shines on our body. We can also lie down under the starry sky in the savasana pose. Even if we inadvertently fall asleep, it is still a unique experience to have the earth as our bed and the sky as our quilt.



Related articles:

The Healing Powers of Nature

Instinct, Direct Contemplation, and Contemplation of Emptiness

The Healing Power of Micro Chan Practice – Trip Preparation

Contemplation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Making Good Use of Natural Experiences for Practice

Planning Outdoor Chan at Ease

Four Ways to Experience Outdoor Chan



Original Chinese text: Ven. Yan Dao (演道法師, Supervisor of the Planning Division of the Department of Student Affairs for Monks, Dharma Drum Sangha University)
Translation: Li Siang-ling (李祥苓)
Editing: Keith Brown, James