The retreat is offered to all levels of Buddhists of any denomination- those new to Buddhism or those wishing to learn the Bodhisattva Precepts in a Buddhist cultural context.
Schedule:
August 1st afternoon: Arrival & Settle in
Tea and meal together for orientation & introductions
August 2-8th: "Sitting Meditation Practice"
Commentary on Bodhisattva Precepts (text linked below)*.
Commentary on Tiantai Dharma Flower Repentance Ceremony
3 hour lecture & commentary in the morning
One 90-min afternoon session for commentary on Dharma Flower Ceremony
Session for Q&A
Morning & Evening Chanting, Meditation, Bowing, and Text Recitation.
Some afternoons may have more relaxed/hands on activities such as tea ceremony or flower arranging.
One day mindful activity (ex. temple visit, park outing and discussion, etc.).
ULA members will join us for this bi-lingual portion of the program.
Participants will be in a shared dorm and responsible for light cleaning and general help.
August 9th:
Go to Dongshi location near Taichung, tour of Shizai Farm, and hotpot dinner together at the farm.
August 10-14th: "Cultivating Mindfulness in Monastic Life"
Communal Practice Intensive of Dharma Flower Repentance
Intensive practice of chanting, bowing, recitation, meditation, and contemplation of the precepts and repentance practices. Participants will engage in communal monastery-style living in the countryside town of Dongshi at a Chanting Hall. Cooking, cleaning and all daily living will be done by participants following the guidance of a monastic and a senior ULA teacher.
August 15th:
Morning practice, clean up, and rest.
August 16th:
Sangha Offering & Closing
We will visit a Vinaya temple in the morning, make formal offerings and attend a dharma lecture from the Abbot. ULA members collectively sponsor and offer a lunch (alms) for the monastics in retreat. Return to Dongshi for closing ceremony in the afternoon.
*There may be optional post-retreat opportunities around Taiwan. Last year participants self-organized a group day trip to Jiufen Old Street, night markets, and other activities.
Retreat Structure
Monastic style retreat standards, rules, etiquette, etc. will be introduced slowly in week one and then intensified during week two. Monastic life is an environment where communal self-sufficiency and personal flexibility becomes a practice. This gives many opportunities for seeing the mind and mindfulness (knowing our mental states and motives).
Personal space or extended privacy is limited. The Taipei location is more catered towards comfortable learning and 'sitting meditation' and with support staff helping in cooking and organizing. While the second practice period is 'contemplation in action' through working together and cooperation. Participants will be responsible for all their cooking, cleaning, chores, facilities, and structure during this time period to apply what they learned in the previous week. Personal edges and limits may be constructively challenged in this practice space. Volunteers may help with grocery shopping and peripheral support. Come to study and practice dharma in a supportive and structured environment.
Limited use of technology during the practice period. Formal meals and sessions lead by senior practitioners/monastic(s), responsibilities for each participant in contributing to the structure and outcome of the retreat.
***There is some required reading and practice prior to the retreat.
Students must have a personal copy and read through the text
"Brahma Net Sutra" by BDK (download) (Precepts Chapter). Further study of the precepts is not mandatory but the more you familiarize yourself with them the more you can engage in lectures and discussion. Further study materials may be send closer to the date.
Language:
This retreat is conducted in English. Lectures are in Mandarin with English translation. Practice and chanting is a mix of language with both English and Mandarin text available. This retreat is bilingual leaning towards English.
Food & Lodging:
Meals are Buddhist vegetarian (primarily vegan and no use of garlic, onions, leeks, etc.) and served three times a day. Week one meals will be cooked by staff, and week two participants will be split into teams that will take turns being responsible for preparing meals for the entire group. Dinner is optional for those wishing to practice intermittent fasting or engage in 8 Precepts practice. If you have food allergies or health concerns please email us to discuss if this is appropriate for you before applying: volunteers.ula@gmail.com
Rooms are all shared, 'monastery style'. This is typically floor beds and means folding one's bedding and putting away personal belongings to keep spaces neat and tidy.
A recommended list of what to bring will be sent prior to the retreat.
Fees:
In the tradition of Shakyamuni Buddha, we offer this retreat in the spirit of generosity (dana).
Room, classes, transportation in Taiwan during the retreat, retreat support, and teachings are freely given. All staff and translators volunteer their time for the duration and do not receive any reimbursement. If you wish to support ULA or the teachers this is up to your own discretion.
We are asking a $250 fee to offset the cost of food/groceries, utilities, and material expenses for 15 days. This fee is for practical matters and not used as payment towards any teachers, monastics, or volunteers.
*If this fee is a barrier to participation please contact us.
*Participants are responsible for their own airfare, transportation to/from retreat, medical coverage, visas, toiletries, damages they incur, etc.
Acceptance:
We will respond within 1-2 weeks to notify you of acceptance and/or any follow up questions.
Limited to 20 participants, international & Taiwan residents.
The criteria for acceptance is based on your sincere interest and commitment.
Age, gender, sexuality, nationality, health, educational background, or dharma experience are useful for us in practicing together and accommodations- but are not used to determine your ability to participate.
