25 – 31 October 2021
The Sincerity Chanting Retreat brought most attendees many first-time experiences. Unlike other chanting retreats, where we chanted mostly for our family, relatives, health and career, this time, we transcended personal gain and chanted without asking for anything in return. The sincere chanting in praise of the Buddha was thus a different cultivation mindset from past retreats. As the session was held at the new Center, we also experienced an exceptionally peaceful and quiet environment, no longer interrupted by the sounds of heavy traffic outside as in the past.
Every practitioner strove to make the most out of this treasured opportunity to attend the retreat. Although class started at 9:00 am, everyone was seated quietly in Medicine Buddha Hall by 8:30 am. The respect and sincerity shown for learning the Dharma deserves to be praised!
The first Dharma teaching by Grandmaster JinBodhi was “One Thought Leads to Achievement.” As explained by Grandmaster, we are the director of our own lives. Our choice between a kind thought or an evil thought determines the success of our lives. A thought is akin to making a vow, which requires action life after life for achievement.
During the focused practices, students learned from Grandmaster’s Dharma teachings and felt even more connected with Grandmaster. During the practices, the students were bathed in Grandmaster’s light of compassion. With a peaceful and light physical and mental state, students chanted in praise of Guanyin Bodhisattva without asking for anything in return. Gradually, the Guanyin Bodhisattva became no longer an image but a state of compassionate brightness.
Just as Grandmaster said, environment is very important to everyone. Our lives are very much affected by this. Thus, it is important to create a good environment for self-cultivation, and to frequently visit the Center. However, the difference between “knowing” and “achieving” is in our actions. The students who had the opportunity to attend this class were there to realize their goal of self-cultivation.
The last day of the chanting class was the Celebration of the Medicine Buddha’s Birthday. During the celebration, students shared their physical and mental benefits, and their heartfelt gratitude was beyond words.
At the conclusion of the class, Teacher Guan Shan guided fellow disciples to recite the Bodhi Dharma Discipleship Responsibilities, for all to reflect on whether their actions reflect their initial vows, and to review if we have been a faithful disciple. We are constantly asking Grandmaster for help, and Grandmaster is always blessing us, giving just like the sun which never stops shining upon the earth.
In this course, we learned a deeper level of Grandmaster’s teachings, which led us to a deeper meditative state, adding a more colorful dimension to this path of self-cultivation. It allowed us to find the true meaning of life and have a clearer view of our path. We realized that although the class had come to an end, the real self-cultivation has only begun.
