By netizen Lin Shen Shi Wu Qi
I finally signed up for the Zen retreat at Chaoyang Temple. In the crisp autumn weather, I embarked on a journey to Huairou, Beijing. Chaoyang Temple is situated atop a mountain, while the Zen center is located at the foot. The master told us that we would be practicing “Living Zen,” where every aspect of daily life—clothing, food, shelter, and travel—is part of the practice.
On the first day of registration, our phones were collected. Without the distraction of phones, I felt surprisingly relaxed and at ease. We woke up at 5 a.m. every day, washed up briefly, and then started ascending the mountain to chant sutras. Although I didn’t know how to chant, listening to the master chant truly conveyed a sense of power, as if I could feel the presence of the field. After chanting, we descended for breakfast, which consisted of simple vegetarian meals. Though humble, the food tasted quite good. During meals, we were not allowed to cross our legs, speak, or leave leftovers. When washing bowls, we couldn’t use running water but had to rinse them one by one using water from a basin. Things I once considered normal now seemed lacking upon reflection.
After breakfast, we walked up the mountain in complete silence, practicing walking meditation while listening to the master’s teachings on Zen. Much of what we heard was enlightening, and the master’s explanations often brought sudden clarity, especially regarding the importance of avoiding attachments—to people, matters, and even spiritual practice. The master covered many topics, which I cannot fully recount here. After the teachings, we descended for lunch, followed by a one-hour break. In the afternoon, we practiced martial arts and standing meditation. After dinner, we ascended the mountain for seated meditation, remaining silent and still for the duration of two incense sticks, about an hour and a half. Sometimes my legs grew sore, but I persevered.
Though the two days were brief, the gains were substantial. The living conditions were modest, yet I felt a sense of ease and contentment. Ordinary life is surrounded by material desires, but are those things truly necessary? Without phones, we didn’t need to process so much information. Reading books and copying sutras simplified life, bringing greater composure.
2025-01-17 08:58
