Hsi Lai Temple’s English Retreat: Finding Refuge in Faith Amid Life’s Impermanence

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
April 7, 2025

How can one find peace in an ever-changing world? On March 22, Hsi Lai Temple hosted a One-day Meditation Retreat with the theme: "Embracing Refuge: Navigating Life’s Uncertainties with Faith." A total of 52 English-speaking participants attended the event, engaging in faith-based courses, group discussions, and guided reflections on the significance of taking refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). Through a day of digital detox, noble silence, and meditation, participants cultivated mindfulness and inner peace.

Venerable Hui Dong, abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, addressed the attendees, emphasizing that life is impermanent and filled with challenges. He noted that spiritual practice is not about acquiring a new skill to solve problems but rather about deep contemplation and understanding one’s mind. When the mind is stable, one can have a complete & clear understanding of our challenges and respond appropriately.

Venerable Hui Cheng, from the Social Education and Outreach Department, introduced the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founding Master of Fo Guang Shan. He explained how the principles of Humanistic Buddhism set forth by the Venerable Master aim to bring peace and happiness to all. During a session on “Faith”, he referenced the Venerable Master’s teachings, outlining the criteria of right faith, which should be based on historical verification, moral integrity, and the ability to guide oneself and others toward enlightenment. He further explained the symbolism of taking refuge in the Triple Gem, likening Buddha to a physician, the Dharma to medicine, and the Sangha to caregivers—stressing that the ultimate essence of refuge is recognizing one’s own Buddha nature and embodying the Buddha’s path in daily life.

"Every moment is constantly changing. The 'you' of this moment is not the same as the 'you' of the last. Why remain entangled in past emotions and self-imposed limitations?" During the meditation sessions, which included standing meditation, walking meditation, seated meditation, and sutra copying, Venerable Hui Cheng guided participants in observing their thoughts through each movement and breath, staying present and unaffected by emotions. He also explained the connection between meditation and the Three Learnings of Morality, Meditative Concentration, and Wisdom, stressing that meditation is not merely about cultivating concentration but also about ethical discipline as a foundation, leading to insight and wisdom to fully understand impermanence and non-self.

During the formal meal, Venerable Hui Cheng introduced the "Five Meal Contemplations," encouraging participants to eat with gratitude and mindfulness. The group then chanted the "Buddha’s Light Verse" to express appreciation and deepen their spiritual commitment.

In the group discussion session, led by Venerable Hui Cheng, Venerable Miao Zhong, and Venerable Zhi You, participants shared their reflections and insights on the Triple Gem.

Toward the end of the retreat, during the Q&A session on refuge and faith, Venerable Hui Cheng likened taking refuge to holding an umbrella in the rain, explaining that true refuge lies in developing unwavering faith in the Buddha’s teachings to face life’s uncertainties with confidence. He encouraged participants to support one another and progress together on their spiritual path.