Eight Precepts Retreat at Xiang Yun Temple: BLIA Youth Support the Event

By The Life News Agency reporter Xi Xiu, Austin

On the morning of March 30 at 9:00 AM, Xiang Yun Temple held its first “Eight Precepts Retreat” of the year, with over 40 participants (precept holders) joining to experience monastic life and cultivate virtuous roots beyond the mundane world.

After checking in, the participants received their practice robes and name tags. Venerable Yongjia and Venerable Ruyuan explained the ceremonial procedures, and Venerable Jueji conferred the precepts in accordance with the Fo Guang Shan tradition. The full-day program included offerings, monastic meals (formal dining), walking meditation, seated meditation, prostration, teachings on the precepts, and group discussions.

While explaining the significance of the Eight Precepts, Venerable Jueji shared that a layperson's life is characterized by “having”—being limited and measurable—whereas a monastic life embodies “not having”—being unlimited and immeasurable. It is a life of letting go, easing, releasing, and living with peace of mind, guided by compassion, bodhi (awakening), and prajna (wisdom) in spreading the Dharma.

During the group discussion, participant Xu Jinglun shared his experience with practicing noble silence; Xie Huiling expressed gratitude for the program and the service of the youth volunteers; Wang Nuan inquired about the Buddhist practice of offering flowers. The Dharma teacher explained, using the Avatamsaka Sutra, that flowers symbolize purity, dignity, and the precious joy of the Dharma.

When asked how to deal with afflictions, the Dharma teacher recommended facing them with a mindset of “let it be” and “go with the flow.”

Claire, a young YAD (Young Adult Division) volunteer, shared that serving in the dining hall taught her the power of mindfulness and focus. Her mother, Sister Zhiding, expressed gratitude for the clarity and wisdom brought by the retreat.

Venerable Yongjia emphasized that YAD youth, after their “Little Diplomat” training, are embodying the transmission of the Dharma. Venerable Jueji encouraged everyone, saying that although the precepts were observed for only one day, he hopes everyone will continue their diligent practice so that the seeds of renunciation may grow strong and flourish.