Fo Guang Shan North Carolina’s “Mindful Practice Train” Sets Off Again — Cultivating Inner Awareness in Daily Life

Reported by Yu Chuan and Yin Zhi, North Carolina, USA

Following enthusiastic feedback from its launch in May, the June 28 session drew many returning participants who invited friends to join, resulting in a group of 23 attendees embarking on a shared journey to explore inner peace and harmony. The program featured meditation, Dharma classes, Chantangle art, walking meditation, Tea Chan discussion, and evening chanting—each practice guiding participants to reflect inwardly and return to their true nature.

Venerable Miao Jou, the temple’s superintendent, gave a Dharma talk explaining that spiritual practice helps us see our thoughts and intentions clearly. By observing Noble Silence, participants reduce external distractions and turn their attention inward. Not using mobile phones cuts off information overload, allowing the mind to settle on its meditation object and deepening one’s cultivation.

In the Dharma class on “Life and Practice,” Venerable Miao Jou explained the principles of Humanistic Buddhism and the guidelines for Bodhisattva practitioners, emphasizing the core concept that true practice is about correcting one’s body and mind. Spiritual cultivation is not merely about being vegetarian, reciting sutras, or performing prostrations. Its essence lies in transforming our habits and purifying the three karmas—body, speech, and mind—thus increasing wisdom and moving toward liberation and Nirvana. Buddhism values both understanding and practice; true cultivation is putting the Dharma into daily life.

Venerable Zhi San led the meditation class, helping students experience how meditation nurtures a positive mindset and enhances self-awareness. She encouraged everyone to practice sincerely. Using the Seven-Point Posture of Vairocana and exercises in walking, standing, and seated meditation, participants practiced mindful breathing and staying present.

During the Tea Chan discussion, participants split into two groups, guided by Venerable Miao Jou and Venerable Zhi San. While brewing and tasting tea, they learned to observe the present moment through all five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Tea Chan is more than an art of tea appreciation; it is a spiritual practice. Drinking tea, eating, and getting dressed with undivided attention is itself a form of cultivation. Participant Zhang Yin shared that through Tea Chan, she realized that beauty lies in creating space for awareness, learning to find calm and clarity in daily life.

Participant Tang Yanling shared her experience of slow incense walking: from the moment her heels touched the ground, she felt grounded and steady with each step, bringing joy and ease to her body and mind. Annie Wang, another participant, said that experiencing an extended period of Noble Silence and being without her phone brought her a profound inner stillness. She also found great relaxation and peace in the Chantangle art class.

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina’s “Mindful Practice Train” is scheduled monthly, with sessions offered alternately in Chinese and English. Participants of all language backgrounds are welcome to sign up, recharge their minds, and explore inner peace together.