Taiwan Buddha Memorial Center and the 2012 International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch'an Day 3.

Hi guys! Si here's the continuation... Like I said in my previous post (Taiwan FGS Buddha Memorial Center Tour: A Prologue), so far, the third day of the youth camp has been the most fun of all. Aside from the usual protocol done during early morning meditation, breakfast and lunch, we did Sutra Calligraphy, listened to a talk about Life and Ch'an, witnessed Buddhist chanting, did a Dharma Hunt, watched a concert and ended the day with a Light Offering and Prayer Ceremony. So first things first...


Sutra Calligraphy

At 8am, all delegates gathered at the assembly hall. For the first time, we saw the hall filled with rows and rows of tables and chairs. We all went to our respective groups then took a seat. On our table were sheets of calligraphy and pens. At 8:00, one of the Venerable Masters explained to us what calligraphy is and what it entails to trace the different characters on the piece of parchment. It's not just about copying or tracing, but it's about meditating about the meaning of the characters as we trace them... it's about finding wisdom in the calligraphy... it's about ch'an or meditation. It's about freeing the mind from worries and other attachments and living at the moment.

Before we all started tracing the calligraphy, a little prayer ceremony was done where all delegates participated by praying through chanting. Then from 8:30 am - 9:00 am, we all traced the calligraphy.

My fingers actually got numb after some time that I had to pinch it a couple of times. But at the end of the 30-minute period, I was surprised at myself that not a lot of the other delegates were able to finish everything unlike me. Maybe it's because I just went with the flow of tracing the characters using my hand and the pen, resting my fingers for a few seconds every now and then, and just continuing with the act, appreciating the beauty of each character and when done tracing, just simply moving on the next. I guess I was able to empty my mind and free it from any kind of emotional attachment or worry and other unproductive thoughts which definitely helped me finish the entire calligraphy. I can only speak for myself though. I don’t know how the others did theirs and why they weren’t able to finish their calligraphy on time.

Those who weren't able to finish were asked to continue doing it during their free time. Then those who did finish were asked to submit their work including the pens.

From 9:20-9:40, everyone went for coffee break.

Ch'an and Everyday Life

When the class resumed, we tackled the next lesson which was Ch'an and Everyday Life by Most Ven. Hsin Pei.

The most important thing we learned from this class is that the main goal of Ch'an Buddhism meditation is to clearly see one's mind and nature, and to meet one's true self. This is done by letting go of your attachments and views, staying away from ignorance, delusion, inequality and prejudice. When one practices Ch'an (meditation), one can get rid of pressures of everyday life; physical health will come about; tolerance is increased; the joy of meditation or Ch'an will be experienced; one won't be trapped in personal problems; one will experience inner wisdom; you will be able to perceive the pure nature of the mind; and one can ultimately attain Buddhahood.

In order to practice contemplation in everyday life, four points were given:

1. Contemplate the self, seek the causes in oneself rather than elsewhere.
2. Update oneself, continuous purification.
3. Rely upon oneself for self-realization, avoid dependence upon others.
4. Free from labeling, avoid contesting with others.

Basically, we should all have the right kind of mindfulness. We should be able to understand what is happening and be able to transform negative into positive. Furthermore, we should be aware of our breathing, the thoughts that arise and when these thoughts cease as well as being aware when attachments arise and when they cease as well. It is important to know that change is the only sure thing in this world and when you have an unchanging heart, then that's the only time you can face the change. Therefore, we must all be aware of our nothingness and our own selflessness.

One thing that also struck me was this verse:

Find the balance within your heart. Live a carefree life free of worries. When this happens you will fully appreciate and understand the change. You will also understand that something else does not change. It is the appearance of the Ch'an and the true self within us.

For my other favorite quotes and teachings during this class, please head to my Kicking Pinay Blog post: Benefits of Meditation (Things I Learned in Taiwan)

Buddhist Chanting Appreciation

After lunch break, we all walked to the FGS Buddha Memorial Center while taking lots of pictures. 

 

We first headed to the auditorium so we could listen to different kinds of Buddhist chants. Ven. Yung Fu explained to us the nature of these chants. She also discussed its goal which is to achieve dharma and help one meditate. The melodic sound of the different chants revitalized some of us and made some of us sleepy. Nevertheless, the experience was truly spiritual and awesome.


Dharma Hunt, Concert, Prayer Ceremony

 

Then from 3:30 - 5:00pm, we all headed out of the auditorium to do the Dharma Hunt. Each group was given a sheet of paper containing questions which we need to answer by finding clues within the Buddha Memorial Center. 

 

It was a fun and enriching activity because all of us were able to explore the beauty of the memorial center; we also learned a lot of life lessons and Buddhist principles in the process and we enjoyed ourselves. 

 

By 5:00 pm, we were given one final task which was to piece together a piece of puzzle which made up another bigger puzzle. Prizes and souvenirs were given. Come 6pm, supper was distributed in the grounds of the memorial center. 

Then early that evening, we all went back to the auditorium to watch a concert by the FGS Music Youth Group. Those kids were talented and everyone in the audience really had an awesome time watching them and cheering them on. It was an awesome night! 

 

And just when we thought that the magic has ended, we all headed out into the drizzling night, donning our raincoats, and joined the Light Offering and Prayer Ceremony. Hundreds of tea lights were placed on the ground after the prayer ceremony. It was such a picturesque site with the biggest Buddha I've ever seen in the backdrop. 

Lots of photo ops followed afterwards before we all finally headed back to the dormitory and ended the night.  

To know how I was able to join the 2012 International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch'an and how you can join too in the future as this happens every year, please head to this post: 2012 International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch'an: Taiwan Pre-Departure Preparations

To read about what happened on Day 1, please head to this post: 
2012 International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch'an in Taiwan Day 1

To read about what happened on Day 2, please head to this post: 

Great Buddha Land at Fo Guang Shan Temple in Taiwan and the 2012 International Youth Seminar on Life and Ch'an Day 2

If you wanna know the things that went through my mind (no holds barred) as  I did my 1-weekmeditation retreat, follow my Monastic Diaries.

Oh, and here's a post I did the moment I got home after two weeks... just because one of my co-delegates looks like Harry Potter. Hehehe. 
Spot the Filipino Harry Potter Look-Alike and Some Thoughts for the Coming Days