Reflections on meditation and closed camps

Dear master, brothers, volunteer bodhisattvas,

Good afternoon everyone!

Good times always seem precious and short. This weekend is simple but not simple. No cell phone, no computer, no internet ... everything is quiet and almost isolated. Nevertheless, I think this is the most meaningful weekend I have spent in the past ten years.

All along, I always feel that I have an unclear fate with Buddhism and meditation. Before I was 5 years old, I was sickly and my parents took care of me very hard. Often take me to see a doctor, take injections and take medicine, ride a bike to Hengshan Mountain in Nanyue, which is far from home, and pray for my safety and health. Because of this, my parents named me "Youping", which means to keep me safe. Somehow, I seem to have been attached to Buddhism for a long time, and I have been in awe of it ever since. "Light the heart lamp and love the world of mortals" The 16th Bodhi meditation camp was my first official meditation in Buddhism. During the 48-hour group meditation, let my heart return to the static soil and bid farewell to the world of mortals.

When I came to Tielu Temple, I really realized the life of the temple. Simple and simple, but there is no lack of ritual. At the moment I entered the temple, I naturally felt awe, everything seemed solemn, and suddenly became quiet, only talking to my heart.

At this parting moment, I especially remember the scene of getting to know each other from the opening ceremony, to Buddhist etiquette, early meditation class, going into the iron furnace, having sex with water, offering a blessing ceremony for lanterns, and finally asking questions from the iron furnace. Bits and pieces of pictures come to mind like slides. Although the group meditation time is short, there is a lot to say. I want to boil a thousand words down to two simple words-gratitude.

First of all, I want to be grateful to myself. There is a saying: I am the root of everything, I am who I think I am. It was because of the idea of meditation that I accepted the invitation of my good friend and came to Tielu Temple, where I had the opportunity to become attached to Master, the volunteer bodhisattva and all the senior brothers present. Only initiative can tell stories, and opportunities are not reserved for those who are prepared, but for those who take the initiative.

Then I want to thank every brother present, because after 48 hours of meditation with you, I once again realized a kind of friendship that can only be realized at school. Simple and beautiful, the faces of the battalion commander and the captain are warm and cordial smiles, with their own sunshine. It is precisely because of the active participation of every senior brother that there are so many stories about the group meditation camp. Every brother has a place to shine. I hope everyone can practice meditation and make them shine more.

Of course, the most important thing is to thank the natural mage, lay mage and volunteer bodhisattva of Tielu Temple. Thank you for creating a good practice environment for us, from teaching Buddhism to living environment, from medicine and food (fasting) to herbal tea and tremella soup, and so on. Your heart and meticulous care are everywhere. In particular, natural masters have devoted themselves to practicing Buddhism for decades, presided over the construction of Tielu Temple, spread Buddhism and benefited all beings. I think this is the embodiment of the great love of Buddhist practitioners. If you are sincere, you will naturally get positive results.

I remember Master Xing Yun said: The Tao has no past or present, and enlightenment lies in the present. This is how I feel now. Thanks again, thanks for meeting! Finally, let us look forward to being merciful, practicing what we have learned, being kind to others, and meeting better ourselves under the protection of Buddhism.

Amitabha.

These are my thoughts on attending the Bodhi group meditation camp of Shifang Tielu Temple in Changsha last weekend. Articles about the whole process of group meditation are being sorted out, so stay tuned ~