A Different Kind of Halloween: Cultivating and Settling the Body and Mind at FGS New York Temple

[Reported by Qing Zhu and Chen Pei Rong]

Coinciding with Halloween in the United States, Fo Guang Shan New York Temple held an Eight Precepts Retreat on October 31, attracting over 60 devotees. Participants temporarily set aside their mobile phones and daily busyness to learn how to focus their minds and practice Right Mindfulness through listening to the Dharma, engaging in spiritual practice, and group discussions. By settling their bodies and minds and purifying themselves, they had a different kind of Halloween.

The Abbess of the Fo Guang Shan New York Temple, Venerable You Lin, gave a lecture based on Fo Guang Shan Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s "How to Settle the Body and Mind.” She encouraged the preceptees to let go of attachments and afflictions, and not to let defilements obscure their pure Self-Nature.  Through reading to learn the truth and generating the bodhi mind, with the spirit of selfless dedication that benefit self and others, thereby settling the body and mind.  Using stories, she guided the preceptees in cultivating wisdom through self-reflection, generosity, and making vows, so as not to be swayed by external conditions and to face life with a calm and carefree mind.

During the event, several Venerables led the preceptees in group discussions to share their cultivation experiences. Wendi Weng, a first-time participant, expressed that she was deeply moved by this experience. She realized that even a daily routine like eating could become extraordinary and solemn practice, and she learned the importance of gratitude. Huang Yong Ji, president of the Flushing Second Sub-chapter, shared that through the Venerable’s teaching, he realized his mind is often influenced by the six sense objects. In the future, he will remind himself to maintain awareness and not be swayed by external circumstances. Angie Zhu, who usually helped as a shrine attendant, believes that the retreat is an excellent opportunity for cultivation and self-reflection. In particular, when Venerable Neng Xian demonstrated how to gently push and pull a chair without making a sound, it helped her realize that compassion can also be practiced through the details of daily life.

Cindy Wang, Deputy Elder Advisor of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) New York Chapter, stated that every practice helps her maintain Right Mindfulness and strengthens her faith in learning from the Buddha and practicing the Buddha’s Way.