Pause, Breathe, and Return to Yourself: Half-Day Meditation Retreat in the Philippines

By Li Miaosi / BLIA World News, Manila, Philippines

Fo Guang Shan Guang Ming Meditation Center in the Philippines held a half-day meditation retreat titled "Pause, Breathe, and Return to Yourself" on July 19, inviting participants to rediscover inner peace amid the demands of modern life. Thirty participants, including students from Guang Ming College, members of the public, and Fo Guang members, gathered at the meditation center to experience the joy of Humanistic Buddhism through mindfulness and meditation in a serene and harmonious environment.

At the beginning of the retreat, participants changed into traditional meditation robes, creating an atmosphere of dignity and solemnity. Venerable Zhiyi, explained that the meditation robe symbolizes letting go of social status and external identities, reflecting the equality and purity of mind cultivated through Buddhist practice. From the moment participants put on their robes and quietly walked in line to the meditation hall, mindfulness had already begun, integrating awareness into every movement of daily life.

Venerable Miaojing, Abbess of Mabuhay Temple, shared that Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, has designated Guang Ming Meditation Center as Fo Guang Shan's World Meditation Center in the Philippines, with the mission of enhancing people's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through the practice of meditation.

The retreat was personally guided by Venerable Jueqian, Dharma advisor of the Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhism Reading Club. He first introduced the rules of silence and meditation hall etiquette before leading participants step by step through qigong exercises, walking meditation (including both brisk and slow-paced walking meditation), and seated meditation. The alternation between movement and stillness helped participants gradually settle both body and mind.

Venerable Jueqian reminded participants that the fast pace of modern life often allows smartphones to dominate our attention, causing people to lose touch with themselves. Therefore, genuine physical and mental rest has become increasingly important. He observed that while people easily become irritated when life is busy, they often feel restless when life slows down. Meditation teaches us to empty the mind and relax the body; only by learning to let go can we face negative emotions calmly rather than avoid them. The Buddha's teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Sufferings, he explained, encourage us to confront reality with wisdom so that we may transcend suffering and find genuine happiness.

Addressing common challenges faced by beginners, Venerable Jueqian explained that feeling sleepy during meditation often indicates physical and mental exhaustion, suggesting the need for adequate rest, as meditation requires sufficient energy. Leg numbness or soreness is also a natural part of the learning process. Rather than forcing themselves to sit cross-legged for long periods, practitioners should progress gradually and patiently.

Following the retreat, participants enthusiastically shared their reflections.

Lu Kangxi, a member of the Mabuhay Temple Choir, said the meditation center's pure and tranquil atmosphere helped cleanse the mind of the distractions and impurities of society. Although he heard birds singing, wind blowing, and even experienced mosquito bites during meditation, he followed the Venerable's guidance to let go of distractions. With a steady mind, he found he could overcome fear and discomfort. He compared the body and mind to a computer that needs to be rebooted regularly in order to function at its best.

BLIA Manila Chapter member Cui Mingbin shared that the Korean-style architecture of the meditation center reminded him of his childhood memories of visiting temples with his family in Korea to pray for blessings. As a first-time meditator, he not only prayed for the success of the Venerables' Dharma propagation, but also found that his peaceful state of mind allowed him to better understand his own true nature.

Karen, a student from Guang Ming College, particularly enjoyed the brisk walking meditation, describing it as energetic and invigorating, almost like athletic training. After experiencing seated meditation, she realized the importance of cultivating inner stillness and expressed her determination to continue practicing meditation to strengthen her patience and concentration.

Ms. Jinggay and student Paulene also expressed their gratitude to Venerable Jueqian for guiding them in relaxing both body and mind. They shared that meditation offers tremendous benefits for physical and mental well-being amid today's hectic world. The Venerable's teaching—to let go, slow down, and relax when facing life's challenges—inspired them to embrace a healthier and more meaningful way of life.

The half-day meditation retreat concluded in an atmosphere filled with Dharma joy, leaving participants refreshed with renewed positive energy and offering a practical path toward inner peace and spiritual well-being in modern society.