It is the time of the year again for meditation retreat. And this time I have signed up for the zen retreat with Dharma Drum Singapore. It is to be held in Bright Hill Temple in Bishan again. And we will be living and having our activities at the Ten Thousand Buddha pagoda at the back of the monastery.
During registration, all of us need to deposit our mobile devices and valuables with the front desk. We are required to be disconnected from the outside world.
And here is the main hall where all our activities will be held. It ranges from daily prayers, meditation, prostration, yoga and walking/running meditation.
In the morning and evening, we will have to do the daily chanting.
We have 3 meals a day. And for each meal, we have to walk in two straight lines with awareness and silently towards the dining hall.
Here we are having our meals with complete mindfulness.
There is regular yoga exercises throughout the day.
As well as frequent sitting meditation.
There is also a daily walking and running meditation exercise in the afternoon.
On the last day, we have the opportunity to experience outdoor zen. We went out to the temple garden.
And sit amidst the greenery and beautiful pond by the side.
Here is our group photo. There are 80 people in all.
At the end of the retreat, we have group discussions. There are 10 groups with 8 people each.
Our two masters who led the retreat.
And it is check-out time. Everyone is queuing up to retrieve their valuables. They also gave us lots of snacks and goodies to enjoy our journey back home.
