Joyfully Together Retreat 2009 :: Part 2

In the morning, bro. Phap Kham conducted the stick movement exercise which really stretches the muscle. However, it was nice and rejuvenating and in fact a good practice for better health.

::about the retreat::

The retreat was based on the teachings of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Master who promotes Buddhism in a contemporary approach and easily acceptable by all ages of people. This year, BGF have successfully put together more than 90 people, comprising about 25 children aged 6 - 12 and youths of various ages and adults for a 4 day 3 nights retreat at Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highlands.

It was warm on the first day as we arrived and we started with Total Relaxation which is about 1 hour of lying flat on the ground, eyes closed and listening to the sounds of bell and the narration of a sister. The session allows one to be totally relaxed and in fact some dozed off after awhile and awakes with a refreshing body and mind.

Food wasn't a problem and it was well served and everyone had a sumptuous serving of 3 meals a day, vegetarian with various varieties and submitting to the creativity of the chef from the restaurant. There were a lot of food and no one complained about being under-feed.

Dhamma discussions and talks were a part of the program and we were separated into small groups and my group was sent to the sky terrace on the 13th floor, where it is an open air terrace. we took our cushions and we sat in the open for more than 2 hours. at the beginning, the cool air was welcoming and after some time, the wind became stronger and stronger, chilling us from our head to our toes.

we still sat there and discussed about the dhamma and asked questions on the practicality of practices and attainments.

At the last day, we sang song from plum village and it boosted our inspiration and determination.

We really felt happy and relaxed after the retreat. The children had a whole lot of fun and we could see that a bond between them, the young ones were established and encouraging each other for practice at a very young age..

We look forward for the next up-coming retreat!