The One Day Mediation Retreat for English speakers was held on April 23 at the Dhammakaya International Meditation Center in Azusa, California.
The event began with a brief registration, followed by stretching, yoga, and an icebreaker activity. Afterwards, teaching monks led the participants in guided meditation in order to help participants calm their bodies, clear their minds, and invoke peace and relaxation.
In the afternoon, participants accompanied the leading monk in walking meditation. Participants then had the opportunity to hear about the importance of the five principles of universal goodness and how these principles could be applied to their daily lives to foster mindfulness.
The retreat closed with a candlelight ceremony in which participants meditated with candlelight and placed them to form the words “Samma Arahang” to reemphasize the power of the mantra. The One Day Meditation Retreat received positive responses from its attendees, who described the day as a relaxing experience filled with peace and happiness. The next retreat will be an extended three-day program in June.
