This year, we warmly invite conference attendees to discover the unique culture and tranquil atmosphere of Dharma Drum Mountain, one of Taiwan’s leading Buddhist and educational centers.

During this special session, participants may choose from 3 enriching experiences: a Chan (Zen) Meditation Experience, a Guided Tour of Dharma Drum Mountain, or a Mindful Walking and Listening Experience. Whether you are interested in mindfulness practice, Buddhist culture, architecture, or ecological sustainability, these activities offer a unique opportunity to connect with the spirit and environment of Dharma Drum Mountain.

Each program will be led by experienced volunteers and practitioners, providing an authentic and welcoming experience for visitors from around the world. As all activities are held concurrently, participants may select one program during conference registration.

Time: 14:00-17:00, September 11 (Day 3)

Options:  

1. Chan (Zen) Meditation Experience  禪修體驗
   - Experience the essence of Chan (Zen) practice through a guided introduction to meditation at Dharma Drum Mountain.

Led by experienced practitioners, this session offers participants an opportunity to learn the basic principles of Chan meditation and explore methods for cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and inner calm. Through simple guided practices, participants will experience how meditation can help develop greater awareness of the body, mind, and present moment.

Designed for beginners and experienced meditators alike, this activity provides a welcoming introduction to one of the most influential traditions of East Asian Buddhism and its contemporary application in daily life.

- introduction to Chan/Zen meditation: https://www.dharmadrum.org/portal_d6_cnt.php

2. Guided Tour of Dharma Drum Mountain  法鼓總本山導覽
   - This guided tour offers an introduction to Dharma Drum Mountain as a contemporary Buddhist institution dedicated to education, spiritual practice, cultural engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Participants will explore the campus while learning about the vision of Master Sheng Yen, the development of Humanistic Buddhism in Taiwan, and the role of Dharma Drum Mountain in promoting inner transformation and social well-being. The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience how Buddhist values are expressed through architecture, landscape design, education, and community life.

This tour is ideal for visitors interested in religion, culture, sustainability, and contemporary Asian societies.

3. Mindful Walking and Listening Experience  慢行聽禪
   - This guided experience invites participants to explore the beauty, architecture, and natural landscape of Dharma Drum Mountain at a slower pace. Through mindful walking and attentive listening, visitors will gain insight into the Chan (Zen) philosophy of living in the present moment while appreciating the unique atmosphere of one of Taiwan’s most renowned Buddhist cultural sites. 

Suitable for all participants, this activity offers a refreshing opportunity to step away from the busy conference schedule and reconnect with both nature and oneself.