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: 1. a Chan (Zen) Meditation Experience, 2. a Guided Tour of Dharma Drum Mountain, or 3. 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.

** Please note that Chan (Zen) Meditation Experience & Mindful Walking and Listening Experience will both take place at Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (DILA), while the guided tour of Dharma Drum Mountain will take place at Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), which is close to but different from Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts.

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

Options:  

1. Chan (Zen) Meditation Experience  禪修體驗  (Limited to 100 participants, at DILA)
   - Experience the essence of Chan (Zen) practice through a guided introduction to meditation at Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (DILA).

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  (Limited to 100 participants, at DDM)
   - This guided tour offers an introduction to Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), which is close to conference venue Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (DILA). Founded by Master Sheng Yen (聖嚴法師), Dharma Drum Mountain is one of Taiwan's most influential Buddhist institutions, dedicated to education, spiritual practice, cultural engagement, and environmental sustainability.

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  (Limited to 40 participants, at DILA)
   - Nature conservation and environmental stewardship are among the core values of Dharma Drum Mountain, and Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (DILA) actively promotes environmental education through a variety of experiential programs.

Inspired by the Chan tradition of walking meditation, this guided experience invites participants to explore the beauty, architecture, and natural landscape of DILA at a relaxed pace. Through mindful walking and attentive listening to the sounds of streams, birds, and the surrounding environment, participants are encouraged to slow down, cultivate awareness, and experience a deeper connection with nature.

The program also offers an opportunity to reflect on the interdependent relationship between humans and the environment, encouraging participants to consider how more mindful and sustainable ways of living can contribute to environmental well-being. Suitable for all participants, this activity provides a refreshing break from the conference while fostering both personal reflection and environmental awareness.

- introduction to Mindful Walking: https://mindlife.dila.edu.tw/?page_id=1658&lang=en