On November 10, 2024, Vancouver Fo Guang Shan hosted a retreat for practicing the Eight Precepts, attended by nearly 90 preceptees. Among the participants, the eldest was 84 years old, and the youngest was 14. This retreat provided lay Buddhists the opportunity to experience monastic life, nurturing and planting the Wholesome Roots of Transcending the World.

The day began with a solemn and dignified ceremony for precept conferment,  followed by a series of teachings. Venerable Chueh Chu, the precept-acarya (teacher), explained the significance and merits of upholding the Eight Precepts. She highlighted that taking refuge in the Triple Gem is the starting point of Buddhist practice, while upholding the precepts is the embodiment of faith. Unlike external regulations such as laws and school rules, which enforce discipline through external means (heteronomy), Buddhist precepts foster self-discipline through internal awareness. By observing the Eight Precepts, practitioners can prevent unwholesome actions of body, speech, and mind, cultivate virtuous deeds, and take steps toward the monastic path, breaking free from the cycle of birth and death.

First-time participant Ms. Liu shared that the retreat opened her eyes to the collective power of Fo Guang Shan. She marvelled at the seamless organization of the day’s events, made possible by the dedicated support of many unseen individuals. She described Fo Guang Shan as a warm and welcoming family that brought her immense joy and gratitude.

Eighty-four-year-old Ms. Wang Youzhen signed up immediately upon seeing the announcement for the retreat. She expressed that becoming a disciple of Venerable Master Hsing Yun resulted from countless lifetimes of spiritual cultivation. She vowed to continue upholding the pure precepts as long as she was physically able. Despite initial concerns about her stamina, Venerable Chueh Chu was deeply impressed by her performance throughout the rigorous day, describing her as a role model for younger practitioners.

The retreat included sessions on “Buddha’s Light Samadhi Practice,” An Inspiration to Give Rise to the Bodhi Mind, meditation, and chorework (chupo). The concluding session, “Fo Guang Shan's principles,” was delivered by Venerable Chueh Chu, who drew upon Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s essay Acting in Accordance with Causes and Conditions is Always the Best Disposition. Through stories of Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma propagation, participants witnessed how he adhered to unshakable principles while skillfully adapting to circumstances, using “adaptability” to dispel criticism and “unchanging principles” to meet life’s challenges.

The preceptees felt deeply inspired by the Prajna Wisdom embodied in Master Hsing Yun’s teachings. Many expressed their determination to study his writings and teachings as a way to reconnect with his guidance. They vowed to practice Humanistic Buddhism as taught by the Master, nurturing their spiritual wisdom and bringing his legacy to life in the world.