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From July 16–20, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple held its annual Youth Short-Term Monastic Retreat, welcoming 27 children aged 7–13. Over five days, they experienced monastic life—learning precepts, practicing meditation, receiving alms, and embracing mindfulness and simplicity.
Each day began with chanting the Heart Sutra, followed by sitting meditation led by Venerables Zhi Xing and Hui Cheng. Children also cleaned Buddha statues, helping them build reverence and responsibility.
Evenings included recreation like basketball, ping pong, and board games, joined by the venerables, allowing for joyful bonding and balance between practice and play.
On July 19, six participants assisted in the Bodhisattva Precepts Ceremony, performing their duties with respect after being trained by Venerable Hui Ren. That evening, they transcribed the Buddha’s Light Verse and completed a three steps, one bow pilgrimage.
Other activities included Buddhist etiquette, chanting, stories of the Buddha, learning about Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and team-building with the Young Adults Division and Hsi Lai Scouts. On the final day, they joined the Sangha Day almsgiving ceremony, then took part in a renunciation-returning ceremony, symbolically ending their monastic journey.
Before departing, Venerable Hui Cheng reminded the children: “This is not the end, but a new beginning. Keep living as a Buddhist through the Three Acts of Goodness and Six Perfections.
Many expressed eagerness to return. Seven-year-olds Elliott Gu and Ryan Zhang were excited to sign up again, and Ethan Yifan Wang said, “I hope to come back every year”—even expressing interest in becoming a full-time monastic in the future.
This retreat not only offered training but it started a journey of faith, discipline, and self-discovery.
Posted on: 2025, July 29th
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