The meditation retreat received wonderful response from youths eager to cultivate their minds.

Capping off a fantastic 2016, Nalanda Youth Centre conducted a one-day meditation retreat for 150 young adults on Saturday, 26 November.  The retreat featured insightful Dhamma teachings and practical meditation guidance by Nalanda founder, Bro Tan.

The dynamic retreat allowed participants to link their learning to spiritual practice, bringing about Right Understanding in the way to meditate.  From the very start, participants were given gradual guidance on the practice of ‘Mindfulness of Breathing’.  They were also taught to meditate in the sitting, standing, walking, and lying postures, as well as to maintain mindfulness while eating.

Bro. Tan gave six talks throughout the one-day retreat to lay a strong foundation of theoretical understanding about meditation.

Participants get to experience meditation with different postures.

Bro. Tan gave very constructive advice on overcoming the hindrances faced in meditation, such as the arising of ill-will, restlessness, and drowsiness.  In relation to combating sleepiness, Bro. Tan said interestingly, “When we gaze at the Wonders of the World such as the Great Wall of China or the Eiffel Tower, we feel enthused because these sights are unique.  Similarly, did you know that every breath is unique?  Therefore we should be enthused by watching every breath!”

Participants later got to clarify their doubts in the ‘Question & Answer’ session.  At the end of the retreat, the energetic congregation promised to undertake the challenge of meditating 20 minutes a day for a month, which Bro. Tan termed the “30-day challenge”.

Asking questions to clarify learning during the Q&A session.

It was indeed an illuminating day for the young adults, as they discover the joys and benefits of meditation.  It was not as ‘difficult’ as many had first anticipated; in fact, it was amazingly ‘enjoyable’!

Nalanda Youth Centre would like to express our deepest thanks to Bro. Tan, the participants, the retreat organisers and volunteers.  May we continue to strive diligently in our wholesome practice!