Report by Chan Jia Xin.

Ayya Susīla giving instructions on how to practice ‘Anāpānāsati’ (mindfulness of breathing).

On 13 August, Venerable Ayya Susīla, an experienced meditation teacher who is a learned disciple of Pa Auk Sayadaw, returned to lead ‘Bhāvanā Day’ – a quarterly one-day meditation retreat at Nalanda Centre.  The fruitful Saturday saw the gathering of 120 participants who were eager to learn Dhamma and cultivate their minds.

Ayya Susīla offered instructions to participants in practising ‘Anāpānāsati’ (mindfulness of breathing).  Ayya also taught the basic method of walking meditation as well as the interesting practice of ‘mindfulness in eating’.

Lunch time was an opportunity to practise ‘mindful eating’.

Mindfully walking, taking the breath as the object of meditation.

Ayya Susīla later gave an insightful Dhamma talk on the ‘Five Hindrances’ and how to overcome each of them.  This is important knowledge for meditators, so that they will be able to tackle difficulties in their practice when hindrances arise.  Ayya mentioned that having Right View is pivotal, as it is the basis for further spiritual cultivation.  Therefore, if we want to cultivate ourselves well, we have to learn the Dhamma diligently.

In the ‘Question & Answer’ session, devotees had the opportunity to clarify doubts and perplexities about their practice.  It was indeed an enlightening day for the participants; may they strive on diligently in the practice and never falter.  Sadhu anumodana.

Ayya speaking about the Five Hindrances and how to overcome each of them.

Sadhu to all participants, organisers and volunteers for devoting their entire day to wholesome activities!