To commemorate the anniversary of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment, Fo Guang Shan Chicago held a half-day retreat themed “Contemplating the Mind with Ease.” The program integrated three main pillars: honoring Avalokitesvara, contemplating the mind through the Dharma, and practicing vows collectively. Over 40 devotees participated in the experience of the Bodhisattva’s compassionate spirit. Participants gathered at the temple in the early morning, offering their hand-copied Great Compassion Dharani with reverence. Throughout the retreat, a vow of silence was maintained, and electronic devices were prohibited to ensure total focus on mindfulness and inner cultivation. Led by Venerable Yung Han and Venerable Miao Wei, the curriculum guided participants from theory to practice and interactive application, allowing them to immerse themselves in serenity and Dharma joy.
Session 1: Honoring Avalokitesvara—Opening the Heart of Reverence Head Priest Venerable Yung Han spoke on “Prostration as a Form of Practice,” inspiring the assembly to reflect on the great compassionate vows and actions of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. She encouraged everyone to let go of the ego and settle their minds. Through visualization during prostration and the unification of body, speech, and mind, participants sought to enter the state of “Contemplating with Ease” (Avalokita). The Venerable led the group in reciting the Bodhisattva’s name and performing prostrations. By touching the forehead to the ground and maintaining a supple posture, participants expressed utmost sincerity and learned to embody the compassion and gentleness of Avalokitesvara, integrating the practice into their entire being.
Session 2: Contemplating the Mind—Understanding the Avalokitesvara Dharma Gate Venerable Miao Wei presented on “Why Practice the Avalokitesvara Dharma Gate?”, explaining the fundamental meaning of the Avalokitesvara faith. He noted that while sounds are typically “heard,” Avalokitesvara “contemplates” them. This is because the Bodhisattva does not just hear sounds but observes the underlying causes and conditions to provide the right remedy for suffering. Whether observing with the eyes or listening with the ears, the Bodhisattva uses wisdom to discern the situation and teach according to the capacity of the listener. Quoting FGS founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “Faith is not superstition, but gaining strength through belief,” the Venerable pointed out that the Great Compassion Dharani is a vital practice that combines sound and vows to purify the mind and awaken one’s inherent compassionate and pure nature.
Session 3: Collective Practice—Implementing the Power of Compassion The assembly recited the Great Compassion Dharani and the Avalokitesvara Vow of Aspiration, transforming the Dharma teachings into actual practice. Following the chanting, an interactive session followed where students drew hand and ear symbols on paper and answered the question: “Who is the person I am willing to help?” Responses included “the sick and suffering,” “beings with whom I have a connection,” “the disabled,” and “kind-hearted people.” Through this exercise, the spirit of Avalokitesvara—responding to the cries of the world with unconditional compassion—was put into action. Venerable Yung Han noted that compassion begins with the thought of wanting to help others, but it must not stop at the vow; it must be put into action to complete the cultivation. She encouraged everyone to “pray to, learn from, and become Avalokitesvara” by practicing the Three Acts of Goodness.
Reflections of Practice After the class, many shared their insights. Former Chicago Chapter President Jin-Xiu Feng remarked: “All those who have encouraged and helped me in my life are my Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas.” Former First Subchapter President Cai-Ling Chen shared that whenever she encounters difficulties or fear, the name of the Buddha or Bodhisattva naturally arises, giving her stability and strength. Dr. Kuan-Kuan Lee from the English Subchapter and several other students expressed their gratitude for the detailed guidance on prostration and the Dharma gate, vowing to benefit sentient beings with the spirit of Avalokitesvara. Family therapist Shirley Khong shared that despite challenges in her 14 years of practicing Buddhism, she has never wavered and vows to apply Avalokitesvara’s compassion in her clinical practice to care for patients and family members with mindfulness and a heart of mercy.