On May 10, Fo Guang Shan Chicago hosted an English-language “Moving Meditation Workshop” led by Venerable Miao Wei. Themed “Can You Be Still When Moving?”, the workshop attracted 12 participants. The curriculum integrated both static and dynamic meditation, guiding students to cultivate focus and mindfulness through awareness of breath and body.
The workshop was conducted in two stages. The first stage involved indoor practice, including sutra chanting, seated meditation, circumambulation (walking meditation), and the recitation of “A Prayer for a Dharma Service” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Miao Wei explained the significance of each practice, noting that chanting allows one to unify thoughts by listening to one’s own voice. Seated meditation uses breath-counting to clear distractions and settle the mind, while walking meditation combines footsteps, breathing, and the Buddha’s name to maintain awareness of the present moment.
The second stage featured outdoor practice. Students stood quietly on the grass with their eyes closed, feeling the sunlight and breeze while observing the flow of breath through the nose, chest, and abdomen to sharpen their physical sensitivity. The Venerable also designed an interactive exercise where students balanced candy on a fork while walking to train their concentration and stability during movement. The activity was filled with laughter and a harmonious atmosphere.
In her Dharma talk, Venerable Miao Wei shared that daily movements are often habitual and unconscious. Through meditation training, one can gradually enhance self-awareness and focus, allowing them to live more mindfully and stay grounded in the present. During the sharing session, Edna Haverkos from the English Subchapter noted that when wandering thoughts appeared during seated meditation, she learned to observe them and return to her breath. Mark Kanter shared that during low points in his life, meditation helped him regain inner peace and improve his awareness. The workshop concluded with a warm vegetarian lunch. Participants expressed that the content was practical and beneficial for personal growth, looking forward to future meditation sessions.