On December 27, 2025, the Fo Guang Shan Chicago Buddhist Temple hosted a “Winter Silent Walking Meditation” at the Morton Arboretum in the Chicago suburbs. Set against a serene winter landscape of pines and weathered trees, the event guided participants in the practice of “cultivating the mind through spiritual practice.” Thirteen BLIA members and friends participated, learning to return to their inner selves and remain present by observing the six sense faculties (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind), seeking a sense of awakening amidst the distractions of daily life.
During the walking meditation, Head Priest Venerable Yung Han gave a Dharma talk, emphasizing that meditation should not be detached from life. In the face of external distractions and the constant influx of information from social media, Zen wisdom teaches practitioners to “not be led by the environment” and to maintain clear awareness when encountering all phenomena. As they walked, participants observed the natural cycle of growth and decay, reflecting on the flowing nature of life and the attainment of equanimity.
The reflection session focused on three main themes: first, breaking through attachments and learning to transform one’s perspective. By observing how winter trees naturally accept both growth and wither, participants realized the importance of letting go of excessive attachments to numbers and habits. Second, self-awakening in family relationships, learning to replace control with respect and acceptance, and transforming relationships by first changing oneself. Third, turning the experiences of the six senses into daily practice, applying the Middle Way to sensory encounters, and cultivating the wisdom of “slowing down” in life.
The activity concluded with a “Tea and Zen” dialogue at a lakeside café. Participants expressed that this walking meditation was not only a physical journey but also a spiritual purification, deepening their understanding of the Humanistic Buddhism spirit that “life is practice.”