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05:00 : Wake-up bell
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05:30 : Sitting Meditation
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06:00 : Morning chanting
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07:45 : Exercise
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08:00 : Breakfast
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08:30 : Maintenance service at the center
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09:00 : Dharma talk
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11:30 : Lunch
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13:00 : Reposing
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14:30 : Chanting and observing repentance
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16:30 : Afternoon chanting or Dharma discussion
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18:00 : Dinner
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20:00 : Chanting the Universal Gate Sutra
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21:30 : Sitting meditation
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22:30: Reposing
During the entire session of this summer retreat, the Principal Buddhist Master of the VNBC had given lectures to the community on the issue of "Cultivating a Bodhi Mind." This subject is of significant importance for those who wish to take refuge in the Triple Jewels, and to practice the Path as taught by the Buddha after his enlightenment.
After each dharma talk session, the delighted community thanked the Principal Buddhist Master for his guidance in the practice of Buddhism that is much in accord with today's life style. In addition, the community had performed other daily practices, such as chanting the sutras, observing repentance, sitting meditation, etc...
Despite the condensed period of the retreat, the whole community had gained valuable insights after those days of cultivation. During this period, there were other Buddhists, who could not join the scheduled retreat due to their daytime responsibilities, but had made a great effort to join in the chanting of the Universal Gate sutra and sitting meditation conducted at night at the Center. This is indeed very commendable for those children of the Buddha.
The year 2002 summer retreat had concluded successfully. The attendees had overwhelmingly wished that this tradition would continue so that they may have the opportunity to study and practice the Path.
Following are some pictures captured during the year 2002 summer retreat: