On 26th July 2025, the FGS Buddhist Auckland College held a One-Day Meditation Retreat, with 34 students participating. Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ shared that the Buddha is an enlightened being, and that learning Buddhism is a path to rediscover one’s true nature. Abbess encouraged everyone to follow the Self-Awareness Education in Buddhism to understand the causes and conditions of life, clarify one’s direction, enhance the quality of life and master the art of living.
Through a series of practices including Tai Chi, walking meditation, sitting meditation and chores, participants learned to observe themselves, release mental and physical tension, and experience a life of joy and ease. Abbess emphasised that meditation is not confined to sitting on a cushion—every action, word and moment of stillness in daily life is a part of mindful practice. Abbess encouraged everyone to recharge themselves, accumulate blessings and wisdom through serving others, and discover the treasures within their hearts.
President Evelyn Ku of the BLIA North Island Chapter remarked that the event served as both a conclusion and practical application of the term’s curriculum. Students were able to integrate what they had learned into everyday life, engaging mindfully in each activity, remaining aware of their thoughts and experiencing the joy of meditation. Advisor Annie CHANG from the Subchapter 4 shared that her mind is often busy and restless, but during the breathing meditation, she experienced an unexpected sense of calm and deeply understood the Abbess’s words: “Spiritual cultivation is about finding oneself.”
Lee from the English Dharma Service shared that while cleaning the windows during chores, he felt immense joy and was grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve at the Temple. Subchapter 4 President Eric CHANG, was inspired by Abbess’s metaphor comparing cultivation to pruning a tree—only by constantly correcting our path and directing nourishment to the main trunk can a tree grow strong. In the same way, trimming away delusions and ignorance is essential for inner clarity and growth.
BLIA member Yanling LI reflected that the success of the event stemmed from the harmony of all contributing causes and conditions, and she felt inspired to treasure and give thanks for everything in life. Another participant, ZHOU Rui, became more aware of subtle shifts in her thoughts, which made her lunch more flavourful and satisfying. She was especially struck by the Abbess’s message that the Earth is suffering due to relentless human destruction, and that the key to saving the planet lies in nurturing environmental awareness—change must begin with ourselves if we are to bring hope to the world. She vowed to contribute to making the world a better place. Sara DING reflected on her own habits during the Abbess’s teaching, resolving to learn to accept criticism and cultivate inner stability and confidence.
The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the monastics for their guidance. The retreat provided a pause from their busy lives, allowing them to return to a state of inner clarity through the power of meditation, renew their life energy and rediscover a sense of peace in everyday living.
