溫哥華

2023溫哥華法青戶外禪報導與心得

2023-09-11

https://www.dharmadrum.org/portal_b1_cnt_page.php?folder_id=18&cnt_id=1111

Nurturing Self-Care and Collective Compassion in Natu: A Recap of the Chan Outing Event by
Dharma Drum Vancouver for Young People
Date: August 20, 2023
Venue: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby BC
On August 20, 2023, Dharma Drum Vancouver for Young People hosted a transformative
outdoor meditation event called the “Encounter with Nature - Summer Chan Outing" targeted at
young people seeking mindfulness and connection with nature. The event, held at Deer Lake
Park, drew a diverse group of around 25 to 30 participants from various backgrounds, all
brought together by the allure of tranquility and personal growth.
The event's origins were serendipitous, with one attendee discovering a poster at a local
Starbucks while waiting for her coffee. The event's cause resonated deeply, motivating her to
participate. This amalgamation of coincidences and intentions set the stage for an incredible
day of self-discovery and camaraderie.
The volunteers, emanating warmth and enthusiasm, welcomed participants at the park's parking
lot. Their dedication and genuine greetings created an inviting atmosphere from the very start.
The event commenced with a relaxing 8-form moving meditation lasting approximately 40
minutes. This practice aimed to cultivate participants' awareness and to foster relaxation while
blending the physical movements with meditation. The gentle, deliberate movements worked
harmoniously with the natural surroundings, creating a meditative ambience.
Subsequently, the event unfolded with a 1-hour Chan walk, a central feature that participants
would later describe as their favorite. The Chan walk encompassed both natural walking
meditation and five senses walking meditation. Guided by facilitators, participants engaged their
senses—sight, hearing, smell, and body sensations—to immerse themselves in their
surroundings, striving to deepen their awareness. This practice encouraged attendees to attune
their awareness to the present moment, a valuable skill in our fast-paced lives.
Lunchtime marked a delightful interlude. Volunteers had risen early to prepare a spread of
vegan rice balls and sandwiches. Amidst the culinary offerings, participants engaged in vibrant
conversations, sharing their reflections on the morning's experiences. This communal dining
nurtured a sense of unity and encouraged the exchange of insights.
The afternoon unfolded with two distinctive activities designed to foster teamwork and
empathy. The scavenger hunt brought participants together, emphasizing collaboration and
creating an atmosphere of fun and exploration. The photographer-camera activity, on the other
hand, encouraged attendees to view the world from different perspectives. Paired participants
took turns as either the photographer or the camera, fostering empathy and interpersonal
connections.
A group sharing session capped off the day's activities. Participants expressed their
enthusiasm for the "Chan walk," emphasizing its impact on their mindfulness and connection
with nature. Many left with a sense of gratitude and anticipation for the next event.
Feedback from both participants and DDYP facilitators was overwhelmingly positive.
Attendees praised the event's holistic approach to meditation and the genuine connections they
formed. Facilitators expressed their joy in witnessing the transformative experiences of the
participants and their gratitude for the opportunity to facilitate such an event. As the day

concluded, the Venerable closing the event extended her heartfelt thanks to all who
participated. Encouraging attendees to continue their practice, she reinforced the potential for
growth and serenity that lay ahead. The event culminated in a group photo, capturing the
shared memories and positive vibes that had permeated the day.
With hearts and minds filled with newfound tranquility and inspiration, participants departed the
event with a renewed vigor, ready to face the challenges of the upcoming week. The "Encounter
with Nature - Summer Chan Outing" had not only provided a sanctuary for mindfulness and self-
discovery but also fostered a sense of community that would endure beyond the event itself. As
participants eagerly await the next gathering, the event's impact resonates as a testament to the
power of meditation, nature, and the practice of self-care and caring for others.

心得分享

 

"Finding Peace in Nature: A Reflection on DDYP's Summer Chan Outing"

Written by Pamela Tsang

  My sister and I attended the outdoor event called "Encounter with Nature — Summer Chan Outing," organized by Dharma Drum Vancouver for Young People (DDYP) on August 20, 2023. It was our first time attending DDYP's events. When we first met the facilitators at the Deer Lake parking lot, they were all very welcoming and friendly. We started with an 8-form moving meditation that helped us relieve tension in our bodies. It was especially calming to do all the exercises by the lake, and I felt much more relaxed afterward.   

  Afterwards, we went for a one-hour Chan walk where we engaged in walking meditation using our five senses. By focusing on one sense at a time, it helped me concentrate and become more aware of the present moment. When a thought drifted into my mind, I was able to recognize it and return to my senses. I noticed strangers looking our way as we walked along, but it didn't bother me much as I felt safe surrounded by others who shared the same desire for self-care and simply wanting to enjoy nature as well.

  We enjoyed lunch after the Chan walk, and I'm grateful to DDYP for providing it to everyone. We also participated in two interactive and engaging activities. In the end, we all reflected and shared our thoughts on the day in one large group. It was interesting to hear everyone's perspectives. The sharing session and activities helped me realize how we all have different viewpoints, yet we experienced the same events. Overall, I found that the Chan Outing was very well organized and worthwhile. Everyone was friendly, and I felt like we were all connected in some way or another.

 

"戶外禪心得 --- 尋找內在寧靜的禪修之旅" written by Keith Zhong

我一直以來都很喜歡探索有關冥想禪修以及如何實踐的方法,啟發自己內在潛能。我也意識到,憑藉自己微弱的力量,學習相關的專業知識並發揮個人能力是有限且不全面的。如今,網路上的知識資訊雖然豐富,卻常常不夠全面,呈現零散碎片狀態。僅憑個人努力就如同井底之蛙,視野狹窄。因此,我下定決心尋找一個可靠的地方,系統學習正統的禪修和真正的般若智慧(佛教的深層智慧)。雖然在Richmond地區,關於禪修和佛教學習的機會有限,但透過蒐集資料後,我選擇了法鼓山。法鼓山在台灣已經有很長的歷史,我認為其信譽相當可靠。我參加了法鼓山的禪修班,從課程中學到了書本之外的技巧和方法,填補了我自學時的知識盲點。

這次是我參加的第一場溫哥華法青的戶外禪修活動,對於我來說,這是一個不可錯過的重要時刻和體驗。

在活動中的開始,我們進行了舒緩身心的八式動禪,透過八式動禪,我逐漸將內心與大自然融合,感受當前的臨在。清晨的陽光、清風拂過臉頰和手臂,輕輕帶走了我雜亂的思緒。在動禪的過程中,我將注意力重新集中到自身,專注感知內在。正如法師所說:身在何處,心就在何處。

八式動禪結束後,進入了活動的重點:“走路禪”。走路禪是我在這次活動中最深刻的體驗之一。活動前半段,我讓思緒隨意散漫,欣賞周圍美麗的湖泊、樹木、陽光和自然景色。然而,久而久之,我產生了無聊的感覺。突然,我腦海中閃現出一句話:“物質的快樂和外在的快樂只會是昙花一現,帶來短暫的愉悅,而不是真正的喜悅。這種歡愉是虛幻的,過後只會留下無盡的空虛和無價值感。即使是美麗的風景也不例外,那只是外在的物質。”我開始思考自己每天努力追求的外在滿足,如何轉變為內在的平靜。

我發現,向外追求只會增加煩惱和慾望,而內心的寧靜可以減少煩惱。我開始專注於感受腳底踏實的觸感,全身心沉浸其中。這讓我感受到當下的力量,無雜念,無煩躁。在步伐和心流的引導下,這是一種很舒服的感覺,一直在腦海裡指揮著你的聲音沒有了。我體會到了一種純粹的存在,我的頭腦好像是沒有了語言一樣,腦子裡一直告訴你要怎麼做的聲音沒有了,我意識到這是當下真實的力量。

自己慢慢理解到只要把心收回到自己身上,專注在自己的覺受上煩惱就會不翼而飛。不過這感覺不是維持很久,我心想要一直保持回這種狀態就要不斷的在我們生活中的行、住、坐、臥中去實修和練習,這個新嘗試讓我感到舒適。這次經歷讓我明白,大腦就像我們身上的肌肉一樣也是需要不斷的去鍛練它,禪修就是一個很好的工具方法讓我減少內耗,不再追求外在,從而找到內心的寧靜。走路禪的實踐為我打開了新的視角。