SUMMER PROGRAM> 2014 Fo Guang Buddhist Monastic Retreat (June 26 - July 24)

by Huifeng Shi

Dear Colleagues,
We would like to give a reminder that applications for the upcoming summer program, the 2014 Fo Guang Buddhist Monastic Retreat, close on April 15th.  Thank you to all those at H-Buddhism who have earlier passed on this information.  Details of the 2014 FGBMR as follows:

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2014 Fo Guang
Buddhist Monastic Retreat 

Where:  Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Taiwan 
When:  2014, Summer, June 26th 6am to July 24th 5pm—28 days total 
Who:  50-60 university / college students or graduates within 3 years after graduation aged 18-35 with an interest in experiencing authentic Chinese Buddhist monastic life
How Much:  Free!  (Travel costs to and from the Retreat not included.) 
Apply Here:  << http://www.fgs.org.tw/events/fgmonasticretreat/ >> 
Applications close April 15th 2014

What is the Fo Guang Buddhist Monastic Retreat?

The Fo Guang Buddhist Monastic Retreat is an opportunity for English speaking university / college students and recent graduates to experience one month of authentic Chinese Buddhist monastic life at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan. The full program features four distinct phases:
A: Orientation, Monastic Life, Buddhist Studies Classes (14 days)
A full day of orientation to the monastic lifestyle, followed by two weeks of morning meditation, Buddhist studies classes, getting to know the monastery, vegetarian meals, Dharma talks, and evening chanting.
B: Intensive Chán Meditation Retreat (7 days)
Seven days in a silent intensive meditation retreat, putting the theory to practice, to understand the mind as deep as one can go.
C: International Youth Seminar on Life and Chán (4 days)
Participation in a large scale modern Buddhist youth conference with over 1000 students from all over the world.
D: Tour of Taiwan (3 days) 
Tour the “treasure island” of Taiwan Formosa, seeing the sights, and experiencing the local culture, staying at different temples along the way.

Who should apply?

The Retreat is aimed at and designed for English speaking university / college students and recent graduates aged 18-35 years old who would like to have an authentic experience of Chinese Buddhist monastic life.

Are there any admission fees?

There are no admission fees for the Retreat.  For the entire duration of the Retreat, all accommodation, meals and so forth will be covered by Fo Guang Shan Monastery.  However, airfare to and from the Monastery in Taiwan, personal expenses, such as buying phone cards, free time snacks or beverages, items and gifts purchased during the cultural tour and so forth, as well as personal hygiene products needed during the retreat will be the student’s own responsibility.

FAQ

o Buddhist monastic ethics take five basic principles as its core:
o  1. To refrain from taking life;
o  2. To refrain from taking what is not given, i.e. theft;
o  3. To refrain from any form of sexual relations;
o  4. To refrain from lying;
o  5. To refrain from taking intoxicants such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (tea, coffee, and prescription medicines are permitted).
o Chinese Buddhist monastic ethics also includes strict (lacto-ovo) vegetarianism.  Not only are all meals in the monastery vegetarian, but even bringing meat or meat products into the monastery is prohibited.
o Inability to adhere to the above key rules may lead to the student being asked to leave the Retreat.
o Participants are not required to take any formal Buddhist initiation, tonsure or ordination.  Nor are they required to wear monastic robes.
o Participants are not required to shave their heads.  However, head and facial hair should be kept tidy and neat.
o Clothing should be appropriately modest, and the uniforms reflect this.  During free time out of uniform, please do not wear tank-tops, mini-skirts, or otherwise overly revealing attire.
o While use of personal electronic devices is permitted, such as mobile phones, pads / tablets, laptops, etc. we strongly encourage participants to make the most of an opportunity to be offline during the Retreat.

For any further questions please contact
Fo Guang Buddhist Monastic Retreat:
< fgmonasticretreat@gmail.com >