Typical Retreat Schedule
DRBU Extension will conduct a special orientation session before each retreat. In addition, in the evenings and selected afternoons, there will be a series of classes and discussions for participants with no prior experience with the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and recitation practice.
The peaceful monastic setting facilitates self-reflection and insight. The schedule combines meditation, recitation, and sutra chanting with periods of discussion and Dharma instruction. After completing this retreat, participants will have a beginning foundation for developing a Dharma practice.
| First Day [Saturday] | |
| PM | |
| 5:15 – 5:45 | Dinner [Small Dining Hall] |
| Before 6:00 | Check-in at Administration Office |
| 7:30 – 9:00 | Welcome & Orientation [DRBU Old Building Conference Room] |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Purifying Boundaries [Buddha Hall] |
| Second Day [Sunday] | |
| AM | |
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Morning Ceremony [Optional] |
| 5:00 – 6:00 | Universal Bowing [Optional] |
| 6:15 – 6:45 | Breakfast (Small Dining Hall) |
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Stretches & Meditation with Instruction |
| 8:15 – 10:30 | Introduction to Guan Yin Retreat |
| 10:30-10:50 | Break |
| 1:00 – 11:50 | Noon Meal |
| PM | |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Viewing the Relics of the Buddha & Founder |
| 1:30 – 3:30 | Mechanism of Guan Yin Practice |
| 3:30-5:00 | Break |
| 6:30 – 7:30 | Evening Ceremony with Explanation |
| 7:30 – 9:00 | Evening Class |
| 9:00 – 9:40 | Great Transference |
| Third to Seventh Day [Monday to Saturday] | |
| AM | |
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Morning Ceremony [Optional] |
| 5:00 – 6:00 | Universal Bowing [Optional] |
| 6:15 – 6:45 | Breakfast (Small Dining Hall) |
| 7:00 – 8:00 | Stretching & Meditation with Instruction (Sun and Mon) |
| 8:15 – 8:30 | Walking Recitation |
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Seated Recitation |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Silent Recitation |
| 9:30 – 10:00 | Walking Recitation |
| 10:20 – 11:00 | Meal Offering |
| 11:00 – 11:50 | Lunch |
| PM | |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | Stretching & Meditation with Instruction, Q&A |
| 2:00 – 2:30 | Walking Recitation |
| 2:30 – 3:00 | Seated Recitation |
| 3:00 – 3:30 | Silent Recitation |
| 3:30 – 4:00 | Walking Recitation |
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Discussion (Mon-Fri) |
| 4:30 – 5:00 | Transference ceremony |
| 6:30 – 7:30 | Evening Ceremony |
| 7:40 – 9:00 | Evening Class (Sun-Fri) |
| 9:00 – 9:40 | Great Transference |
| Eighth Day [Sunday] | |
| AM | |
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Morning Ceremony [Optional] |
| 5:00 – 6:00 | Universal Bowing [Optional] |
| 6:15 – 6:45 | Breakfast (Small Dining Hall) |
| 7:30 – 8:30 | Stretching & Meditation with Instruction |
| 8:30 – 9:30 | Closing and Reflections |
| 9:30-10:30 | Cleanup |
Returning Practitioners
Returning practitioners who are familiar with the environment of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas can participate in the entire retreat schedule in addition to the evening Dharma lecture in English by DRBU instructors. This gives practitioners a chance to deepen their spiritual cultivation in an intensive session environment.