DRBU 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.
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.
1ST 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 Conference Room]
9:00 - 9:30 Purifying Boundaries [Buddha Hall]
2nd Day [Sunday]
AM
4:00 – 5:00 Morning Recitation [Optional]
5:00 – 6:00 Universal Bowing [Optional]
6:15 – 6:45 Breakfast (Small Dining Hall)
7:00 - 8:00 Stretches & Meditation with Instructions
8:15 - 10:00 Morning Class
10:10 - 11:00 Meal Offering & Transference
11:00 - 11:50 Noon Meal
PM
12:15 - 1:00 Viewing the Relics of the Buddha & Founder
1:00 - 5:00 Afternoon Class
5:15 – 5:45 Dinner (Small Dining Hall)
6:30 - 7:30 Evening Recitation
7:30 - 9:00 Evening Class
9:00 - 9:40 Great Transference
3rd - 7th Day [Monday - Saturday]
AM
4:00 – 5:00 Morning Ceremonies [Returning Practitioners' Track]
5:00 – 6:00 Universal Bowing [Returning Practitioners' Track, Optional]
6:15 – 6:45 Breakfast
7:15 – 8:30 Recitation of "Universal Door Chapter" / 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
12:45 – 1:30 Recitation of "Universal Door Chapter" / Walking Recitation
2:00 – 2:30 Seated Recitation
2:30 – 3:00 Silent Recitation
3:00 – 3:30 Walking Recitation
3:00 – 4:30 Discussion [Beginners' Track] / Seated & Silent Recitation [Returning Practitioners' Track]
4:30 – 5:00 Transference ceremony
5:15 – 5:45 Dinner
6:30 – 7:30 Evening chanting
7:30 – 9:00 Evening Lectures
9:00 – 9:30 Transfer of merit ceremony
8th Day [Sunday]
AM
4:00 – 5:00 Morning Recitation [Optional]
5:00 – 6:00 Universal Bowing [Optional]
6:15 – 6:45 Breakfast
7:00 - 8:00 Stretches & Meditation
8:00 - 9:00 Wrap Up, Reflections & Evaluations
9:00 - 10:20 Clean Up
Lunch [optional]
Returning Practitioners' Track
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 track is designed to give practitioners a chance to deepen their spiritual cultivation in an intensive session environment.