Buddhist Retreat

Date: 14th August 2014 – 20th August 2014

Number of people: 6 (Places are limited so register today to avoid disappointment.)

Closing date: 15th June 2014

Location: Tiankai Temple, Beijing, China

Standard fee: £350

Standard fee covers the cost of running the event

Supporting fee: £420

Supporting fee is an optional higher fee for those who wish to contribute to our charity project.

The fee includes all meals, accommodation, teachings and practice. We are not responsible for International airfares to and from China or any other legal costs such as visa fees, travel insurance or personal spending.

General information

This year UK Shaolin Temple Charity is running a small charity project trip to Tiankai Temple in China, an authentic Chan Buddhist temple. This project is towards UK Shaolin Temple Central Temple campaigning and Tiankai Temple funds for more information about this campaigning please click here.

Its aim is also to promote cultural exchange and create a deeper understanding of this traditional monastic way of life, the Buddhist teachings and spread a deeper awareness of Chan culture.

Participants will experience what it is like to eat, sleep and practice like an authentic Chan Buddhist monk or nun, whist at the same time raising money for this beautiful, traditional and peaceful temples in the UK and China. This also will be a deeply rewarding and unique experience to whoever takes part, however it may also prove to be quite challenging too.

As this is a very traditional temple we are keeping numbers to minimum so that harmony and equilibrium of the temple and its practices are not disturbed. Therefore this time there will be only 6 spaces available.

When you take part in this experience it means that you will be welcomed into this community to study and practice the Buddha’s teachings and learn and practice the traditional ways of the Chan Buddhist monk or nun.

The Precepts and Rules

Eight precepts besides the five precepts, which are observed for life at all times, lay Buddhists may accept the eight precepts. Undertaking the eight precepts is part of both lay Buddhist initiation and regular lay Buddhist devotional practices.

Generally, monks, nuns and lay Buddhists from the Tiankai Temple take eight precepts; however, for retreats people can take five precepts intend eight, you also can choose to eight precepts.

The Eight Precepts:

The Eight Precepts are precepts for lay Buddhist who wish to practice Buddhism more strictly than through adherence to the usual five precepts. The eight precepts focus both on avoiding morally bad behavior, as do the five precepts, and on leading a more ascetic life.

1. I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
3. I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake to abstain from incorrect speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
5. I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.
6. I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is after sunrise, before noon).
7. I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
8. I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping, and overindulging in sleep.

The Five Precepts:

These basic training rules are observed by all practicing lay Buddhists. The precepts are often recited after reciting the formula for taking refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

1. I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
3. I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake to abstain from incorrect speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
5. I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.

Daily Schedule

14th August 2014 – Arrive:

1. Registration in the Registration office
2. Introduction
3. Rest and food
4. View the Tiankai Temple
5. Free time

15th August 2014 – 20th August 2014:

04:00	Wake-up
04:30 – 06.30	Morning service (Meditation & chanting)
06:50	Breakfast
08:30 – 10:30	Labor activities
10:50	Lunch
14:00 – 15:30	Worshipping Buddha
16:00 – 17:30	Study (Video class)
18:50 – 20:30	Evening service (Meditation & chanting)
21:30	Silence time
22:00	Lights out

Generosity or Dana

We are often asked how much a retreat costs. This note is to provide information indicating cost of running this event.

At the end of every retreat there is an opportunity for participants to make a contribution. People are invited to give, where faith arises, what they feel they can offer. Donations are voluntary and can be made anonymously.

Your spirit of generosity will help the Tinakai Temple and UK Shaolin Temple to continue to provide facilities for teaching and practice into the future.

Gift Aid Scheme

Under the Gift Aid scheme, the UK Shaolin Temple is able to claim the basic rate of tax on donations received from UK taxpayers. Gift Aid is one of the most popular tax-effective donation methods in the UK. Gift Aid is also one of the simplest and most effective ways of giving to charity. It is a scheme introduced by HM Revenue & Customs,  which allows us to reclaim the basic rate tax you pay as a UK taxpayer. Gift Aid is worth at least an extra 25p for every £1 you give. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you! please click here for more information.

Please Note: We CANNOT take any bookings 3 months before the retreat starts, also we CANNOT take any bookings after we have 6 people registered. Bookings can made online or by post, we do not accept booking by email or by phone. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Confirmation

On receipt of a booking form we will send a booking confirmation or information about your place on a waiting list. Please supply a stamped addressed envelope or an e-mail address.

For more information please click here: http://www.shaolincentre.org/buddhist-retreat/