"Can you uphold the precepts as taught?"

"Yes, I will uphold the teachings accordingly!”

On May 24, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple hosted a bilingual Eight Precepts Retreat, where 203 preceptees lived a full day and night in the monastic lifestyle. Through classes and practice sessions, attendees deepened their understanding of Buddhist precepts, planted wholesome seeds for the future, and embodied the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism by “learning, reflecting, practicing, and realizing” their practice in everyday life.

The retreat was led by Venerable Hui Dong, abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, who presided over the precept ordination ceremony. Preceptees followed the liturgy to repent past misdeeds and formally received the Eight Precepts, a foundational practice for lay Buddhists. As Venerable Hui Dong recited the precepts, the preceptees responded in unison: “I will uphold them!”

During the meditative lunch, Venerable Hui Dong explained that the precepts are not merely rules, but a form of internal awareness—a moral compass guiding practitioners to guard against harmful actions and purify body, speech, and mind. The retreat, he noted, was an opportunity to activate that inner awareness and carry it into daily life.

In the Dharma class “Precepts and Practice,” Venerable Hui Dong shared that the spirit of the Eight Precepts includes both “ceasing” unwholesome and “doing” wholesome. The first five precepts focus on non-violation, while the latter three emphasize mindfulness and restraint. He underscored that morality is the foundation of Buddhist practice, and true liberation arises from cultivating morality (śīla), meditative concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (prajñā). Citing For All Living Being: A Guide to Buddhist Practice, by Fo Guang Shan Founding Master Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Venerable Hui Dong emphasized that taking precepts is a form of compassion—for oneself and others.

In the English class, “Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun,” was taught by Venerable Hui Ze, who referenced the Venerable Master's work Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha. He emphasized the concept of “I am the Buddha,” affirming that all sentient beings possess innate Buddha-nature. Quoting from the Agama Sutras: “Rely on yourself, rely on the Dharma; do not rely on anything else,” Venerable Hui Ze encouraged preceptees to find spiritual strength within. He further shared how Venerable Master Hsing Yun taught the teaching of interconnectedness—“I am among the people, and people are part of me"—a key message of Humanistic Buddhism. The English precept classes was led by Venerable Miao Hsi.

The Chinese Dharma class was led by Venerable Chueh Miao, who referenced Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s writing, Hear Me Out: Messages from a Humble Monk No.9- The Importance of Affinities in the Human World. She highlighted the importance of cherishing affinities and cultivating good relationships through daily acts of kindness.

The meditation session was led by Venerable Hui Hsuan, who taught preceptees how to practice mindfulness in daily life. Through aligning body, breath, and mind, he encouraged awareness of the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness), promoting a mindset that is focused yet relaxed, free from clinging and aversion. “To live in the present,” he said, “we must cultivate equanimity and clarity without seeking, judging, or comparing.” The English meditation course was led by Venerable Hui Cheng.

During the evening chanting session, Venerable Hui Dong and fellow Venerables led the assembly in the recitation of the Buddha’s name, filling the hall with harmonious Buddhist chants. Preceptees walked in meditative circumambulation, grounding their awareness with each step. At the conclusion, Venerable Hui Dong reminded preceptees that consistent precept practice leads to liberation from affliction.

First-time preceptee Brian Chansy said the class on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings gave him a deeper appreciation for Humanistic Buddhism. Erika Flores also shared that the retreat helped her experience a profound sense of living in the moment. Both agreed that learning and practicing alongside fellow preceptees was a rare and meaningful experience.

Liang Huixian, president of BLIA San Gabriel Subchapter, said it was a blessing to attend with ten members from her local subchapter. She expressed gratitude for the “Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun” class, which inspired her ongoing practice. Fellow preceptee Zhang Hao, from the Riverside Subchapter, praised Venerable Hui Dong’s clear and accessible teachings on the meaning of the precepts. He added that learning about Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s efforts in building the Fo Guang Shan gave him a new level of appreciation, while the meditation sessions helped him observe his own mind more deeply.