Autumn is the golden season in Beijing. Too hot in Summer, too cold in winter. This is the time we enjoy nature, enjoy life.  This is the time for birds to migrate, farmers to enjoy the pleasure of harvest, hikers to explore the mountains…

What could be more enjoyable and enlightening than a simple hiking experience? I never expected a Zen retreat could change me so much. Now I realize I do not need to go to Tibet, Africa or Antarctica to feel the deepest pleasure.  Even in a Buddhist temple two hours drive from Beijing I had the best experience beyond my imagination. The Rising Sun Temple locates in the northern mountains. As most of the traditional Chinese temples, the tranquility of the environment is always relaxing. Even just sitting in front of the main hall and gaze upon the blue sky and the pine woods is already a luxury for a city dweller. I think the pleasure comes from the tranquil atmosphere, the internal peacefulness and the environment. One week as a monk, that was what I longed for.

Zen is not a myth. It is not about chanting some powerful verses, it is not about worshipping Buddha to get blessed. It is all about our hearts, our life attitude. Zen is everywhere, it is totally in our daily behavior, in our sitting, walking eating, etc. For the first time I heard that hiking is also a Zen practice. I initially really doubted it. I love hiking but how could it be different? But once I heard the rules and practice the Zen hiking I realize the difference. It is actually a walking meditation. Every day our brains are full of thoughts. We are so obsessed in every thought. Our hearts are just following every thought come across in our minds. Our lives thus so diluted. Means we never have a chance to focus on the present. We are always lost in the past or future. Do are we really enjoying our lives? Past is past, future is not here yet. The beauty of our lives only exists in present. While I was walking on the trail with my fellow walking meditation mates, I was amazed how deeply I enjoyed everything.

The hike started from a nunnery at the foot of the hill. It took up only an hour and half to walk to the main temple. We all lined up in a line. Everyone kept total silent not even eye contacts. My mind was totally focused the walk, focused on every step and the beautiful view.  The beautiful autumn sceneries is so vivid. I had never enjoyed such a hiking, songs of the birds, mountain view, the autumn sun light, even the odd expressions from the onlookers became such a scenery. At the same time there was always another “being” behind all my feelings. As if there was another totally silent observer in my heart. There was the probably the best hiking I every had.

In the main temple we all practiced sitting meditation and the Selfless Team Party. For the first time I kneed to present a cup of tea to a stranger. The monastery life in the golden week has become such an unforgettable experience. Although I didn’t make a long journey to an outlandish destination, I made such an enjoyable journey. From now on everything in my life can become a practice, eating, working, walking, sleeping, etc. There is so much else to discover. Relaxed and happier!