2025 Chan-Seven Summer Retreat for Academia at Chung Tai Chan Monastery

From June 29 to July 6, 2025, Chung Tai Chan Monastery hosted the Summer Academia Chan-7 Retreat, with Venerable Abbot Jianying respectfully invited to serve as the retreat's presiding master. More than 1,200 participants—including academics, students, and devotees from affiliated centers in Taiwan, the United States, Italy, Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Japan—gathered in the Chan Hall for intensive meditation practice. Nearly 400 volunteers also devoted themselves to supporting the eight-day retreat, helping to bring this rare and auspicious Dharma assembly to fruition through their selfless service.

Throughout the retreat, participants followed the key instructions of the retreat-presiding master and observed a ten-session daily schedule, engaging in sitting meditation, walking meditation, morning and evening services, and formal monastic meals. Amid action and stillness, they reflected inward and cultivated mastery of the mind—seeking to realize their original face: “Awaken the mind and see the true nature; seeing the true nature, one becomes a buddha.” After the seven-day retreat, participants departed with hearts full of gratitude and Dharma joy. Inspired by the teachings of their great spiritual mentor, they resolved to carry the insights gained in the Chan Hall into their daily lives—abiding in right mindfulness, following their awakened nature, and progressing steadily on the luminous bodhi path.