In observance of World Meditation Day designated by the United Nations, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a Half-Day Meditation retreat on December 21, transforming its regular communal service into adedicated meditation program. Nearly 150 participants from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds gathered to cultivate inner calm through seated meditation, mindful movement, and walking meditation, collectively reflecting on peace in an increasingly uncertain world.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 21as World Meditation Day to raise global awareness of meditation and its benefit. The initiative encourages people worldwide to experience meditation as a means to promote physical and mental well-being, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health and well-being.

Responding to this global call, Fo Guang Shan Temple ofToronto organized the retreat under the theme “Starting from the Heart: Transforming Habits and Rediscovering True Nature.” Through structured periods of meditation and guided awareness, participants were invited to reconnect with inner stillness and cultivate mindful presence.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, shared that in a time marked by social instability and frequent crises, returning to inner stability is especially vital. Abbess noted that Buddhism has long taught that the external world reflects the state of the mind, and that true practice does not lie in outward form, but in sincere self-awareness and inner transformation. By settling the mind, individuals are better equipped to respond to challenges with clarity and compassion.

The retreat began with procedural guidance from Venerable Ru Zhong, who encouraged participants to set aside distractions and focus on the breath, using breath-counting and visualization to support concentration.Venerable Ru An then led mindful movement meditation and stretching exercises, harmonizing stillness and motion to relax the body and calm the mind. During walking meditation, gentle reminders helped participants return their awareness to the present moment. Interpretation was provided throughout the program, allowing participants of different linguistic backgrounds to practice together in unison.

Venerable Chueh Fan emphasized that merely changing external conditions does not resolve afflictions; meditation begins with cultivating a settled and aware mind. She encouraged participants to observe emotions without suppression or avoidance, and to learn mindful redirection through awareness.The retreat concluded with the collective recitation of a prayer composed by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, dedicating the merits of the practice to peace and well-being for society at large.

Following the retreat, participants shared reflections, expressing feelings of clarity, lightness, gratitude, and renewed commitment to ongoing meditation practice, affirming the relevance of meditation as a pathway toward personal and collective harmony.