06/18/2026
We're already halfway through the retreat.
Retreatants explored Buddhist Psychology, where timeless Buddhist wisdom meets practical insight for everyday life. Through teachings on the mind stream, emotions, habitual tendencies, the Four Immeasurable States of Mind, and dharmic antidotes for mental wellness inspired by the Abhidharma-kośa, students learned meaningful ways to better understand themselves and cultivate greater clarity, compassion, and peace.
Beyond the classroom, retreatants participated in a sports day at the Hsi Lai Center, where activities such as badminton, table tennis, and basketball became opportunities to practice teamwork, connection, and camaraderie through a Buddhist lens.
The retreat also included a visit to the Norton Simon Museum to explore its collection of South and Southeast Asian art. Through observing sculptures that reflected the spiritual and cultural connections between Buddhism and Hinduism, students gained a deeper appreciation for how culture and history have shaped depictions of bodhisattvas, whose forms may appear in both male and female expressions across different regions and time periods. Following the visit, retreatants reflected on these insights and the diverse ways Buddhist teachings have been expressed throughout the world.
