The environment itself was very conducive. On entering the hall one could feel the aura of religious atmosphere. The sight of volunteers mopping the floor reminded me to be grateful to all who prepared and organized the event.

The walking and praying sessions were calm even though there was physical movement (my mind still tend to sway). Worse was the silent time, so when Shifu came and shared some tips of how to keep us from nodding away and be mindful, I was so glad that at last the medicine for this weakness is given Of the three methods Shifu mentioned, I had tried the breathing method many times but I think I need more tips on how to observe (let go) it in a natural way. That afternoon I tried the “open the eyes slightly” but I think I failed that too. I did not try the continuous and mindful prostration to the Buddha (“bai fo”) method. It would help if we had some practical sessions.

I realized I had overcome the hungry pangs, muscle pains and leg cramps. I also felt comfortable; not as warm as some of the participants around me. The improvement I think I had achieved was that I was able to capture my wandering thoughts. It was a trail and error method and I didn't know whether it was right or wrong.

On Wednesday morning, upon hearing the sharing from other participants, I felt that I was a very poor practitioner. I could not achieve the bliss (“fa xi”) and calmness (“qing jing”) like the others. In fact I don't know what or how “ fa xi” feels like.

I would like to mention that the sound system was good. Shifu's speech was clear and powerful and Shifu's Dharma talk was a welcome change from the day's activities especially with Shifu's additional humour – a touch of Cantonese, Teochew and Bahasa Malaysia.

I had attended the retreat for a few times now. I felt the retreat was very logical in the sense that there was a good balance of walking, kneeling, sitting, a half-day fast and keeping silence. Although I suffer from knee pain I was able to do the kneeling effortlessly but was unable to complete the fast walking meditation (“pao xiang”). It was good to be away from the hectic daily chores for a while. My main thought is I believe in Buddha's teaching and I believe that Shifu is my spiritual teacher.

I know that it really takes a lot of effort, VERY hard work and determination to achieve one-pointed concentration of chanting Amitabha (“yi xin bu luan”). I can't even achieve a few minutes of it not to mention doing it from day one (“ruo yi ri”) to day seven (“qi ri”). I believe one is sure to go to the Pure Land with the feat of seven days of concentration (“bu luan”) chanting of Amitabha. How and what can I do to achieve this?

In one email, Shifu mentioned that 24 hours a day is not enough for Shifu, which I wholly agree and Zhen Xin Shifu said Shifu would go through all the sharing written by us. This is why I always tell others that our Shifu is one in a million.

Thank you and take care.

With Metta