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Spiritual Communion Zen Global Retreat 2002


Spiritual Communion Zen Global Retreat has been held for the second time in the United States. It is gratifying to see the progress we have made and the schedule proceeding successfully, even though we know there are some things that can be improved upon.	More joyous and wise June 2001
With regard to the retreat, all I can do is show my gratitude. First of all, I would like to thank Sister Pei-fang. Because of her great and enthusiastic efforts, we were able to hold and attend this retreat. Second, I would like to thank Sister Young-Lien. I have been learning Zen meditation a little more than 7 years, but I still cannot share meditation experiences and the spirit of our Master with other practitioners as well as Sister Young-Lien has. I learned much from Sister Young-Lien and felt the gap between our ZenMaster and me become smaller. (I have to admit, a large gap between Zen Master and me still exists as I am still on my way of practicing.) Third, I would like to thank all the people who helped with the retreat and all practitioners who attended the retreat. Your attendance gives meaning to our efforts. Because of your attendance, we were able to provide our services to all brothers and sisters. I was quite busy taking charge of the meals and other trivia for the retreat, but I did not feel tired when doing these. I was very happy to see everyone in the retreat enjoying the classes without any worries. I was deeply moved and said grateful and emotional words in the “open mic.” section the last night of the retreat. Those words were a sincere expression of my gratefulness. Our efforts have materialized in every practitioner’s understanding of the amazing Spiritual Communion Zen Method and of Zen Master Miao Tien. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank our Zen Master, who has being disseminating the Spiritual Communion Zen Method for more than seventeen years. Without our Zen Master's compassionate and merciful empowerment, we would not be able to successfully hold this retreat and feel joy and happiness in doing so. Zen Master Miao Tien never asks for anything from the practitioners, but we know the best way to show our gratitude is to live as Zen practitioners in our daily life, not only in the retreat, and to work on the realization of world peace. Let us have the right effort toward this goal together and I hope to see you next year at Spritual Communion Zen Global Retreat 2002. June 2001 Jui-chuan (Della) Chang, 28 President of Zen Club at TAMU della@econ.tamu.edu (h)979-862-9568 (c)979-492-1041

I am grateful for the love, courage, and generosity of all the people who help organize and participate in this retreat. I have not personally met Zen Master Miao Tien, but I feel He is truly amazing. Thank you my Master.	Younger and more round June 2001
Thanks to Zen Master Miao Tien's compassion and wisdom (without which none of this would have been possible), and that of my Teacher, I have been able to overcome obstacles, more efficiently fulfill duties, and have gained an awareness of the Bliss that is my Heart. This Joy is not caused by anything external and this Laughter is not at the expense of anything, but it is at the core of my existence. In meditation we can find our innate energy, wisdom and creativity. With the guidance of a Master who already knows the way, and through self-practice and self-proof, we are able to find our own Nature. This retreat provides everything we might need on our way. July 2000 Diego Imana, 22 Student from HCC North West --Town and Country Campus imaramdig@cs.com (281)556-8344

After I started to practice Zen, I felt my life was more meaningful. The emptiness that I used to feel after I went to a party was gone. Right now I feel my life is so different. Very often, I feel the energy fill my heart. It is a very joyous feeling. During the time I started to progress quickly in Zen Practicing, I also went through many difficulties, but I never gave up. Right now, the fruit of all my practice seems to come to me. I see things differently, and I am not easily puzzled by things around me any more.	More confident. June 2001
Zen Master says that in the beginning of Zen practice, one has to depend on oneself. It depends on one’s will to practice and one’s will to seek for it. However, gradually, it has to depend on the power of Zen Master and all the Enlightened Ones. I really feel it is that way. This journey of Zen practice is so rewarding. It gives me health, and wisdom. I would not know what to do if I had never gotten a chance to practice it. If it were not for Zen Master, I would be still wandering around. Thank you Zen Master. June 2001 Pei-fang Chuang, 26 UNT student, Zen Class teacher gent0113@yahoo.com

	I really enjoyed the day that I spent at the retreat. Being there taught me new methods for meditation, and I experienced being in the company of people with great energy and free spirits.
I am looking forward to next year’s retreat, and to having the opportunity to spend more time with everyone and have a more complete experience of Zen meditation. Thank you so much for inviting me, and I hope to stay informed of future meetings that the group has. June 2001 Joyelle, 22 UNT Student

	I would like to take this opportunity to praise the meditation seminar I attended at UTA last July.
It was a wonderful opportunity to learn meditation techniques that have enhanced the quality of my life. Not only did I have the opportunity to begin on a journey towards a more centered life, but I got to do so in a beautiful environment with friendly and truly supportive people. July 2000 Chris Williamson, 38 Actor, Theater Teacher at Keller High School

Zen Summer Camp 2000 exceeded all my expectations.
I learned the fundamentals of Zen meditation in the approach taught by the Taiwan Zen Association. The instructors focused on mastering the fundamentals. I learned how to control the movement of body energy through my head, chest, and hands. I released a lot of tension and have since then been able to worship the Lord with greater ease. I shared my experiences of how meditation has improved the quality of my life, and during the class, I made many friends and acquaintances. July 2000 Arthur Reyes, 37 UTA Computer Science & Engineering Professor