Jen Chen Retreat Guidelines

(Schedule for 2001, 3/31- 4/1, 5/26-5/27, 7/28-7/29, 9/29-9/30,

10/27-10/28 apply one month in advance of retreat)

Jen Chen* Buddhist Temple of De Kuan Shan*

The Jen Chen Retreat requires that we arrive free of any preoccupations such as title or previous learning (including Buddhist teachings) etc., and that we just diligently follow the schedule of the retreat which includes prostration, sitting, walking and chanting meditations, so that we may establish a clear focus and single mind. Then, our seventh consciousness of discrimination does not arise, and so there are no wandering thoughts. With this constant bright awareness, our body speech and mind are thus kept pure, and are not affected by the outside environment.

All the attendants should be between the ages of 16 and 65.
All the attendants must follow the complete schedule of the retreat and carry out their assigned chores, for the duration of the course. Alternative arrangements can only be made under exceptional circumstances.
During the retreat there should be neither note taking nor communication. This includes regular/cellular telephone calls, beeper notices and book reading. This is to help attendants to concentrate and to thus become calm.
This is a very orderly retreat and not an opportunity for scholarly research or philosophical debate. Some people may find it very intensive. The retreat should not be used for socializing, for recovering from an illness, as a vacation, or to satisfy ones curiosity. If your physical or mental situation is poor, it may be best that you do not apply for this retreat.
All movements such as opening/closing doors, sitting down and walking should be made silently, so as not to disturb others. This is also to help one avoid wandering thoughts.
Do not read or eat anything in the bathroom, in your room, or on the bed. Do not leave your clothes or personal possessions anywhere excepting in the closet. Your bedclothes should be folded neatly whenever you leave your bed.
Do not bring any jewelry or expensive items and take care of your own belongings. The temple does not take any responsibility for lost or stolen items. The Temple will provide two sets of lightweight meditation clothes for the duration of the retreat. Do not bring bracelets or rosaries, and perfume should not be worn (in order to not distract others).
Please do not bring pets, cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs or tranquilizers, and we encourage people not to use sleeping pills.
The temple will provide food and boarding, and the food will be strictly vegetarian. Please act so as to conserve electricity and water, and finish all food that you take. One drop of water is like gold, and one grain of rice is the result of much efforts.
Always keep your room and the bathroom clean, bright and well aired. Bring your own toothbrush, small shower towel, and toiletry. The toilets easily become blocked so all toilet paper must be discarded in the provided bins.
Please bring enough clothes for both warm and cold weather for seven days that can fit underneath the supplied meditation clothes. Note that The Temple does not provide laundry facilities.
Places are very limited so please apply early. It is important that you arrive on Friday before 5:00pm. If you require transportation to/from the airport you may wish to call Paul at 281-495-2726 (who will charge for the service). Note that the Temple telephone will be turned off for the duration of the retreat so please make all preparations beforehand.

Before applying for this retreat please read all of the above

*Jen Chen means Humanity Vehicle

*De Kuan Shan means Buddhist Monastery of Virtuous Light

Retreat Application Form

(Schedule for 2001,

3/31- 4/1, 5/26-5/27, 7/28-7/29, 9/29-9/30, 10/27-10/28

circle date of retreat, please apply one month in advance of retreat)

Tel: 713-995-9182 936-874-2626 Fax: 713-995-6649

*Name: (last name)___________________ (first name)_____________________

* Sex: F_____ M_____ Birthday: M______ D______ 19______Y

*Address:________________________________________ zip code_________

*Tel: (H)______-__________ (O)_____-__________ Occupation: ____________

*Health condition): 1)High/Low Blood Pressure 2)Anemia 3)Diabetes

4)Heart Attack 5)Others ______________________________________

*If emergency notify following person:

A: Name:____________________ Tel: (H)_____-________ (O) ____-________

Address:____________________________________ Relationship:__________

B: Name:____________________ Tel: (H)_____-________ (O )_____-_______

Address:____________________________________ Relationship:__________

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have carefully read and agree to the Jen Chen Retreat Guidelines. Jen Chen Buddhist Temple accepts no responsibility for the safety of our visitors.

*Signature: ________________ Date: M_______ D______ 2000

Please complete this form, and mail one month in advance, space is limited.

Mail to: Attn: J.C.B.H.M Retreat Department

8907 Kennard Dr.,

Houston, TX 77074

USA