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The Sound of the Traditional Bell
The Great Bell in the morning and evening is a tradition of the meditation hall that has existed for thousands of years. The bell inviter, before inviting the bell, must bow to the bell and practice mindful breathing according to the gatha:
- Body, speech, and mind in perfect oneness, I send my heart along with the sound of the bell.
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May all who hear it awaken from forgetfulness and transcend the path of sorrow and pain.
Each sound of the bell brings mindfulness back to the present moment, uplifts the breath, creates Noble Silence, and brings joy and peace to the heart. The morning bell, with its short intervals, encourages radiant energy; the evening bell, with its spacious resonance, creates a space of deep tranquility.
The sound of the bell not only serves the sangha, from the abbot to the youngest novice, but also awakens the conscience of those outside, and can cause a thief to lay down his knife, or a murderer to startle and drop his weapon. The bell is a companion on the path, a reminder to live mindfully, to sow wholesome seeds, and to help protect the sacred spirit of the land and the spiritual culture with each mindful breath.
Daily schedule during the retreat:
- Wake up at 5 a.m., practice walking meditation to and from the meditation hall, sit meditation for 45 minutes, and practice Touching the Earth.
- 7:30 a.m. group walking meditation, 8:30 a.m. silent breakfast.
- 10 a.m. Dharma talk, 12:30 p.m. mindful lunch.
- 4 p.m. Dharma discussion, followed by community work or sports.
- 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. sitting meditation for 45 minutes and chanting (if any).
- 9:30 p.m. lights out, Noble Silence until 6 a.m.
Establishing the Line of Compassion