慈航觀音禪寺

    2013年的9月份，我初到蒙特雷，有緣結識了鄧海姐姐，她的善良和熱心，她的笑容和眼神都那麼讓人溫暖，是她推薦我進入禪修班，因此有緣結識了孟悅老師和潔西嘉以及這個禪修初級班的同學。

    9月，我跟從孟悅老師、潔西嘉老師和其他同學開始正式學習禪修，從最初級的禪宗教義和呼吸練習開始，我漸漸被這個不大的禪房所吸引，在這裏打坐格外安穩、清靜，能量充足。於是，我的心自然跟隨這個節奏，開始親近這件事以及它帶給我的感悟和變化。對於我，打坐實際上就像讓一杯曾被攪動的水慢慢停下來，靜下來的過程，而且可以安然於或清、或濁、或濃、或淡的當下，不抵抗、不評價，於是從中我看到了自己，看到了自己每一個起心動念背後的侷限和分別。

    從九月開始經過幾節呼吸及打坐的基本課程後，我們進入名色、明心和禪心這幾大脈輪的練習中。

    10月16日，在第一次專注明心脈輪的練習中，我感受到明心脈輪處是包裹著黑色的紅光，且有微微的刺痛感。課後我和孟老師分享了這個感受，孟老師告訴我這是明心脈輪處能量不順。

    10月23日，在專注禪心脈輪時，有白光呈現，我覺得很亮，於是去專注明心脈輪，看到那兒豁然一朵白色蓮花在白光中盛開，我的心底升起一股從未體驗過的喜悅，竟然微笑出來。

    課後和孟老師分享，他告訴我這是極大的殊勝之光了！我倍加感恩這一切。同學們也都送上友善的微笑與我分享了這一時刻。我一一感謝並感恩。我不知道平凡微小的我，緣何能感受到這份殊勝的光，但心底卻愈加清晰這份聖潔之光的指引，決定珍惜這一切的緣分，認真走下去！

    與大家分享，只為能一起精進，做一個存良知、求上緣的人。謝謝每一位與我結緣的人，你們都是我生命中的同行者。

東晗（中國北京）

於2013/11/2  MONTEREY

以下為英文版

My First Step in Chan Meditation

  In September 2013, I moved to Monterey, and met Sister Deng Hai.  Her kindness and enthusiasm made me feel warm.  She was also the one who introduced me to the Chan meditation class, thus I got to know Meng Yue Laoshi, Jessica, and members of the beginners’ class.

  I started to practice Chan meditation with Meng Yue Laoshi, Jessica Laoshi and others in September.  First we were given a brief introduction of Chan and also did belly breathing.  Gradually, I was drawn to this not-so-big meditation room, and felt calm, pure and strong energy sitting there.  As a result, my heart spontaneously followed the rhythm and started to embrace the practice as well as the understanding and changes brought about by the practice.  Chan meditation for me was like water in a cup that was slowly, after being stirred, coming to a standstill and calming down; I enjoyed the current moment, whether it was clear or blurred, thick or thin.  I didn’t resist, nor did I judge.  In the process I came to see myself, and realized the limit and difference in me after each thought.

  Following that, we practiced focusing on Mingse Mailun, Mingxin Mailun and Chanxin Mailun.

  We first focused on Mingxin on 10/16.  In our first practice I sensed red light in my Mingxin Mailun (Heart Chakra) covered by something black, and I also felt a slight stinging sensation there.  I shared this with Meng Laoshi after class and he told me that the pain could be due to a knot that blocked energy flow.

  On 10/23, when we were focusing on Chanxin Mailun (Chan Chakra), I saw bright white light.  I then went downward to observe my Mingxin Mailun.  To my surprise, I saw a white lotus flower right there in full bloom.  Joy arose in my heart.  It was something totally new to me and I broke into a smile.

  I shared this with Meng Laoshi later and he commented that the light was very meaningful.  This made me more grateful for what I had experienced.  Other practitioners in the class heard about this moment with a friendly smile.  I thanked them with gratitude.  I was just an ordinary person, and I had the opportunity to observe such meaningful light.  My heart is clearer about where this light is leading me to.  I’ve decided to cherish this connection and to continue to practice with sincerity.

  I share my experience with fellow practitioners because I want to work diligently with everyone, and to become a conscientious practitioner driven by a higher calling.  I would like to thank all with whom I have connections.  You are all my companions in my life-long pursuit.

Donghan (from Beijing, China)

In 2013/11/2

In MONTEREY