— Note from the editors
N° 01
七日禪修(打七)與念佛共修的環境,是專為「不被打擾的修行」而設。所有規則 —— 從沉默、到衣著、到飲食 —— 都是為了讓每一位學人能放心地把心安在方法上。
規則不是束縛,而是給你的一段安靜的時光。
以下整理自過去三十年學人問得最多的問題,內容由本會理事會與駐會法師共同編訂,並會隨著實際運作而修訂。
On a retreat.
7 QUESTIONS · UPDATED MARCH 2026I. Are we allowed to talk on the retreat? · 禪七期間可以說話嗎?
— Silence · 默照
All of our retreats are conducted in silence unless otherwise specified. The timekeeper and retreat leaders will speak when they need to direct you. The teacher will be giving Dharma Talks. When other communication is necessary, short handwritten notes are allowed, or you may speak quietly to one of the retreat supervisors.
本會所有禪修閉關均以默照(止語)進行,除非另有指示。維那與護七人員會在必要時開口指導,法師則會在規定時段給予開示。如有溝通需要,可以使用書面紙條,或輕聲與護七人員交流。
II. Do I have to follow the retreat schedule? · 是否一定要照表操課?
— Schedule · 作息
Yes, if you come on retreat, you are expected to follow the schedule. The environment and schedule are carefully planned to provide all retreat-ants with the best possible conditions for perfecting their practice. From morning till night, you know exactly where you are supposed to be and what you should be doing. This frees you to focus your full attention and energy on your meditation method.
當作息已被安排好,你的心才能完全交給方法。
III. Why are there so many rules on retreats? · 為什麼有這麼多規矩?
— Etiquette · 規矩
The rules or etiquette are designed to maintain a harmonious atmosphere in support of intense meditation practice. The environment and schedule are carefully planned to provide all retreat-ants with the best possible conditions for perfecting their practice. When you come on retreat, you are expected to follow the rules.
所有規矩的目的,在於維護一個能讓眾人共同安住的氣氛。集體閉關不是個人靜養,而是與大眾共同進入一個專注的場域 —— 規矩讓這場域得以成立。
IV. Is there a dress code for retreats? · 禪修服裝有何要求?
— Dress · 服裝
Wear loose and comfortable clothing suitable for meditation. Elastic-waist pants are most suitable. (Jeans are not a good choice, since they can constrict the waist and chafe the thighs when sitting for long periods in meditation.) Please avoid eye-catching t-shirts, bright-colored clothing, tank tops or shorts and do not wear cosmetics, perfumes or colognes.
建議穿著寬鬆舒適、適合靜坐的衣物,鬆緊帶長褲最為合宜。請避免牛仔褲、鮮艷或印花顯眼的上衣、無袖背心、短褲。閉關期間請勿使用化妝品、香水或古龍水。
V. What to bring on retreats? · 需要帶些什麼?
— Packing · 行李
Bring your own toiletry items (hair dryer, razor, shaving cream, lotion, shower caps, toothbrush, toothpaste, bath towels, soap, shampoo, personal medications, etc.), bedding (bed sheets and pillow case, sleeping bag and/or blanket). Even Summer evenings can be cool, so warm bedding is important. Umbrellas are provided but you may want to bring a raincoat. A personal thermos cup is recommended although we do provide drinking cups.
個人盥洗用品(吹風機、刮鬍刀、刮鬍泡、乳液、浴帽、牙刷牙膏、浴巾、肥皂、洗髮精、個人藥品等)、寢具(床單、枕頭套、睡袋或毛毯)。即使夏夜亦可能涼爽,保暖寢具務必齊全。場地備有雨傘,雨衣請自備。建議攜帶個人保溫杯,場地亦提供水杯。
VI. Can I bring my own cushion? · 可以自帶坐墊嗎?
— Cushion · 蒲團
Cushions for sitting meditation are provided in the Great Hall. You are welcome to bring your personal cushion or bench if you prefer; please be sure your personal item is carefully marked with your name.
大殿備有靜坐用蒲團。如您慣用自己的蒲團或禪凳,歡迎自帶,請務必清楚標記姓名,以便辨識。
VII. What about meals? · 飲食安排為何?
— Meals · 用齋
All meals served at the retreat center are vegetarian with optional dairy products. Please inform us of any food allergies at your earliest convenience. All food is served in Perry House. Food is for sustaining energy during practice and not for indulgence; therefore, no food or beverage is to be consumed outside the dining hall and scheduled meal times.
場地僅供應素食,可選用乳製品。如有食物過敏,請提早告知。所有用餐皆於 Perry House 進行。飲食是為了支持修行的體力,並非享受,故請勿在用齋廳以外、或非用餐時間進食或飲用飲料。