26/02/2026
This is Unlimited Lights Academy’s (中華無盡燈文化學會) 3rd summer retreat, open to those living abroad who want to step into a living Buddhist practice community in Taiwan. Local and international participants practice together in a bilingual Mandarin and English environment that balances study, daily discipline, and collaborative leadership. Guided by experienced practitioner-teachers, the retreat grows through each person's participation and efforts. Not a "Buddhist experience program" to be consumed, we learn to engage day to day through self reflection and service to others. We hope each person can cultivate real life skills and wisdom that will transfer to their life afterwards.
Roots of Meditation:
Precious Dharma Transmission & Practice Intensive
3rd Tiantai Buddhism Intensive
We begin in Dongshi at Shizhi Nianfo Vihara (Great Strength Arriving, Buddha Recitation Hall). The first week introduces the foundations of East Asian Buddhist practice, including monastery etiquette, daily rhythms, cultural life, and calming and insight meditation. The second week is a silent meditation intensive focused on personal application. The final week takes place at Unlimited Lights Academy in central Taipei with text study (this year will be Bodhisattva precepts and the Precious Garland), lectures, and small group discussion.
Cost?
All teachings are offered freely in accordance with Buddhist tradition. Lodging and cultural activities are sponsored by the vihara and academy, and every person supporting throughout is a volunteer. We do ask $250 USD to help us offset your meal costs. If finances are a barrier, please contact us. We want the retreat to be accessible. Participants cover their own travel and personal expenses.
Past retreats have included monastery visits, temple tours, hiking, calligraphy, flower arranging, and everyday cultural activities that allow participants to experience Buddhist culture as lived practice.
Who joins?
The group is intentionally balanced between Taiwanese members and international participants, usually about half and half. Ages range from 18 to 80 with varied experience. Living and practicing together builds real friendships across cultures and generations. Everyone helps with daily life, cares for the space and time together, and contributes to the retreat. You do not need to be a Buddhist to join, only willing to participate sincerely. Learning happens through living together, and enables the deepening of respect for self and others, a core value of Buddhist monastic settings. It is in this closeness we can practice our personal and collective accountability.
Optional pre/post retreat support~
We provide access to materials, videos, and reading as well as an online discussion group for folks who are planning on coming. While not mandatory, you can use these resources to prepare and be familiar with the content. After the retreat, community members are available to discuss and support you if you wish. You can also continue joining our weekly online classes or asking questions as they arise. Some participants also stay before or after as volunteers, helping on the farm or at the academy and continue to explore Taiwan.
The application deadline is July 1st. Participation is limited to 20 people to preserve the atmosphere of a working monastic community. We schedule a short video call with applicants and can connect you with past participants if you wish.
Apply!
Application with schedule and more details
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegzH4LLQe_qBvYhiMNSgZ3jM6tcAF0aIZwuRQuBluXJiQUUQ/viewform
