“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

After many years, our anxiety finally deescalates as we await for our son to attempt his O levels. And so when the Eight Precepts Retreat surfaced within our Society, we both agree to spend our much deprived vacation wisely. That would have aligned with our resolution to be dharma inclusive, actively participating in TMBS programs and our curiosity of Hsiang Shan Temple, a legend that my subconscious has been gratifying…

A welcoming breathe of aroma lightly punctuated the air as we struggled to pull our luggages into the compound. We were quickly hosted warmly by the Venerables. SOPs were briefed. Orientation begins. We settled into our hostel looking rooms, each entitled to a set of mattress, pillow and blanket. Within minutes, we were already picking lines of introduction to our new roommates. The last time I find this sense of commonness was during my last in-camp at Darwin Australia. Then it was a mandatory service, now it is a willing service.

And so we were instructed that this retreat is silence or close meditation. Having attended a One Day Buddhist Retreat in TMBS, I knew what was expected. We surrendered our mobiles that evening. Without communication gadgets, what will our lives be?

The day’s retreat started at 4.30am with handheld bell ringing at regular interval. Following was morning class, chanting, breakfast, maintenance of scheduled premises, back to chanting, meditations, lunch and chanting, dharma explanation and sleep at 9pm. Breaks were given in between and we indulged ourselves with warm ginger tea, white fungus drinks, snacks and sweets.

A retreat is a retreat and so against all odds, we prevailed with short sentences and initiated new sign languages.

During our breaks, I would wonder into the compound. Watching carefully the flora and her bees harvesting for pollen. The pine trees emit flagrance so subtly that you inhaled deeply, tasting the sweetness of the air.

I watched the Taiwan volunteers preparing our next course of meal. Our Singapore volunteers transiting between premises. I see diversity in the teams, complementing roles with a selfless commitment to serve sentient beings.

At a corner, stood Ashoka Lion Stone Sculpture. I heard it took 2 years to be completed. I love circumambulating it, thinking of the achievements this once cruel India Emperor converted to Buddhist, then propagated Buddhism across Asia. He is remembered for Ashoka pillars and I recall many interesting fables and stories on him during my pilgrimage in India.

The retreat ended much faster than you could expect and we received our mobiles back. The mobile cried with messages like a neglected hungry baby. That evening, we had our was celebration peppered with laughter, a ten course dinner spread of generous food. That night, we slept at 2am.

We have spent close to 4 days in this temple and now looking forward to enjoy of next part of our sight seeing to local places of interest. As I depart the compound, a breeze of satisfaction filled my heart.

Hsiang Shan Temple will be quiet for now. Awaiting for the next batch of devotees and curious participants. A new storyteller will unfold. As we sit on the tour bus to our next destination, we simultaneously spell out: Will you come again?