The Flower and Ch'an Cultural retreat offers you the opportunity to find inner peace through a meditative interaction with floral arrangement, basic flower arrangement and learning how to extend the life of flowers.

Join us on this journey to reach pure tranquility and discover the floral artist in you.

Nan Hua Temple’s flagship retreat is the ever-popular beginners’ meditation retreat. The retreat is intended for people who want to learn how to meditate. No previous meditation experience is required.

Meditation can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or belief and who is in good mental and physical health. If you want to learn how to calm your mind and gain the emotional and spiritual benefits of doing so, this retreat will assist you.

We will show you the correct posture for sitting meditation. You will also practice Tai Chi and simple yoga, which is specifically designed to aid sitting meditation.

The retreat includes teachings in basic Chan (Zen) meditation and relaxation exercises. We will practice sitting, walking and music meditation as well as tea-drinking meditation. Meditation sessions last between 15 and 20 minutes. We sit with unsupported backs so you would need to have a healthy back.

The retreat begins on Saturday morning at 10h00 (morning tea starts 09h30 to 09h55) and continues through to Sunday lunch. You are welcome to stay on Sunday afternoon 13h00 for a tour of the Temple, if you wish.

Throughout our lives, we have experienced failures, made mistakes or have been treated poorly. In this time of uncertainty, a little bit of spiritual support can go a long way.
 
The Venerables of Nan Hua Temple will hold an Adult Blessing Ceremony for individuals under the guidance of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas to help people maintain a peaceful mind in this unpredictable world. May this blessing of the Buddha help you find the direction you need in life.
 
Bathing the Baby Buddha
We will also hold the traditional Bathing the Baby Buddha celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Buddha.
 
Sutra Transcription
There will also be a Sutra Transcription in order to practice mindfulness and assist in increasing our understanding on the Buddha’s teachings; to eliminate anger, greed and ignorance.