Ho Chi Minh City – Half-Day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

Searching for inner peace in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City? This half-day mindfulness meditation retreat at Chùa Bửu Lâm offers the perfect escape. Led by an experienced monk, you will explore Buddhist teachings, engage in guided meditation, and savor a nourishing vegetarian lunch – all for just $65. With transportation and entrance fees included, it’s a rejuvenating experience that promises to leave you feeling centered and connected.

Key Points

• A 4-hour mindfulness meditation retreat at Chùa Bửu Lâm Buddhist Temple in Ho Chi Minh City, priced from $65 per person.
• Includes guidance from a monk, Buddhist rituals, meditation techniques, and a vegetarian lunch.
• Itinerary features Buddhist teachings, walking meditation, peace meditation, and a grateful meal practice.
• Retreat promotes inner peace, mindfulness, and well-being through meditation, Qigong exercises, and Buddhist teachings.
• Participants must remove shoes, maintain respectful behavior, and be aware of potential last-minute program changes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The mindfulness meditation retreat in Ho Chi Minh City is a half-day activity held at the Chùa Bửu Lâm (Buu Lam Buddhist Temple).

A half-day mindfulness meditation retreat held at the Chùa Bửu Lâm (Buu Lam Buddhist Temple) in Ho Chi Minh City.

It lasts 4 hours and is priced from $65.00 per person. Guests can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The retreat provides guidance from a monk, teaches Buddhist rituals and meditation techniques, and includes a vegetarian lunch.

It’s suitable for most participants, but those with back problems, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year may need to reconsider.

Itinerary and Activities

The retreat begins at 8:00 AM with greetings and an introductory lesson on pagoda etiquette.

Participants then dive into Buddhist rituals and teachings until 9:10 AM. This is followed by a 15-minute walking meditation to cultivate mindfulness.

The next activities include touching peace through meditation, soul purification, and mindful discussions on the Law of Karma.

Participants engage in rituals to receive blessings from Arhats and practice compassionate deeds.

The retreat concludes with a grateful meal practice from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Highlights and Benefits

Participants can discover a range of meditation techniques and Buddhist teachings during the retreat. They will receive guidance from a monk, allowing for a deeper understanding of the practices. Activities like qigong exercises will enhance well-being, while rituals cultivate gratitude, kindness, and compassion. Throughout the retreat, you will experience inner peace and mindfulness.

| Highlights | Benefits |

| — | — |

| Meditation Techniques | Inner Peace |

| Buddhist Teachings | Mindfulness |

| Qigong Exercises | Well-being |

| Rituals | Gratitude, Kindness, Compassion |

Included Services

This retreat includes a local guide to assist participants throughout the experience. The package also covers entrance fees to the Buddhist temple, as well as spiritual rituals that are an integral part of the retreat.

A vegetarian lunch and mineral water are provided to nourish both body and spirit. Plus, the retreat offers:

• Guidance from a monk for deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings

• Cultivation of gratitude, kindness, and compassion through various rituals

• Transportation to and from the temple

• Opportunities to enhance well-being with qigong exercises

• Cultivation of inner peace and mindfulness.

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Important Information

Although this retreat isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems or wheelchair users, as well as babies under 1 year old, participants can still enjoy the experience.

For the meditation retreat, it’s recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Pets, shorts, short skirts, alcohol, drugs, and fireworks aren’t allowed.

While the pagoda ceremonies may cause last-minute program changes, the organizers will move the activities to an equivalent pagoda if necessary.

Greetings and First Lesson on Pagoda Etiquette

As participants arrive at the Buu Lam Buddhist Temple, they’ll first receive a warm greeting from the local guide.

The guide will then provide a brief lesson on pagoda etiquette, covering the following:

• Remove shoes before entering the temple

• Avoid pointing feet towards the Buddha statue

• Maintain quiet and respectful behavior

• Dress conservatively in long sleeves and pants

• Refrain from taking photos during rituals

This introduction sets the tone for the mindfulness retreat, preparing participants to fully engage with the Buddhist teachings and practices to come.

Ritual of Asking for Blessings From Arhats

Participants now gather around the altar, where they’ll perform the ritual of asking for blessings from the Arhats. The monk guides them through the process, explaining the significance of this practice.

Together, they light incense and make offerings as they recite prayers, seeking guidance and protection from the enlightened beings. This ritual is a moment of deep reverence and connection, as the group aligns their intentions with the compassionate energy of the Arhats.

Through this practice, they hope to cultivate inner strength, wisdom, and a sense of belonging within the Buddhist tradition.

Grateful Meal Practice

The retreat culminates in the grateful meal practice, where participants engage in a mindful dining experience. This involves:

• Carefully selecting and preparing the plant-based meal with gratitude

• Eating in silence, focusing on the flavors, textures, and aromas

• Expressing thankfulness for the nourishment and those who made it possible

• Reflecting on the interconnectedness of all beings during the meal

• Embodying the principles of compassion, simplicity, and contentment

This mindful eating ritual allows participants to cultivate a deeper appreciation for their food and the act of nourishing the body.

It’s a fitting end to the half-day retreat.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Meditation Cushion?

Participants can bring their own meditation cushion if they prefer. The retreat provides meditation cushions, but using one’s own cushion is allowed and can help create a more comfortable meditation experience.

Is the Retreat Suitable for Children?

The retreat is not suitable for children under 1 year old. However, older children can participate if accompanied by an adult, as the program includes activities that may not be engaging for young kids.

Can I Take Photos During the Meditation Sessions?

Photos aren’t allowed during the meditation sessions to avoid distractions. However, participants can take photos at other times during the retreat, like the Buddhist rituals and teachings. It’s best to be respectful of the meditation practice.

How Much Experience Is Required for This Retreat?

The retreat doesn’t require prior meditation experience. It’s suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The guided sessions will teach the basics of mindfulness meditation, helping all participants deepen their practice.

Is There an Option to Extend the Retreat Duration?

The retreat is offered as a half-day (4-hour) experience. While there’s no option to extend the duration on the day, participants can inquire about booking a full-day or multi-day retreat for a deeper immersion.

Final Words

The half-day mindfulness meditation retreat in Ho Chi Minh City offers a rejuvenating experience for those seeking spiritual growth. Participants can expect to engage in guided meditation, explore Buddhist teachings, and enjoy a vegetarian lunch – all within a tranquil setting at Chùa Bửu Lâm pagoda. With transportation and entrance fees included, it’s an affordable opportunity to deepen one’s mindfulness practice and find inner peace.

You can check if your dates are available here: