When everyone had arrived, about 20 people, one of the monks struck the gong/bell (not sure what to call it) to signal the start of the day. Here is an interesting fact– the bells at pagodas are very different than bells at churches. Bells at pagodas are struck from the outside, whereas in churches the pendulum sways back and forth to hit the inside of the bell. The sounds are completely different. Hang explained that the church bells mean "hurry, hurry, time to start" whereas in the pagoda they signal slowing down, relaxing, and gaining control.
Everyone was given a robe and then we lined up in front of our own individual bamboo mats (I wish I had a picture of me in my robe!). The next thirty minutes consisted of singing songs of homage to Buddha. I was given a copy of the songs so I was able to sing along (I kept my voice very low). I really enjoyed the singing because I was able to practice my Vietnamese pronunciation. Throughout the songs when the bell was rung everyone would touch their forehead to the ground. I was right next to Hang so I just followed her lead even though I had no idea what was going on! She told me afterwards that I did I very good job and I was basically a Buddhist. Don't worry I didn't let it go to my head– this statement reminds me of the time when Vy Ho (our Vietnamese tutor) told our class that we were almost fluent in Vietnamese. Haha funny.
Next was meditation round one. In meditation people sit in the lotus position:
My legs don't fold up like that. So I just sat cross-legged. That was okay with everyone, not a big deal. The left hand goes on top of the right with the two thumbs touching in the middle and pointed away from the body. The hands rest in the lap. This means that all five points, the two feet, two hands, and belly button are aligned. The back needs to be straight, shoulders relaxed, and breathing steady. For thirty minutes no movement. Oh. my. god. I think five minutes in my muscles starting twitching, more like convulsing. I don't even like sitting cross-legged for three minutes, let alone thirty. I just stuck with it and tried to focus on my breathing. It was hard to relax because my body was so tense and I was so aware of the muscle spasms and trying to stop them. I honestly think I would have been much more successful at meditating had I been sitting in a position that was comfortable for me. Seriously, try sitting cross legged, with your hands in your lap, and back straight for ten minutes– get back to me on how that goes for you.
I have never been so happy to hear a bell ring in my life, signaling the end of thirty minutes. My right foot had lost all sensation. The master instructed us to stretch out our bodies, but we moved from top down so first our heads, then our shoulders, backs, legs, and finally I was able to tend to my foot. Then we walked around the pagoda for probably ten minutes while listening to this very relaxing music. Hang told me to be aware of my every step– to feel my feet hitting the ground, and be conscious of each breath I took.
After meditation we watched a movie on Buddhism. Hang said it was destiny that I came with her today because the movie was a western made film on the history of Buddha– so it was a perfect introduction for me. I found it very informative but at the same time I was a little embarrassed to be watching the movie as educational and insightful, whereas the Vietnamese had been instructed to criticize and discuss the western view of Buddhism portrayed in the movie.
By now it was around 11:00 and we started preparing for lunch. I was starving because I hadn't eaten any breakfast thinking that everything at the pagoda would last thirty minutes tops. I am really glad my stomach didn't grumble during meditation, now that would have been embarrassing. Lunch was delicious and very enjoyable. I love just sitting at the table and listening to everyone speak Vietnamese. It is a very interesting sensation to be oblivious to the conversation. It's like when you are in class and you didn't do the reading so you have no idea what people are talking about. But the difference is in Vietnam I am not expected to be able to understand what is going on. I just sit there and smile and hold my chopsticks and that is completely acceptable. One of the eldest members asked Hang if that was my first time meditating. When Hang told her yes the woman said she was very impressed that I did such a good job and was so quiet. That made me really happy that I had fully participated in and completed the meditation even though at times I just wanted to stretch my legs out, or move my hands onto my thighs to support my back.
After lunch was nap time. I stretched out onto a bamboo mat and passed out. At 2:00 we were awoken by the bell and it was time for meditation round two. This time I think I did a better job with focusing on my breathing. I was most definitely not comfortable but I think I was more successful with slowing down my mind– it wasn't racing like the first time. Counting my breaths really helped me focus.
The rest of the day was filled with youth group activities. We learned about predicting the weather through signs of nature, sang songs, did some kung fu like exercises in the courtyard, and then I was asked to lead some English games and discussions regarding the differences in American and Vietnamese youth. At 6:00 the day was over, only a mere 11 hours after I had first arrived at the pagoda. Hang and I went to dinner, then I returned to my hotel and fell asleep, waking up feeling very sore from meditating– how ironic.
I am so lucky to have had such an amazing experience– so many people pay to go on retreats like this, and I got to do it for free through the connection of a Vietnamese friend. I have a new understanding and appreciation for Buddhism and their values. Was I enlightened... well no, but it was reinforced that I am not flexible. While meditating I made a vow to stretch everyday, (starting today since yesterday I was too sore.) All in all this was one of the most interesting and educational days I have had since arriving in Vietnam.
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