ANNOUNCEMENT: FIVE-DAY MEDITATION RETREAT AT SBU

Sakya Buddha University (SBU) is pleased to announce a Five-Day Meditation Retreat, guided by Venerable Thich Huyen Chau, offering participants an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness, develop concentration, and deepen wisdom through Buddhist meditation practice.

Dates: November 16–20, 2026

• Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM daily
• Location: SBU, 3404 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703
• Meditation Instructor: Ven. Thich Huyen Chau
• Participants: Faculty and students of SBU’s two Master’s degree programs in Buddhist Philosophy and Counseling Psychology.
• Meals: SBU will provide complimentary lunch for all participants.

The retreat will focus on two meditation methods presented in the Abhidharmakośa (Treasury of Abhidharma):

1. Six Steps of Mindfulness of Breathing: Cultivating mindfulness and concentration through awareness and observation of the breath.
2. Three Steps of White-Bone Contemplation: Contemplating the process of bodily decay after death to develop awareness and wisdom.

These methods will be practiced through sitting and walking meditation, combining theoretical instruction with direct experience.

DAILY MEDITATION SCHEDULE

• 8:00 – 8:30 AM: Arrival, seating arrangements, and meditation instructions
• 8:30 – 9:30 AM: Sitting Meditation
• 9:30 – 10:00 AM: Walking Meditation
• 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Sitting Meditation
• 11:00 – 11:30 AM: Lunch
• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Walking Meditation
• 12:00 – 12:30 PM: Rest Period
• 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Sitting Meditation
• 1:30 – 2:00 PM: Walking Meditation
• 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Sitting Meditation
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM: Walking Meditation
• 3:30 PM: Conclusion of the Daily Session

Participants are kindly requested to observe silence, refrain from using mobile phones or other electronic devices during meditation sessions, wear simple and comfortable clothing that does not make noise, arrive on time, and follow the retreat guidelines.

SBU warmly invites professors, faculty members, and students of the Master’s programs in Buddhist Philosophy and Counseling Psychology to participate in this meaningful retreat as their schedules permit.

May this retreat bring peace, mindfulness, and wisdom to all participants. May the merits of our practice be dedicated to world peace and the enlightenment of all sentient beings.

NAMO BUDDHAYA!

SAKYA BUDDHA UNIVERSITY (SBU)
Meditation Retreat Organizing Committee – November 2026