Earlier this year, Acariya Kaiyin led two online Introduction to Meditation sessions, in which he outlined two different meditation subjects. During the session-Recollection of the Buddha, Acariya Kaiyin briefly presented the merits of the Buddha embodied in Buddha’s ten epithets. The warm reception of these introductory meditation sessions prompted the Santa Monastery to consider leading a more structured meditation class dedicated to an in-depth explanation of the Buddha’s merits. Since February this year, a coordinating group for such a purpose was formed. Group members met regularly over the ensuing weeks to plan and prepare the content and format of the class. Transforming restrictions on in-person meetings into an opportunity, they conceived turning participants’ living rooms and studies into one vast online meditation hall, over the internet. Utilizing modern technology, they organized Santa Monastery’s first online mediation class on the Recollection of the Buddha.

Over each of the six weekly sessions of the Recollection of the Buddha Meditation, every Friday afternoon from mid-April, Acariya Kaiyin explained in detail on average two different merits of the Buddha each week. They are, namely, Arahant in session 1, Perfectly Enlightened and Accomplished in True Knowledge and Conduct in session 2, Fortunate and Knower of the World in session 3, Unsurpassed Leader of Persons to be Tamed and Teacher of Devas and Humans in session 4, The Enlightened One and the Blessed One in session 5, culminating in Tatāgatha in the final session. Acariya Kaiyin emphasized the importance of recollecting not just the name, but also the meaning behind each of the merits. He presented related discourses, commentaries and sub-commentaries with great care and thoroughness to shed light on ancient Pali texts on each epithet, such that participants could get through to the meaning of the merits. These PowerPoint slides were then shared with participants for revision after each session.

What is also remarkable about this online meditation class is its practical aspect. Each weekly session began with Venerable Chanzhen leading participants to sit for around 15 minutes to collect the scattered mind. From sitting posture, breathing, letting go of tensions, to how to emerge from meditation, Venerable Chanzhen shared all sorts of tips on how to establish good meditation techniques and how to focus on meditation subjects using mindfulness of the body. When participants practiced every day as part of the class activities, both novice and seasoned meditation practitioners alike found these reminders greatly helpful. They practiced recollecting the merits of the Buddha for at least 30 minutes per day, noting their experience, challenges, concerns and progress, and shared with Acariya through an online portal. Acariya set aside half an hour each week to address such challenges and concerns and made recommendations. Such an intensive 6-week training proves to be greatly beneficial and inspirational to practitioners in cultivating mindfulness in their daily rituals.

Over 200 individuals registered for this online Recollection of the Buddha meditation class. Every Friday, around 170 participants logged in from various parts of Asia, Europe and North America. The successful organization and hosting of this online class could not be completed without the active coordination and support of many volunteers from the United States, Canada, China and Singapore. To all of them, and to all monastics and lay followers who participated in this online class, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your contribution and support. May your wholesome deeds be deposited in your stream of consciousness leading to the path of enlightenment.