Retreat 2026
The retreat will take place at the Nossa Senhora de Fátima seminar on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd May (Friday to Sunday). May 1st is a national holiday.
Our retreat is still free and open to everyone. You can take part in just one session, a few hours or all the days of the program. However, for those who want a more immersive experience, we encourage you to stay in the space for the duration of the retreat.
Activities:
- guided meditation and detailed instructions
- recitation practice
- lectures
- prostration practice
- tea sessions with Buddhist monks
Please note that accommodation on site (hotel) is not included and has an associated cost, which is non-profit for our organization. This option is ideal for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the retreat experience.
Participants can register in 3 ways:
- 4-night registration
- Check in 1 day before (day 30)
- Checkout 1 day later (day 4)
- Full board: accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 2-night registration
- Check-in at the beginning of the retreat (day 1)
- Checkout on the last day of the retreat (day 3)
- Full board: accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Free registration
- No charge
- Accommodation and meals are at the expense of the participant
https://meditarlisboa.eventbrite.pt
Schedule
| Start | May 1 (Friday) | May 2 (Saturday) | May 3 (Sunday) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 | Meditation | Meditation | |
| 6:00 | Bowing meditation | Bowing meditation | |
| 7:00 | TBD | Breakfast | Breakfast |
| 8:00 | TBD | Meditation | Instructional Talk |
| 9:00 | TBD | Reciting Buddha’s name | Reciting Buddha’s name |
| 9h40 | Meditation | Meditation | |
| 10:00 | Opening Talk | ||
| 11:00 | Stretching + meditation | Meditation | Meditation |
| 12:00 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 13:30 | Instructional Talk | Instructional Talk | Instructional Talk |
| 14:30 | Stretching | Stretching | Stretching |
| 15:00 | Free time / Self Practice | Free time / Self Practice | Free time / Self Practice |
| 16:00 | Mantra recitation | Mantra recitation | Mantra recitation |
| 17:00 | Meditation | Meditation | Closing + Transference |
| 18:00 | Bowing meditation | Bowing meditation | |
| 19:00 | Dinner | Dinner | |
| 20:30 | Instructional Talk | Instructional Talk | |
| 21:30 | Meditation | Meditation | |
| 23:00 | Go to Sleep | Go to Sleep |
Team
Master Yong Hua
Master YongHua is the founder of Bodhi Light International (BLI)—a non-profit religious organization dedicated to benefiting all living beings through the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Through BLI, Master YongHua has been offering free programs and retreats for over 15 years. In 2012, he established the Lu Mountain Temple, which became BLI's base in Rosemead, California. In 2018, BLI's operations were moved to a new facility—Wei Mountain Temple—also located in Rosemead, California. Wei Mountain Temple currently offers Chan meditation programs every Saturday and Buddhist Dharma assemblies every Sunday. Master YongHua also gives lectures on Mahayana Sutras every weekend.
Master Xian Xin
Master XianXin is a Buddhist nun with over a decade of monastic training under the guidance of Master Yonghua, founder of American Wei Yang. Since leaving the home life, she has been dedicated to teaching Chan meditation at Bodhi Light International (BLI) temples and through online programs worldwide. She mentors students from beginner to advanced levels, empowering them to discover their inner self and transform limiting patterns through Chan practice. Her practical and compassionate teachings have helped students cultivate resilience, inner peace, and a happier, more balanced life.
Venerable Xian Pu
Venerable XianPu is a Buddhist nun under the guidance of Master Yonghua since 2022. Using her experiance in teaching Hatha yoga, she will guide yoga sessions to prepare the body and mind to have more stable meditation practice. She currently leads meditation class for Europeans. She is approachable, warm, and creates an atmosphere of trust, making it easy for people to share their concerns. She listens attentively, uses Dharma and meditation to help others see more clearly and find wiser solutions on their personal path.
Bruno Silveira
Bruno Silveira specializes in digital marketing and has been practicing meditation for around 20 years. Since he found Chan meditation about 10 years ago, he has practiced more regularly and dedicatedly. He organizes weekly meditation meetings, both online and in person, promoting balance, mental clarity, increased ability to focus and concentrate.
Miguel Ping
With a degree in Computer Engineering, he began practicing Chinese martial arts before learning about Chan meditation. A disciple of Master YongHua for over 10 years, he regularly travels to the United States to practice meditation during intensive retreats.