I began to understand the beauty of mindful movement.

I began to understand the beauty of mindful movement.

  By: Deshon

As many of you know, I am Deshon Aiya. I’ve been attending the youth retreat since I was 12, entering my teenage years. From that very first experience, I felt a sense of purification that has drawn me back year after year—except during the pause brought on by COVID. Thankfully, I returned in 2023 and have continued ever since.

That first retreat was life-changing, even though waking up early in the morning was (and still is) difficult, especially for someone like me who barely sleeps at night. I’ve always been more of a night owl, somehow managing to f
unction with little to no rest. This year was no exception. On the night before Day 3, I joined the retreat after a long and tiring day, just as everyone was heading to bed. I found myself sleeping on the hardwood floor with my semi-luxurious low mattress. Despite the noise from chatty kids and loud snoring, and despite my restless mind and annoying itchiness, I strangely found comfort in the firm support of the floor. It reminded me that even discomfort can have its own kind of peace.

Luckily, on the second night, I moved to the upstairs shrine room and slept better. These minor struggles aside, the retreat serves as a powerful reminder to live meaningfully and not just drift through life chasing distractions and pleasures.

Our days began early—around 4:30 AM—with warm drinks and silent meditation in the dhamma hall, chilled by the AC. That early morning meditation, despite its physical challenge, brings a kind of peace hard to find elsewhere. The indoor walking meditation, especially, stood out to me this year. Though it was difficult at first, I began to understand the beauty of mindful movement. Feeling each step, the cool sensation beneath my feet—it felt like I was finally doing it right. That simple act grounded me more deeply than I can describe.

Bhante Deepankara, as always, guided us with wisdom and compassion. His teachings come from a place of deep empathy and understanding, helping us stay positive and reflective.

There were also fun and lighthearted moments, like the group play competition. We had to perform a skit based on a Buddhist topic in a specific genre. We even had to chant, not sing, to avoid breaking a precept (“nacca-gīta vādita…”). That part sparked some giggles and awkward moments, but it lightened the mood and gave us all something to laugh about.

Bhante Kondanna Thero, visiting from New York, replaced the usual post-COVID art session we would’ve had with Bhante Piyananda. This year, we made paper lotus flowers using colorful paper and Styrofoam cups. Though I don’t consider myself artistic, the activity felt like a form of passive meditation—creative, peaceful, and joyful. Some surprised themselves with their creations.

Then came one of the most impactful moments for me: Dr. Deeptha’s Abhidhamma class. We hadn’t studied this topic in depth since 2019, and it absolutely blew my mind. The 17 moments of sensory perception, broken into processes that happen in a split second, showed me just how intricate and profound the workings of the mind truly are. Learning about the aggregates, the 8 octet, karmic reactions, and how all of this ties into consciousness was awe-inspiring. It was also reassuring to know that karma is not absolute fate. If it were, enlightenment would be impossible. Dr. Deeptha also explained the stages of spiritual progress, like becoming a Sotapanna and beyond, with clarity and passion that made us all eager to learn more.

Dr. Ayesha’s session was equally meaningful. She reminded us of what shraddha/saddha truly means—not blind belief, but confident trust and faith in the Dhamma. Her gentle wisdom encouraged us to understand the purpose behind our good deeds and not just follow rituals without reflection. I hope her talk inspires the younger generation to offer dana and perform meritorious acts with genuine understanding and intention.

This youth retreat is far more than a spiritual sleepover. It's a training ground for personal growth, a gateway to deeper understanding, and a community where meaningful friendships blossom. It strengthens our shraddha, sharpens our awareness, and helps us live by the Dhamma with courage and clarity. We laugh, we learn, and we support one another as spiritual friends—kalyana mitta.

After the retreat, I even stayed 18 extra days with Samanera Rahula (Venura) to continue my practice, and I’m grateful for every moment of it. He’s a wonderful kalyana mitta, and I’m glad we could encourage each other on this path.

I want to thank my mother for encouraging me to attend, and extend deep gratitude to:

• Taniya Aunty & Dr. Deeptha for organizing and educating,

• Sahan Uncle for his constant help (and waking up the boys!),

• Dr. Ayesha for her timely and inspiring discussion,

• Mr. Steve for his session and teaching us Qigong,

• Mr. Justin, whom I missed this year due to my late arrival,

• and every person who contributed to this program and its success.

Let us all stay curious, stay mindful, and stay compassionate. Or in the words of Steve Jobs, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

Theruwan Saranai & Namo Buddhaya.

 

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I learned new lessons, and gained a deeper understanding of mindfulness, .......

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I learned new lessons and gained a deeper understanding of mindfulness....... 

Retreat Reflection by Kaveed Wedamuni Nilamelage Don

Georgia Buddhist Vihara Youth Retreat – May 31 to June 3, 2025

My name is Kaveed Wedamuni Nilamelage Don. I recently moved to the United States. My parents knew about the youth retreat that takes place every year here at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara, and they encouraged me to attend. Having participated in retreats back in Sri Lanka, I assumed this one would be similar, but I was in for a surprise.

May 31, 2025

We arrived at the Vihara around 7:00 AM. I was fortunate to witness a rare and inspiring moment—someone becoming a Buddhist monk. In a country like the USA, this is not something you see often. Around 8:00 AM, we observed the Eight Precepts, followed by meditation at 9:30 AM. Since it was the first day, meditation was quite difficult for me, but I managed to stay focused. It reminded me to be mindful of my actions and thoughts.

Later, we discussed the Buddha's teachings on meditation. At 11:30 AM, we participated in a Buddha Puja and had lunch, practicing mindfulness even while eating—an important part of the precepts. We then cleaned the temple, an act of good karma when done mindfully. At 1:30 PM, we practiced walking meditation, which was challenging. I had to be aware of tiny insects, where I was stepping, and how I moved.

We had an Abhidhamma class next. Though I had learned some in Sri Lanka, it’s always been a difficult subject for me. Still, I learned a lot and enjoyed the interesting discussions. In the evening, we had a Dhamma discussion, and a former Dhamma school student led a fun and thoughtful scavenger hunt to teach us about impermanence. We ended the day with a Buddha Puja and went to sleep around 9:00 PM. Even in just one day, I learned so much about Dhamma, mindfulness, and meditation.

June 1, 2025

Waking up at 4:45 AM was tough—I usually wake up around 6:00 AM. But by 5:30 AM, we were doing our silent candle meditation, the most peaceful way to begin the day. It helped me stay focused and mindful throughout.

After breakfast, we shared our thoughts about mindfulness as a group, followed by another walking meditation session. This time it was easier, and I was more aware of my surroundings. At 11:00 AM, we had our Buddha Puja and lunch. As always, we were reminded to eat and behave mindfully.

After our work period, Justin Howell came to speak to us. He was not born into Buddhism but chose to become a Buddhist later in life. He shared powerful lessons about the dangers of social media, using great examples. His talk left a big impression on me.

We also had another Dhamma talk, and it answered many of our lingering questions from the Abhidhamma class. In the evening, we performed an Atavisi Puja, offering candles, flowers, and water to all the Buddhas. We went to sleep feeling calm and fulfilled.

June 2, 2025

I woke up at 5:10 AM and was lucky not to have to wait for the bathroom like other days! We did our silent candle meditation, which truly feels like an exercise for the mind. Meditation is something I’ve learned to love and value deeply.

After breakfast, we discussed mindfulness again and did more walking meditation. By the third day, it felt much easier and more natural. We also learned new things about meditation techniques.

Later, Steven Reidy visited us and gave a great talk on how people are different from each other. His explanations were easy to understand and made a lot of sense. We also had our final Abhidhamma session where we received answers to even more of our questions.

In the evening, we had a fun Dhamma activity with Ms. Maiha. In small groups, we created and performed stories. Even though my group didn’t win, we enjoyed it and remembered that what we learned about impermanence and mindfulness was more important than winning.

We ended the day with Atavisi Puja and went to sleep after another meaningful day.

June 3, 2025

On the last day, I woke up at 5:15 AM and prepared for our final silent candle meditation. While others were sleepy, I was proud that I could stay awake and focus during meditation. It truly helped heal my mind.

After breakfast, we discussed meditation instead of doing the walking meditation because it was too hot outside. We had a final lunch together and then cleaned the whole temple during our last work period.

Later, one of the aunties taught us about shraddha, which means our deep belief in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. Then we had a Q&A session where I was able to ask many of the questions I had been wondering about. Some of my friends asked about karma, which led to deep and meaningful discussions.

We ended the retreat with one last Atavisi Puja. Afterwards, we returned home.

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Although the retreat lasted only four days, I feel like I learned more than I ever expected. I said at the beginning that I had been to retreats in Sri Lanka—but I can honestly say I loved this one even more. I made new friends, learned new lessons, and gained a deeper understanding of mindfulness, karma, and the Dhamma. I truly hope to attend next year’s retreat again.

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The candles slowly dispel the darkness in the shrine room

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"The candles slowly dispel the darkness in the shrine room."

 2025 Summer Youth Retreat Reflection

By Oneth S. G. Gamage

I truly enjoyed and learned a lot during the past four days I spent at the temple for the retreat. One of the most important things I learned was how to be more mindful in everything I do. For example, while preparing the wooden trays to bring into the shrine room, I focused carefully on pouring just the right amount of juice into the glass cups. That simple task became a way to practice mindfulness.

One of my favorite activities was the walking meditation with Bhante Deepankara. During this, we had to be very mindful of where we stepped, so we wouldn't harm any insects on the ground. We also had to be aware of how much weight we placed on each foot. It taught me to slow down and pay close attention to my surroundings.

I also loved the candle meditation we did in the mornings. Watching the light from the candles slowly dispel the darkness in the shrine room felt peaceful and symbolic. I enjoyed helping others light the candles and placing them in glass cups near the stone Buddha statue in the parking lot. One of my favorite parts of the retreat was lighting candles and placing them near the pagoda by the shrine room.

In Dr. Deeptha’s class, we learned about the "pure octet"—something that cannot be further divided—and how everything is made of it. We also learned that there is no permanent soul within us. When we are reborn, we do not carry the same soul from our previous life.

On the third day, we were split into groups to create and perform a play based on a story we had learned. My group performed a story about a farmer who watered his garden. There were weeds growing among the plants, and over time, the weeds convinced the farmer to water them instead of the plants. Eventually, the plants withered, and the farmer’s harvest failed. The plants represented the good things we do, the weeds represented the bad things, and the farmer represented all of us. The lesson was clear: if we feed the bad within us, we will not get good results.

At lunch one day, Bhante Deepankara encouraged me to choose both foods I liked and foods I didn’t like. This taught me about balance, acceptance, and gratitude.

We also made lotus flowers using colored paper and cups. I made an open lotus with green paper and a closed one with yellow paper. Later, Dr. Ayesha taught us a lesson in the shrine room about a Pali word. By the end of her class, I had learned its meaning and importance.

On the last day of the retreat, we had a very special closing ceremony. Almost every participant gave a short speech in the shrine room in front of the parents. I gave a speech, too, where I thanked the bhantes, uncles, and aunties who helped us throughout the retreat.

At the end, we gathered on the stage to worship our parents. I bowed down to my father and sister, and my dad told me he was proud of me. Afterward, we went to the temple where my dad talked with other parents, and my sister chatted with her friends. I changed out of my retreat clothes and went downstairs to the kitchen, where I enjoyed some ice cream with my friends. Then I said goodbye to everyone, got in my dad’s car, and went home.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this retreat so meaningful for me. I am truly grateful for all that I learned and experienced.

 

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Walking Through Life with Awareness

 One Step at a Time: Walking Through Life with Awareness

Putting one foot in front of the other seems like a simple act, yet through walking meditation, it became a revelation that moved through my entire being. As I walked slowly, deliberately shifting my weight from foot to foot, I became almost painfully aware of everything: the sharpness of stones cutting into my consciousness, the heat of the sun penetrating my skin, the resistance rising in my mind. Bhante Deepankara's voice echoed deeply within me, his reminder that this practice, like life, is full of conditionalities, now hitting me with startling clarity. The rough ground, the distractions, even the discomfort, made me understand how none of it was separate from the path itself. The Buddha's teachings on mindfulness weren't just concepts anymore; they were alive in my body, coursing through every step.

My task wasn't to escape discomfort, but to embrace it and move forward. Over time, the focus I had to manifest slowly transformed my scattered mind.  With practice, the walking meditation became easier, not because the ground changed, but because something fundamental shifted within my awareness. I could feel how easily the mind gets flooded with noise, how negative thoughts don't just create a negative world, but instead shape our entire reality. Meanwhile, I learned positive thoughts bring lightness to ourselves, and I could feel the heavy weight of life begin to lift from my shoulders.

Like in life, staying focused in walking meditation meant facing what appears without being swept away, but now I felt this truth in my core. Bhante Deepankara helped teach us the lesson the Buddha reminds us of constantly: peace comes from watching the mind, over and over, until stillness emerges. In this year’s retreat, this simple practice of stepping with one foot, then the other, didn't just teach me how to walk, but had cracked open something inside me, showing me how to live with patience, resilience, and a mindful presence.

With metta,

Thenulya Jayasinghe

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I was extremely nervous.

 

 I was extremely nervous.

My First Experience at the Youth Retreat. 

By Sadun Bimsara

This year was my first time attending the Young Retreat at the Georgia Buddhist Vihara. I’ll be honest — I was extremely nervous. The idea of stepping away from my daily routine to spend four full days at the temple was daunting. At the same time, I was excited. This was something new — something unknown. My emotions were conflicted, and even as I was packing, I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision. But I told myself, “Even if everything goes wrong, I can still treat this experience as something to learn from.” And with that mindset, I woke up at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday and set off.

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Day 1: First Steps into the Unknown

As we drove closer to the temple, my heart began to pound. I didn’t know what to expect, and that uncertainty made me anxious. Once we arrived, I headed inside and waited for the others. I was handed a schedule, and the 4 a.m. wake-ups immediately caught my attention — I had never consistently gotten up that early before, and I worried I’d oversleep.

After everyone arrived, we had an orientation where we learned the Eight Precepts, which include:

1. Abstaining from killing living beings
2. Abstaining from taking what is not given
3. Abstaining from sensual misconduct
4. Abstaining from false speech
5. Abstaining from intoxicants
6. Abstaining from eating at improper times
7. Abstaining from entertainment and beautification
8. Abstaining from luxurious beds and seats

Saying goodbye to my family afterward felt emotional. Then we moved into our first class — meditation instruction — followed by lunch. During the work period, we helped clean around the stupa. Later, we practiced walking meditation with Bhante Deepankara, barefoot on the grass and pavement. It felt strange at first, but I would soon understand the purpose.

As the day ended, I prepared my sleeping bag on the wooden floor. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as uncomfortable as I feared. I had some trouble falling asleep at 9 p.m., but I was reassured knowing one of the uncles was staying with us to ensure we got up on time. Though still a bit anxious, I felt more at ease going into Day 2.

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Day 2: Settling In

Waking up at 4 a.m. was tough. I remember just sitting there after the alarm went off, trying to convince myself to get up. But we needed to be downstairs by 5. We started with candlelight meditation, led by Bhante Wajirabuddhi. Even though I had meditated before, doing it at the temple felt different — more peaceful, more focused. It’s hard to explain, but the atmosphere made a big difference.

After breakfast (which, like every meal at the retreat, was delicious), we practiced Vipassana meditation and mindfulness. Later, guest speaker Justin Howell taught us about managing social media use. He introduced the Pomodoro Technique — 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break — and it’s something I’ve continued to use since.

In the afternoon, we did fun Dhamma activities that challenged our thinking. By the end of the day, I was so tired that I fell asleep quickly.

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Day 3: New Awareness

By now, the early mornings had become a bit more manageable. During walking meditation with Bhante Deepankara, I noticed something fascinating — how my toes would curl slightly for grip each time I took a step. It was such a subtle movement, yet it made me realize how much our bodies do silently to help us move and stay balanced. Meditation was helping me become more mindful, not just in thought, but physically as well.

That day, I also helped clean the kitchen during our work period, which made me appreciate the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into making the retreat run smoothly.

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Day 4: Bittersweet Farewell

Waking up on the last day felt bittersweet. I had grown to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life at the temple, and I was surprised at how fast the four days had gone. During our final candlelight meditation, we also did an indoor walking meditation. Personally, I found outdoor walking meditation more effective — I felt more focused and connected to my surroundings.

To end the retreat, we had a long and fascinating Q&A session with Bhante Deepankara and Bhante Kondanna. It lasted nearly three hours, and although I got sleepy a few times, I was deeply engaged. The questions and answers sparked my interest in Buddhism in a way I hadn’t felt before. Even though I was raised Buddhist, this was the first time I felt a real connection to its deeper teachings, especially concepts like reincarnation, enlightenment, and understanding suffering.

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Final Thoughts

To anyone considering the Young Retreat, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or follow another faith — or none at all — you’ll gain something valuable from this experience. It’s a chance to step away from your normal life, reflect deeply, and learn in a peaceful, supportive environment.

For me, the retreat wasn’t just a religious event — it was a chance to become more mindful, more present, and more aware of both the world and myself.

Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable experience.

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