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.
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.