Nature possesses a remarkable ability to heal. When we immerse ourselves in its embrace, we instinctively know how to liberate ourselves, shedding the burdens of our hectic lives and grounding our hearts and minds in the present moment. During these encounters, we may experience sensations that surpass our imagination. At that moment, sometimes, a photo speaks better than words.

 Venerable Chang Lin aspires to fuse the practice of Zen with the art of photography, enabling him to genuinely sense and comprehend Zen from within his heart. In this half-day workshop, he commences with a session of seated meditation, guiding participants to harmonise their bodies, breath and minds. Subsequently, attendees have a chance to appreciate the essence of Zen through the photos taken by him, listen to his personal meditation journey and experience Zen photography, which emanates from the depths of the soul. Inhaling the essence of the moment, participants can try to press the shutter with the same ease as breathing, capturing the verdant flora or ethereal landscapes in their frozen glory. At the end of the workshop, you have the opportunity to enter into a dialogue with Venerable Chang Lin, exchanging insights and drawing inspiration from one another.

 Rather than perceiving the world through the confines of a viewing window or screen and becoming fixated on photographic skills and specialised equipment, it is far superior to ‘see’ with the heart and fully embrace our surroundings. Encircled by the ever-transforming beauty of nature, let us relinquish all concerns, allowing our hearts to find serenity and reconnect with our purest selves. Capture every magnificent moment that unfolds before us.

 By learning from a single flower and blade of grass, we shall naturally and effortlessly lead lives of authenticity and liberation.

Facilitators Venerable Chang Lin Formerly known as Alain Yip, Changlin Fashi is a reputable professional photographer in Hong Kong who graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic (now Hong Kong Polytechnic University) after studying design. In 2009, he decided to give up his fame and fortune and went to Master Guo Ru’s temple in Taiwan to start his monastic life. He was ordained in 2010. With over 50 years of experience in photography, Changlin Fashi works have been widely featured in various media and exhibitions. He has also compiled complementary publications on photography and meditation in daily life to share his photography and experience. In recent years, Changlin Fashi has led meditation retreats in a simple and easy-to-follow way. He has also initiated Pause & Breathe as a charitable institution to help others incorporate meditation into their daily lives. ‘With your mind and heart being present, we naturally feel at ease.’ Date Session 1: 25 April 2024 (Thursday) Session 2: 18 June 2024 (Tuesday) Time 9:30am to 12:30pm  Venue  Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Language Cantonese Target Audience Aged 18 years and above Fee HK$400 per person Including admission fee and programme fee Note Payment is not refundable after acceptance, unless the retreat is cancelled due to inclement weather, under-enrolment or other reason. Application Please CLICK HERE to submit your online application form on or before 7 April 2024.   Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Feedback from previous participants ‘Life is like photography. Everything around you can be seen as inspiration for your photography subjects.’  ‘Take a different perspective when looking at things and life. Focus on what's important and enjoy the good times.’  Enquiry Contact Ms Holly Ho at 2483 7111 during office hours or email to holly.ho@kfbg.org

Related Links

• ​​Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is an initiative co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of global challenges.

• Nature Art Programmes: Immerse yourself in silent contemplation of nature. Deepen your awareness of beauty and connect with nature through art. KFBG organises a variety of art workshops including Zentangle drawing, sketching and wood art, and exhibitions to guide participants, with or without artistic background, to create nature art.
• Nature Education Programmes: Become animal detectives and explore the mysteries of wild animals. Use different senses to discover the beauty of plants. Learn about the significance of forest, trees and even soils through field visits, experiments and woodwork, to reconnect with nature.
• Group Guided Tours: Led by trained environmental interpreters, the content includes experiential and hands-on activities. We encourage a passion for nature, conservation and ecology by nurturing an appreciation of the natural world.