Table 2.

Summary of themes and sample quotations in knowledge growth.

Theme	Sample Quotation
Theme 1: Lectures and Interactions with Master Wanxing	Everyday in the afternoon, during the discussion time I would sit next to the Master, and I wouldn't miss even a second, for fear that I might lose a word of his. Maintaining this status was also quite beneficial to our practice, with regard to how to maintain mindfulness and concentration. It would be very rare to meet the Master in the future. On the off-chance that I might get to come to the temple, it would also be very brief that I might get to speak with the Master. (NIMSIK3)
	There were some many things boggling in my mind. During these few days, especially with the Q & A and discussions with the Master, some many questions were resolved. I finally let go things that I should let go. (NIMS7K1)
	The Master valued the learning of all the retreat participants. He came to us everyday to give us lectures and to answer our questions, not only limited to the practice, but also on our daily lives and work. It has been a great improvement for us through this learning experience. (N2FS1K1)
Theme 2: Experience Sharing and Lectures from a Group of Venerables	The most moving part was the life stories told by several Venerables about their leaving home process. It moved me deeply, and inspired me to look inward and examine the weak parts inside my heart. Their own experiences, the struggles they went through, the pain they experienced, they were more influential and more convincing than any theory there was. From their experiences, I could feel the determined and decisive power, the immeasurable empathy and faith. (N34FS11K2)
	The teachings of every Venerable reached your heart from every different angle. It felt like they were sincerely wanting to help us. (N14FS7K1)
	Here, as I listened to the lectures of every Venerable, each and every one of them showed great power of both strength and compassion. I witnessed how they practiced the Dharma with their own lives. To be honest, at this day and age, watching these people gather together because of their faith and the power of their vow, I was inspired to become faithful. One's vow precedes one's practice. To make an altruistic vow, to do altruistic deeds, to always have a merciful heart, and to constantly stay mindful, that is how everyone can become Buddha. (N38FS1K1)
Theme 3: Understanding in Buddhism and Meditation Methods	Through the seated meditation these past few days, and through the instructions and lectures of the Master, I have gained a lot, physically, spiritually, and regarding my understanding of the Buddhist study. (NIMSIK1)
	Theoretically, I have been reading Buddhist books for years, so I knew some of the teachings already. This time, it was mainly the touch on my spirit. The greatest lesson I would take away from this time is a correction on the premise of my Buddhist study. I used to always want to achieve myself, and become a Buddha myself. I have changed that now. I think the progress and improvement of others would bring me even more satisfaction. To bring achievement to your family, relatives, friends, as well as to all living things, that should be the purpose of our practice. (NIMS13K1)
	Before, when I watched the Master's teaching, I did not actually comb through my thoughts clearly. Without a clear direction, I did not know what methods I should choose to best fit myself. As I came here, I learned that one shouldn't practice blindly, but use a correct and tangible approach to observe it. (N2FS6K1)
Theme 4: Insights for Applications in Daily Life	The words and deeds of the Venerables touched me greatly. Whatever they did, however small that thing might be, they did it meticulously. They maintained strict rules for us on even the most detailed things. I realized that we should do that in our own lives. We ought to regulate ourselves, starting from every tiny little thing we do. (NIMS15K1)
	Through these seven days, I realize that the practice of Buddhism and Zen is not the bookish study of Zen or the Dharma, but the realization of it in everything we do in our daily lives. (N2FS5K1)
	I used to think that Buddhism was way too complicated and hard, that you could get too indulged and fixated in it, and that it would have no relevance to one's daily like. But now Master Wanxing has taught us to put the teachings of Buddhism into practice in reality. He also condensed the 84,000 methods into ten characters (three phrases): “protect the intention well, keep a clean heart, always be mindful and not fixated.” We are encouraged to bring this back to our daily life and put it to practice. We ought to cherish this. (N11MS7K1)