How do monks spend their time during the retreat? 

During the early Yuan Dynasty, Chan Master Chushi Fanqi (楚石梵琦, 1296–1370) gave a Dharma talk to his disciples halfway through the retreat.

“Ginger never loses its spiciness [生薑終不改辣].” — The Record of the Sayings of Master Chushi Fanqi 

He emphasizes the importance of practicing with unwavering devotion, from the moment one enters the retreat before it begins, through the middle, and until the very end. Monks who have entered the retreat are not permitted to leave the monastery unless they are gravely ill.

Currently, approximately 2,000 monks at around 100 Seon centers in Korea enter a three-month period of intensive practice, during which they are forbidden from leaving the monastery ground. The rules that monks must follow during the retreat are much stricter than you might imagine. It is because of this kind of practice that Buddhism has endured for 1,600 years.

- How should lay Buddhists spend the retreat season? 

I have explained the 100-day retreat for monks. 

So, how should lay Buddhists observe the retreat period? As laypeople living with your families, it is difficult to seclude yourselves behind closed doors like the monks do. However, since the retreat season coincides with the 100-day prayer period, lay Buddhists should engage in prayer or create a list of vows to the best of their abilities.

First, many temples now offer Seon meditation for lay Buddhists, who can go at their home temple or elsewhere.

Second, choose a sutra, such as the Diamond Sutra or the Sutra of the Thousand Hands and Eyes, and copy a set amount of it daily for 100 days.

Third, choose a sutra, such as the Diamond Sutra or the Sutra of the Thousand Hands and Eyes, and recite it three to seven times a day for 100 days.

Fourth, choose a long sutra, such as the Avatamsaka Sutra, and recite small portions of it daily. 

Fifth, meditate for 10 to 30 minutes each day. 

Alternately, choose a Buddhist practice that suits your ability and engage in it for 100 days.

Remember, Buddhism is not a religion of begging the Buddha for blessings, but rather a religion of “practice,” which must be cultivate by each and every one of you. 

I sincerely hope you will make a vow to pray for 100 days.