Gateway to Chan:
A 5-day Retreat in West Virginia
In the Chan tradition, there are two main approaches to awakening: the method of silent illumination (mòzhào) and investigating a critical phrase (huàtóu). The former is a settling method of serene reflection on the nature of awareness; the latter is an explosive approach that aims to concentrate and shatter all mental states so awakening manifests.
Retreat practice is an excellent way to deepen our practice, as it allows practitioners to engage with the meditation method in a sustained, focused way under a protected environment with a retreat teacher. Practitioners receive guidance on issues or experiences that wouldn’t normally arise in daily or individual practices.
Aside from the many periods of sitting meditation, there will also be stretching exercises, walking meditations, and outdoor direct contemplation. There will also be mindful eating and work practices. There will be daily Dharma talks by Guo Gu, and opportunities for personal consultations to practice.