Six-Day Chan Retreat with Guo Gu
June 19 - 25, 2023
Monday 5pm to Sunday 1pm
This retreat is offered both in person and on Zoom.
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.
Week long retreats are rigorous and, at times, challenging. In order to attend in person, we require that you attend one of our silent weekend retreats or a five-seven day silent retreat at another Dharma Center before registering for our longer retreats. For more information about what to expect when attending a long retreat, click here
Proof of vaccination is required to attend events at Great Vow Zen Monastery. For the latest on our health policies click here.
![]() | Guo Gu |