Intensive

Silent Illumination Retreat

Rebecca Li

May 24 - 31, 2025
This traditional 7-day retreat provides time and space for dedicated practitioners to learn, practice and cultivate the Chan method of Silent Illumination. Simple yet difficult, with focused practice you may encounter an opening that allows you to come to rest and find peace, a lucid spaciousness and clear Dharma insight.

Silent Illumination Retreat

Zarko Andricevic

June 28 - July 5, 2025
Facilitated with warmth, humor and ease, the teaching and methods of Zarko Andricevic will be presented the method of Silent Illumination of Caodong sect through Chan practice instruction, Dharma talks, and individual interviews being adapted to modern practitioners.

8-Day Silent Illumination Retreat

Abbot Guo Yuan

August 30 - September 7, 2025
The silent illumination method will be taught in the context of daily life activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, working, and eating. Chanting and gentle yoga exercises further harmonize the body, breath, and mind. The retreat also includes daily lectures, meditation instruction, guided meditation, and personal interviews.

Western Zen Retreat

Rebecca Li

October 3 - 8, 2025
Thoroughly confronting this question can take us directly to the center of our being. Over the course of this five-day retreat you will investigate the question "Who am I?" within a standard retreat framework, using silent sitting meditation in conjunction with the communication exercise, a unique method of verbal inquiry. This format allows you to use words to go beyond words and thereby enter the main gate of Chan.

Weekend Retreat

David Slaymaker

October 17 - 19, 2025
Enjoy a two-day break to settle your mind, allowing you to maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.

Weekend Retreat

David Slaymaker

November 14 - 16, 2025
Enjoy a two-day break to settle your mind, allowing you to maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.

Winter Retreat Session I - Foundation

Abbot Guo Yuan

December 19 - 21, 2025
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. Session 1 of the Winter Retreat, the Foundation retreat, will take place from 12/26/2023 to 01/04/2025.

Winter Retreat Session II - Huatou

Abbot Guo Yuan

December 26, 2025 - January 3, 2026
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. In this 9-day retreat, you will have the opportunity to practice the huatou with total dedication.

Winter Retreat Session III - Silent Illumination

Abbot Guo Yuan

January 4 - 18, 2026
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. In this 15-day Silent Illumination retreat, together we will embody lucid spaciousness.