Huatou Workshop

Abbot Guo Yuan

March 20 - 22, 2026

Date and Time Details:

Check in: Friday, March 20th, 2026, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
End time: Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, 4:00 PM

Sample Schedule:
Click Here

Requirements to Attend:
• Have attended a formal meditation class or attended a 1-day retreat
• Have experience with meditation, are able to lead yourself in a 30-minute silent meditation without instruction, and ideally have a routine meditation practice
• Commitment to the entire duration of the retreat

Sliding Scale
  • Base – $200.00
  • Sustainer – $250.00
  • Benefactor – $400.00
Registration opens: Dec 20, 2025
Registration opens: Dec 20, 2025

Event Description

The purpose of Chan practice is to clarify our mind and see into our self-nature. To do this, we must clean up the impurities that make our minds muddied, cloudy, and opaque. These impurities are the illusory thoughts, or wrong perceptions, which we attach to, causing ourselves suffering and distress.

Our self-nature is the wisdom that is characteristic of a buddha, an awakened person. Actually, at heart, all people possess this wisdom, as our very own nature is identical with awakening. If we can leave behind our attachment to thoughts and perceptions, then we will wake up to the wisdom within us, and be able to resolve the problem of our stress and anxiety.

In this Huatou workshop, you will gain a deep understanding of Huatou’s methods through engaging discussions and learning by Ven. Guo Yuan sharing and teaching. You’ll discover how to apply this approach to cultivate wisdom, both in the classroom and in your everyday experiences. Ultimately, you have the option to make this method a main part of your practice.

If you’re eager to explore Huatou practice further, we recommend delving into Zen Master Sheng-yen’s “Shattering the Great Doubt.” We extend a warm invitation for you to join us in the specially tailored 2-day course focused on practice and understanding by discussion.

 

Pricing

This event is priced on a sliding scale. Please consider your registration as a moment to practice generosity by paying at the highest rate that you can afford. Your generosity supports Dharma Drum Retreat Center, staff, your fellow practitioners, and our continued efforts to help people to learn and grow. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax-deductible donation to DDRC. Please contact us if you need the tax receipt.

 

Chartered Shuttle

We are happy to offer a chartered shuttle service from Manhattan Penn Station to our center, provided we have enough interested participants. The fee for the shuttle service is $75 for one way and $150 for a round trip per person.

The shuttle will depart from Manhattan Penn Station at 2:00 pm on the start day of the retreat, taking you directly to our center. On the end day of the retreat, the return shuttle will depart from our center at 4:30 pm, heading back to Manhattan Penn Station.

If you wish to avail of the shuttle service, please remember to check the item during registration.

 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received 21 days prior to the event’s start date will receive a refund of the fee minus a $25.00 administrative fee.

Cancellations received 14 days prior to the event’s start date will receive a 50% refund of the retreat fee.

We regret that we are unable to refund any cancellation received less than 14 days prior to the event’s start date.

If you would like to cancel any event, please reply to register@dharmadrumretreat.org.

 

About the Teacher

Abbot Guo Yuan

Guo Yuan Fashi, one of Chan Master Sheng Yen’s Dharma heirs, is a Buddhist monk trained in Chan Buddhism. In 1985 he first encountered Master Sheng Yen’s teachings while attending a seven-day retreat in New York. He then decided to become a disciple before finally leaving his job in Toronto, Canada, to become a monk […]

Learn more about Abbot Guo Yuan

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Dharma Drum Retreat Center
184 Quannacut Road,

Pine Bush, NY 12566
dharmadrumretreat.org
register@dharmadrumretreat.org