7-day Investigating Koans Retreat, 12/1-8, WCF, UK
Time: 7:00pm Saturday 1st December to 10:30am Saturday 8th December 2018
Leader: Simon Child
Venue: Maenllwyd Retreat Centre, Wales, UK
The ancient Chinese Zen practices of investigating Huatou and Gongan (Koan) are best practised in a supportive environment such as this intensive silent retreat. As one becomes deeply absorbed in the practice, mental constructions drop away and one is confronted by a realisation that one does not know the nature of existence and one's fundamental assumptions of life are groundless. Staying with and cultivating this 'doubt', it can become all-consuming 'Great doubt' which may 'shatter', giving a direct insight into reality which may be what is known as an Enlightenment experience.
To progress in these methods requires a sustained focus and so this retreat is recommended particularly for those with previous experience of intensive retreat, and prior attendance at a Western Zen Retreat is advisable, but serious beginners are also accepted. More info about Western Chan Fellowship and Investigating Koan Retreat
