DDMBA Ontario Presents: 3 Day “Gateway to Chan” Meditation Retreat, Thursday Nov. 28- Saturday Nov. 30, 2013

DDMBA Ontario Presents: 3 Day “Gateway to Chan” Meditation Retreat, Thursday Nov. 28- Saturday Nov. 30, 2013

DDMBA Ontario is pleased to announce that Dr. Jimmy Yu (Guo Gu) will be coming to Toronto to lead a 3 Day “Gateway to Chan” retreat, from Thursday November 28 to Saturday, November 30.

“Gateway to Chan” introduces the major methods of Chan taught in the Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan, including such methods as Silent Illumination and Huatou. These methods will be supplemented with explanations and instructions on the practice, so that you will be able to fully understand and comfortably follow the various practices unique to Chan retreats and practice in general. Under Guo Gu’s insightful guidance and talks, we will be able to learn the practice methods in depth, over an extended time period together.

During this retreat, you will learn fundamental methods of relaxation and concentration, and fully settle your body and mind. Then, you will become introduced to more advanced methods of Chan practice, such as Silent Illumination and Huatou. Discover which one you have the greatest affinity with and, afterwards, it can become your core practice in daily life. Guidance in using these methods will also be provided and reinforced during interviews with the instructor.

This retreat will take place at 1027 McNicoll Avenue (lower level), from 9 am to 9 pm during the 3 days of the event. Though participants will not be staying overnight, they are strongly encouraged to mindfully continue their practice into the evening and following morning, to sustain the energy and focus of the practice itself.

Note: As an intermediate level retreat, this retreat is particularly suitable for those who have received basic instruction in sitting meditation in the past, and have established a routine regular practice.

What: 3 Day Gateway to Chan Meditation Retreat hosted by Guo Gu

When: Thursday, November 28-Saturday, November 30, 2013, 9 am – 9 pm

Where: DDMBA Ontario 1027 McNicoll Avenue Toronto, ON Lower Level M1W 3W6

Cost: Free (donations are welcome)

Language(s) Spoken: English, with Mandarin translation provided

Also, be sure to wear loose, warm and comfortable clothing suited to the long sitting periods. DDM provides cushions, sitting mats, towels and a light vegetarian lunch.

About the Teacher: Dr. Jimmy Yu (Guo Gu) is one of Master Sheng Yen's senior and closest disciples, and assisted the master in leading activities at the Chan Meditation Center, Dharma Drum Retreat Center, and Dharma Drum Mountain in Taiwan, and other parts of Europe and Asia. In 2008, he received his Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Princeton University and began teaching Buddhism and East Asian religions academically as an Assistant Professor at Florida State University. In 2009, he founded the Tallahassee Chan Group. He is the guiding teacher for the Western Dharma Teachers Training course at the Chan Meditation Center in New York and the Dharma Drum Lineage.

To Register: Please fill out the attached application form. Completed applications can be emailed to [email protected]

We also encourage you to check out Guo Gu’s e-book The Essence of Chan , which can be purchased through amazon.com, or by copying the following link to your browser: http://www.amazon.com/The-Essence-Chan-Bodhidharma-ebook/dp/B00AIXHHX2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362028315&sr=1-1. An incredibly concise introduction to Chan, this book is well worth its value, and can aid us in our own correct understanding of the view of Chan.

We hope to see you all at this wonderful retreat!

Peace and Harmony,

DDMBA Ontario

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