Essentials of Chan Intensive Retreat
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 muddled, 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.
On this Chan retreat, you will be presented with two methods of Chan meditation; silent illumination and huatou. You will learn how to use these methods to cultivate wisdom on intensive retreat as well as in daily life. It's up to you to choose one as your main method.
If you would like to learn more about huatou practice, read
Shattering The Great Doubt by Chan Master Sheng Yen.
If you would like to learn more about silent illumination practice, read
The Method of No Method by Chan Master Sheng Yen.
Teacher
This retreat will be led by Chi Chern Fashi, a Dharma heir of Chan Master Sheng-Yen. Drawing on teachings of the Master, he will lead us in understanding the concepts and applying the methods of huatou and silent illumination. He will also give personal interviews to provide additional guidance.
NOTE: Talks will be given in Chinese with English translation.
Retreat Program
The methods 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 interview.
Begins: Friday, September 16, 2016 - check-in 10:00am-12:00noon
Ends: Saturday, September 24, 2016 - 11:00 am
Fee: $560
Openings: Registration opens April
Deadline: September 13, 2016
Dharma Drum Retreat Center
184 Quannacut Road, Pine Bush, New York, 12566.
Phone: (845) 744-8114
Fax: (845) 744-8483
Email:
[email protected]
Chi Chern Fashi, a Dharma heir of Chan Master Sheng Yen
Ordained by Master Zhu Mo in Penang, Malaysia, Chi Chern Fashi studied at the Fo Guang Buddhist College in Taiwan. Around 1980, he participated in several seven-day retreats and a period of fasting with Master Sheng Yen at the Institute of Buddhist Culture (Wen Hua Guan). During this time he had a profound experience. With Master Sheng Yen's confirmation, he returned to Malaysia to teach meditation.
He received transmission from Master Sheng Yen in 1985, becoming his first Dharma heir. Chi Chern Fashi is currently the principal of the Malaysian Buddhist Institute, and is one of the most respected meditation teachers in Malaysia and Singapore.