Every Time is the First Time-Silent Illumination retreat with Zarko (Dharma Drum Vancouver Center, 10/15~10/22)

The Silent Illumination retreat offered by the Dharma Drum Vancouver Center (DDVC) on October 15-22, 2016 was my seventh 7-day retreat since the start of my meditation practise in late 2014 and my third 7-day retreat at DDVC. As with the previous two DVCC retreats I participated in, it was all about in-depth teaching of the method by describing all the details of it, practicing it, and helping the participants to understand the global perspective as well as nuances that arise on the way. The material was also well linked to simple everyday-life examples, which deepened the overall understanding and further facilitated learning.

As with all previous Chan retreats, I enjoyed it a lot, learned many new things about myself and how I perceive things and events and interact with the world. The Teacher was very experienced and always gave detailed and very relevant information during private interviews.

As always, all staff and volunteers were awesome - always welcoming, friendly, efficient and helpful. All participants were kind, respectful, acted in good awareness of the needs of others, and fully supported each other and the event by always doing their best whether it was silent meditation, work practise, or rest time. The food was absolutely delicious and very healthy.

My deep gratitude and appreciation to all who made this event happen! Thank you.

By Svetlana Petelina