"We will use a traditional Zen retreat schedule with Zen’s ancient technologies of sitting meditation, walking meditation,
chanting meditation, and silent formal meal style to engage the deepest parts of our being.
Through this experience comes greater clarity, brighter energy, more compassionate behavior, and a richer engagement
with our lives, more fulfilling “connectivity” with the present Moment - what we already truly are."
- Zen Master Hyon Gak Sunim
Zen is the origin of most meditations practiced today. In Zen you find peace and balance with the right sitting position and awareness of breath. Sitting periods are interrupted by shorter intervals with 'kinhin',
a slow walking meditation.
No previous experience is needed - Hyon Gak Sunim will give precise instructions. The retreat will take place in silence, but it will be possible to ask the Zen teacher questions. This is a unique opportunity to learn meditation from a very experienced and inspiring teacher, or to deepen your own practice.
"Zen is understanding my True Self: What am I?
Not a religion, or a theology, a dogma or an ideology -- Zen meditation is an ancient technology of posture, breathing, and questioning directly into the very nature of self. It is a proven practice of cutting through the scattered thinking mind and returning straight to the mind source -- sometimes called "True Self," or "true nature" -- so that we can wake up in the here and now.
In this three-day retreat, we will combine traditional forms of sitting and simple, non-denominational chanting practices to clarify and deepen our connection with our original substance, our true mind. We will do short walking meditations, and enjoy simple yet delicious vegetarian food all while paying attention to the infinite power of this moment, which is, after all, our very nature.
Beginners are welcome -- in fact, encouraged -- as the sittings will not be made overly long. The focus of the weekend will be on gaining some grounding in the practice of Zen meditation, so that we can return to our everyday lives fully equipped with the skills to carry on Zen meditation in the midst of our busy schedules.
Zen practice is not difficult or easy. It just requires a gentle application of effort, and a steadfast curiosity about the true nature of our mind, the true nature of why we are born in this world, and what we can do about the suffering which we see everywhere around us -- but especially first in our own minds.”
- Zen Master Hyon Gak Sunim