Experience sharing

3-day Retreat Review

by Chris R Jamison

It is difficult to be brief about how wonderful the retreat with Venerable Guo Goang in West Virginia was, but I will try.

First, the environment, set in the mountains of West Virginia, was beautiful and peaceful.  It is easy to still one's mind amidst the trees, clouds and birds.

The retreat had a very accessible format. The duration of each sitting session was long enough to become familiar with the practice, but not so long as to be arduous or exhaustive. There were also multiple opportunities for exercise and yoga as well as walking meditation.

Venerable Guo Goang maintains an aura of depth and kindness. She presented traditional and authentic Chan methods but presented them in ways that seemed novel and unique. My favorite part of her teachings was when she would describe her own history and experiences in her Chan practice. I found these experiences deeply human and inspiring.

Finally, I was deeply blessed to have Chang Hwa Fashi as a translator. It was no easy task given how extensive and deep the material was, but it was handled with humor and grace.

I would attend this retreat again, and I would recommend that everyone does the same!