Silent Illumination Retreat

DATE & TIME DETAILS
Check in: Friday, June 28^th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
End time: Saturday, July 6^th, 10:00 AM

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS RETREAT:
• Already received basic meditation instruction
• Established a daily personal practice
• Previously attended at least one two-day retreat


Event Description
“Silently and serenely, forgetting all words, clearly and vividly, it appears before you.”

The above quote comes from the poem "Silent Illumination," composed by Master Hongzhi Zhengjue, a 12^th century lineage holder of the Caodong (Jap. Soto) school of Chan Buddhism. The quote describes the mind of someone who has left behind all attachment to thought and conceptualization. Doing this, they clearly see the nature of things through the direct experience of enlightenment. Master Hongzhi wrote many beautiful poems describing his deep insight.

While today we can read these poems for inspiration and encouragement in our practice, they also function as guidelines for a method known as Silent Illumination. With this method, the aim is to develop and maintain relaxation, clarity and openness of mind. Ultimately, the goal is to see into the nature of the mind. One who has achieved this insight establishes a solid understanding and confidence of how to cultivate freedom and ease in dealing with all situations. Naturally, they know how to resolve their remaining vexations, and use wisdom and compassion in their daily lives.

Facilitated with warmth, humor and ease, Zarko Andricevic will be present the method of Silent Illumination of the Caodong sect through Chan practice instruction, Dharma talks, and individual interviews adapted to modern practitioners. The retreat will encompass practices such as sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, working, and eating. Chanting and gentle yoga exercises will further harmonize the body, breath, and mind, fostering an environment of the Chan practice.

You can view a sample schedule here.


SAMPLE SCHEDULE:
Click Here


SLIDING SCALE
Base – $800.00
Sustainer – $1,150.00
Benefactor – $1,500.00

Pricing
This event is priced on a sliding scale. Please consider your registration as a moment to practice generosity by paying at the highest rate that you can afford. Your generosity supports Dharma Drum Retreat Center, staff, your fellow practitioners, and our continued efforts to help people to learn and grow. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax-deductible donation to DDRC. Please contact us if you need the tax receipt.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.


Chartered Shuttle
We are happy to offer a chartered shuttle service from Manhattan Penn Station to our center, provided we have enough interested participants. The fee for the shuttle service is $75 for one way and $150 for a round trip per person.

The shuttle will depart from Manhattan Penn Station at 2:00 pm on the start day of the retreat, taking you directly to our center. On the last day of the retreat, the return shuttle will depart from our center at 10:30 am, heading back to Manhattan Penn Station.

If you wish to avail of the shuttle service, please remember to check the item during registration.


Teacher
Zarko Andricevic

Zarko Andricevic, is founder of Dharmaloka Chan Buddhist Community and Chan Retreat Centre in Croatia. Zarko first encountered Buddhism 1975 and has been a martial arts and yoga teacher since the 1970s. In the mid-80s he started the first Buddhist study and meditation group in Croatia. In 1996 he meet Chan Master Sheng Yen and become one of his students. Zarko received Dharma transmission from Master Sheng Yen in June 2001. Since then he is teaching and leading Chan retreats in Europe, USA, Canada, Taiwan and Australia. He currently lives and teaches at Chan Retreat Center in Croatia.

The event may be subject to change. Please visit Dharma Drum Retreat Center's website for the latest information and registration.