

Date: June 23 - 27, 2026
Time: Tuesday 5pm – Saturday 1pm
Location: Great Vow Zen Monastery
Address: 79640 Quincy Mayger Road, Clatskanie, OR, USA
Contact: Great Vow Registrar
Registration for this retreat begins with an application.
This retreat concludes on Saturday afternoon.
Leader:
Guo Gu
Within the Chan tradition, two primary paths to awakening are silent illumination (mòzhào) and investigating a critical phrase (huàtóu). Silent illumination is a calm, settling practice of reflecting on the nature of awareness, while huàtóu is a more forceful approach that concentrates the mind until all mental states are shattered and awakening can emerge.
A retreat offers an ideal setting to deepen practice through sustained, focused meditation in a protected environment with a retreat teacher. Practitioners may receive guidance on questions or experiences that typically do not arise in daily life or individual practice.
Along with many periods of sitting meditation, the program includes stretching exercises, walking meditation, and outdoor direct contemplation. Mindful eating and work practice are also part of the schedule.
Guo Gu will offer daily Dharma talks, as well as opportunities for personal consultations to support practice.
Week-long retreats are rigorous and can be challenging at times.
Guo Gu

Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Tue, Jun 23