Five-Day Silent Chan Retreat led by Guo Gu

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.