In Nature, Our True Nature

October 6 (Thursday, 5 pm) - October 12 (Wednesday, 12 noon), 2022

Come and experience truth—the truth of our own nature!

In Won Buddhism, our true nature is symbolized in the image of a circle: no beginning, no end—true voidness, marvelous existence.

In this retreat, we will explore our true nature in both rest and motion though many forms of meditation: sitting, movement, tea ceremony, contemplative journaling, DahnJon-abiding breathing, lying-down relaxation, and more.

Our days will be permeated with noble silence, and we will focus on developing equanimity, insight, and mindfulness through the four stages of Timeless Zen Meditation. Throughout this retreat, you will receive practical step-by-step guidance for meditation, qigong/tai-chi, and various breathing techniques.

The connection of healthy body energy and spiritual cultivation will be emphasized, and there will be opportunities for group and individual teaching and sharing, as well as ample free time for hiking or rest. By tuning and balancing the energy of our bodies and minds, we will cultivate a calm awareness, deepen our meditation each day, and let the light of our true nature shine.

In harmony with Won Buddhism’s belief in the interconnectedness of all things, we will practice outdoors as weather permits, to receive the crisp, freeing energy of autumn in the Catskill Mountains. In the spirit of community, all retreatants should arrive on time (check-in starts from 3 pm) and stay through the mid-day meal on our final day. 

Retreat Program Schedule

(Subject to Change)

First day: Arrival Day

5:30 pm: Dinner

7-8:30 pm: Opening Meditation & Ceremony

From Day 2:

5:30-6:40 am: Morning meditation

6:40-7:45 am: Walking & qigong

7:50-9:00 am: Breakfast

9:00-10:00 am: Self-practice

10:00 am-12 noon: Guided meditation & silent sitting

12 noon- 1:00 pm: Lunch

1:00-2:30 pm: Self-practice or interview with teacher

2:30-3:30 pm: Qigong meditation by Rev. Ginger

3:30-5:30 pm: Samadhi in nature

5:30-7:00 pm: Dinner

7:00-8:30 pm: Evening practice (dharma talk, journaling, meditation)

8:40-9:30 Optional self-practice

9:30 ~ Meditation in sleep ~zzzzzzz

Rev. WonGong (affectionately known as Rev. Wow!) is a lifetime dedicated dharma teacher. As a pioneering Won Buddhist priest, she has established temples in Chapel Hill and Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a guest lecturer at schools, colleges, and meditation centers, teaching Buddhist philosophy and meditation to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her creative teaching connects Buddhist concepts with daily practice.

Rev. WonGong integrates creative forms of meditation with body movement, vocal Qigong, breathing techniques, guided meditation, and laughter. She is active in the international interfaith community and is a leading Korean-to-English translator of dharma teachings, serving as a spiritual bridge between East and West.

She loves gardening, architecture, interior design, and singing. In 2018, she released an album, Chants of Samadhi for Daily Practice, and, in 2020 she released her second album, Chants for Healing.

To register, click the button below. Please register early due to limited space.