In Nature, Our True Nature
October 6 (Friday, 5 pm) - October 13 (Friday, 12 noon), 2023
Come and experience the joyful essence of our true nature with Rev. WonGong at the Won Dharma Center in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.
To go deep into our inner calm, we will observe Noble Silence and cultivate many forms of practice—sitting, movement, lying-down relaxation, nature contemplation, journaling, DahnJon-abiding, and more. Our meditation will flow between rest and motion. With step-by-step guidance, we will deepen our meditation through qigong, yoga, and various breathing techniques.
This retreat will include group and individual teaching and sharing with ample free time for hiking and rest. In harmony with the interconnectedness of all things, we will practice outdoors in the crisp, freeing energy of autumn as much as weather permits and bathe in the expansive chi-energy of nature.
In Won Buddhism, our true nature is symbolized by the image of a circle: no beginning, no ending—true voidness, marvelous existence. To connect with our true nature, we will cultivate equanimity, insight, and mindfulness—the Threefold Practice of Won Buddhism. Through this retreat, may we restore our calm, numinous awareness—the pristine authenticity of our true nature!
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.
Please be aware of the following considerations before you sign up:
1. Please commit to participating in the entire retreat.
2. The retreat provides generous personal time, but please be aware that your full participation in all group activities benefits your practice and the practice of the entire group. Please plan to participate fully.
3. Commit to practicing Noble Silence including no phone use throughout the retreat.
4. This retreat will be most beneficial for those who already have a regular meditation practice or prior multi-day retreat experience. If you have any questions about this, please contact Rev. WonGong (WontempleNC@gmail.com).
You can register now at the Won Dharma Center website.
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Day 1: Friday, Oct. 6
5:30 pm: Dinner & Orientation
7:00-8:30 pm: Opening ceremony (Getting to know each other & restful evening meditation)
8:30-9:30: Settling in
9:30 pm: Noble Silence begins
10 pm: Lights out (Meditation in sleep)
Day 2–7 (Saturday Oct. 7–Thursday Oct. 12) (6 days)
6:00-7:00 am: Morning meditation
7:00-7:30 am: Walking & qigong
7:30-8:30 am: Breakfast
8:30-10:00 am: Self-practice & Rest
10:00 am-12 noon: Dharma talks, yoga, & guided meditation
12 noon-1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00-3:00 pm: Self-practice or interview with teachers
Optional exploration: 2-2:45 pm (varies daily): e.g., Learning to chant in Korean
3:00-4:00 pm: Qigong meditation w/ Rev. Ginger except Station Days
4:00-5:30 pm: Samadhi (e.g. pine forest hiking, sitting in nature)
Station Day 1 (Monday, 3-5:30 pm):
1. Chanting meditation class
2. Group Q & A with Rev. Yoo
3. Scripture Copying Meditation
Station Day 2 (Tuesday, 3-5:30 pm):
1. Sitting meditation class
2. Tea Ceremony
3. Working Meditation at the garlic patch
5:30-7:00 pm: Dinner
7:00-8:30 pm: Reflective evening meditation
8:40-9:30 Optional silent meditation (in the Dharma Hall)
9:30 ~ Meditation in sleep ~zzz
10 pm: lights out
Last Day (Friday, Oct. 13)
6:00-7:00 am: Morning meditation
Cleaning: working meditation with house chores
7:30-9:00 am: Breakfast
10:00-12 noon: Closing meditation, reflection & sharing
12 noon- 1:00 pm: Lunch & Happy Travels!
Delightful video from last year’s retreat