Chan Meditation Center Holds Its First 14-Day Bilingual Silent Illumination Retreat

Venerable Guo Goang (果廣法師) leads North American Chan practitioners from Samatha-Vipassana into Silent Illumination, encouraging them to practice the method constantly while maintaining a clear awareness of the present moment at all times.


▲ Group photo of the successful completion of the 14-Day Bilingual Silent Illumination Retreat at Chan Meditation Center. (Photo courtesy of Chan Meditation Center)

In alignment with the vision of its founder, Venerable Master Sheng Yen, to promote Chinese Chan Buddhism in the West, Chan Meditation Center (CMC) in New York—now in its 46th year—held its first 14-Day Bilingual Silent Illumination Retreat from June 1 to 14 at Bodhi Monastery (同淨蘭若) in New Jersey. The retreat was led by Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) Vice Abbot Venerable Guo Goang, with participation and support from Venerable Chang Hwa (常華法師), Director of CMC, and Venerable Chang Zhai (常齋法師), Deputy Director of DDM Massachusetts Buddhist Association. Nearly 50 experienced Chan practitioners and volunteers from both coasts of North America joined the intensive practice, with 20 completing the full retreat, including three English-speaking participants.

In recent years, Venerable Guo Goang has guided North American Chan practitioners in using the method of "keeping the mind focused on the present moment" from the Āgama Sutras to cultivate samatha-vipassana (calm abiding and insight) practice, which then naturally progresses into the practice of Silent Illumination. Venerable Guo Goang pointed out that Chinese Chan Buddhism emphasizes the simultaneous cultivation of samatha and vipassana—that is, while focusing the mind in one place, one enhances awareness to practice contemplation as things truly are. Throughout the retreat, Venerable Guo Goang personally guided Chan practitioners in all aspects of practice—sitting postures, relaxation instructions, mindful eating, morning and evening chanting, yoga stretching, and outdoor walking meditation—constantly reminding them to collect body and mind, and to concentrate the mind on the present. By doing so, they can naturally develop clear awareness of the present moment.

During private interviews, Venerable Guo Goang addressed common physical and mental hindrances, ignorance and afflictive emotions, and karmic obstacles from the past that one might encounter when dedicating themselves to prolonged intensive practice, and offered guidance on how to face them. She emphasized that the essence of true diligent practice is to be clearly aware of one's greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt, and cultivating a sense of shame and repentance to correct one's actions of body, speech, and mind. Venerable Guo Goang also reminded practitioners that during Silent Illumination practice, one should not seek immediate or visible experiences. When feeling stuck, one should return to the method of "keeping the mind focused on the present moment" to reinforce the practice of samatha and vipassana. When facing physical and mental obstacles, one should take a step back and generate a sense of shame and repentance, which can alternately help transcend the obstacles and move forward. 



At the end of the retreat, Venerable Guo Goang encouraged everyone to practice "keeping the mind focused on the present moment" regularly as a foundation. This way, even in daily life, one can maintain concentration and awareness. In dealing with others and handling affairs, she urged the application of Master Sheng Yen's teaching: "Compassion has no enemies; wisdom engenders no vexations," constantly asking themselves: Am I treating others with compassion and softness? Am I using wisdom to handle situations in a way that brings warmth and ease to others?

After 14 days of intensive practice, Chan participants transformed their minds from a restless and unsettled state to calm and peaceful one. Many participants shared their experiences of growth and Dharma joy, expressing gratitude for having the rare opportunity and blessings to engage in such an intensive retreat.


▲ Venerable Guo Goang led outdoor walking meditation, reminding practitioners to continually collect body and mind to naturally become aware of the present moment. (Photo courtesy of Chan Meditation Center)




Original text in Chinese: Chan Meditation Center, Yin Ting
Photos: Chan Meditation Center  
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown