Venerable Guo Xing Leads Sydney Two-Day Chan Retreat

From 18 to 20 September, Venerable Guo Xing (果醒法師), Vice Abbot of Dharma Drum Mountain, led a two-day Chan retreat at the Illawarra Meditation Retreat Centre.

Made possible through the dedicated efforts of Venerable Guo Chuan (果傳法師), the guiding monastic of Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter, the retreat welcomed more than 40 Chinese and Western participants from Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand—the Chapter’s highest attendance for a two-day Chan retreat.

With simultaneous Chinese–English interpretation, participants practised together across languages and cultures in an atmosphere of calm and harmony.

Under Venerable Guo Xing’s guidance, participants experienced ultra-slow prostrations, outdoor walking meditation, Silent Illumination and huatou practice. He reminded everyone that wandering thoughts need not be feared or suppressed:

“True relaxation means neither rejecting nor expecting.”

Through slow and mindful movement, participants learned to observe subtle changes in the body and mind, allowing thoughts to arise and pass without automatically following them.

Venerable Guo Xing also encouraged everyone:

“Put into practice as much as you understand. Even if you meditate for only one minute each day, what matters is consistency.”


During this precious retreat, four participants—including Western practitioners and a participant from New Zealand—took refuge in the Three Jewels, beginning a new chapter in their spiritual lives.

Heartfelt gratitude goes to Venerable Guo Xing and Venerable Guo Chuan, as well as every volunteer who supported the retreat with care and dedication.

The retreat concluded with abundant Dharma joy, but returning to everyday life is where practice truly begins. May we continue to practise with every thought, at all times and wherever we are.



Text: Melody Lin
Photos: Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter