When walking, standing, sitting, lying down, speaking,
being silent, moving, being still.
At all times, in all places,
without interruption – what is this?
One mind is infinite kalpas.
A retreat is a space for strengthening our practice by looking more deeply into our True Nature. Emphasizing social silence as its core, the retreat is centered in multiple rounds of sitting and walking meditation. There is chanting and bowing meditation, and meals are also taken in silence. When possible, traditional Zen temple formal meals are served, as a way of reflecting continuously on our minds as we function meticulously in the natural realm of desire called “eating.”
There is a regular schedule and practicing form as developed by Zen Master Seung Sahn, and we follow his “Temple Rules.” There is no literature to read for a retreat, and reading books during retreat is strongly discouraged.
Students are encouraged to attend at least one “long” retreat within their first 2-3 years, if not sooner, as an experience which stabilizes the meditation experience for consistency in everyday life.
The traditional 90-day retreat (“Kyol Che”) is held twice a year, at Mu Sang Sah International Zen Center, in Kyeryeong Mountains, South Korea. It is open to laypeople as well as monastics.
