|
Meditation is the heart of Buddhism and the direct path to freedom and enlightenment. The prevailing spirit of Buddhist teachings and meditation practice is that one is always capable of helping oneself regardless of one's situation. It is the Buddhist belief that common, ordinary beings are Buddhas, that is, unattained Buddhas. However, we usually lack full trust in ourselves and as a result, all too easily relinquish our trust and willpower to outside agents. Meditation practice challenges this lack of trust and willpower from the very outset. Any sincere and serious practitioner of Buddhist meditation soon realizes that one cannot sit in meditation for long without both accepting one's life and the world, for meditation is a world-affirming and a life-renewing experience.
Yongmaeng Chongjin: Intensive Meditation Retreat
Yongmaeng Chongjin, which means “Fearless Practice,” is a three-day or five-day intensive meditation retreat. It is a period to free oneself from all worldly ties and absorb oneself completely in concentration. Yongmaeng Chongjin provides a wonderful opportunity for discovering wisdom mind and developing a compassionate heart. It is usually reserved for practicing members or for non-members with serious meditation experience. Minimum attendance is two days.
Inspirations for "Fearless Practice"
Flow from moment to moment with your practice and Great Unknowing Mind.
Cultivate your Buddha-mind like a lion that does not get frightened at storm and lightning and like a wind that moves free from obstacles.
Have complete trust in yourself and keep waking up ten thousand times with a single thought.
Daily Schedule
- 5:00-5:30 am: Wakeup/Exercise
- 5:30-5:45 am: 108 Prostrations
- 5:45-8:00 am: Meditation
- 8:00 am: Breakfast
- 8:30-10:00 am: Cleaning/Rest
- 10:00 am-1 pm: Meditation/Interview
- 1:00 pm: Dharma Meal
- 1:00-2:30 pm: Rest
- 2:30-5:30 pm: Work Practice
- 6:00-7:00 pm: Snack/Rest
- 7:00-10:00 pm: Meditation/Interview
- 10:00 pm: Retire
One or Two-day Meditation Retreat
This is non-instructional retreats for those who have meditation practice and are able to sit for 25 minutes without difficulty. Chairs and sitting benches are available. The day begins at 6 am and consists of sitting meditation, walking meditation, and rest period. Minimum attendance is half day. For beginners, there are special overnight instructional retreats (Beginner's Zen Retreat).
Three Guidelines for Retreatants
Keep noble silence.
Keep the eyes down―don't read, don't look around.
Keep the mind away from negative thoughts and feelings.
What are the fees and how do I register?
The cost for the retreats are $60 per day ($50 per day for members)
To register please send your deposit of $30 along with your name, address, and phone number to the temple. For dates and registration form, please check the calendars (Toronto, Ann Arbor, Chicago, Mexico).
| 
