Event reminder:
DDMBA Ontario 3 Day Introductory Huatou Meditation Retreat
When: Friday, September 2 (8pm) – Monday, September 5 (2pm)
Where: Northumberland Heights Conference & Retreat Centre, 795 Northumberland Heights Road, Alnwick/Haldimand Township, Cobourg Ontario K9A 4J8
Cost: $185 (meals and accommodation included)
DDMBA Ontario is pleased to announce that Chan Teacher Venerable Guo Xing will be leading a 3 Day Introductory Huatou Meditation Retreat, beginning Friday, September 2 at 8pm and ending Monday, September 5 at 2pm. The retreat will be held at Northumberland Heights Retreat Centre, just one hour east of Toronto in a rich, natural setting that is conducive to the peaceful practice of Chan.
The practice focus for this retreat will be introduction to Huatou, a method unique to the Chan school which has been used widely since the 12th century. Huatou can literally be translated as the "origin of words", or that which comes before words and language. This refers to the state of mind before any words or intellection has arisen, and more precisely, that which exists before thought arises.
When we investigate a Huatou, we utilize questions, such as "What is my original face before my parents gave birth to me," or "What is wu(emptiness)?" These puzzling, oftentimes illogical questions rouse a sense of deep investigation, which is referred to as "the doubt sensation". With this sense of urgent questioning, one pushes oneself to find an answer, yet paradoxically, the answer cannot be found by using the intellect. The answer is beyond all words and concepts, and essentially is the source of all words and concepts, and is thus called Huatou.
No prior experience in practicing Huatou is necessary to attend this retreat. However, in order to receive the most benefit from this retreat, some prior experience with meditation is assumed, such as a prior introductory meditation class or regular sitting practice. This retreat is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced practitioners who would like to deepen or extend the practice of Huatou under the experience of a seasoned Chan monastic.
To register for this retreat, please go to http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca fill out the application form and submit to meditation.dharmadrum@gmail.com.
We hope to see you at the retreat, and please be sure to visit our website for upcoming events.
Peace and Harmony,
DDMBA Ontario
With Joined Palms---
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