241 Holbrook Ave
Wheeling
IL 60090
Preserving The Essence of Chan: Right View Theory and Practice
This retreat looks beyond the practice of crossing your legs or the intellectual scholarship of Buddhist history into Ekayana (“Just Mind”) practice. This is Right View which is the heart of Chan.
Join us for a two-day meditation retreat where you will develop a better understanding of what proper Chan meditation practice is about and how Mind works. We will practice seated meditation throughout the retreat under Gilbert’s guidance, where there also will be the plenty of opportunity to ask questions. This weekend retreat will be useful for both, beginner and advanced students.
Schedule:
Fri: 6 PM – 9 PM
Sat: 9 AM – 9 PM (vegetarian lunch and light dinner will be served.)
Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM (vegetarian lunch will be served.)
About Chan Master Gilbert:
Gilbert Gutierrez, is an attorney practicing in Riverside, California. He began his meditation practice about 30 years ago and studied various forms of meditation, martial arts, and Qi Gong, but according to him nothing comes close to matching the simplicity and the beauty of Chan (Zen). He teaches Chan meditation regularly in California – currently mostly via zoom (more info) and has lectured in may places in North America, Asia and Europe. Gilbert received Dharma transmission in 2002 from Chan Master Sheng Yen and became a Dharma heir of the Dharma Drum Mountain lineage. Gilbert uses the classical systems of Chan training and combines treatises from ancient Chan masters with contemporary teachings. He is known for his lively and humorous teaching style, and his ability to cater to different levels of students.
Registration
To register and reserve a spot at Gilbert’s retreat please scroll down and click on the “Register” button below which will ask you to fill out a form with your contact information. The suggested donation to attend the entire retreat is $60 that you can adjust to any amount as you wish ($30 for Sat, $30 for Sun, and Fri free).
Since the seating is limited it is recommended to register as early as possible! The registration includes a vegetarian lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and light dinner on Saturday. If you are vegan please let us know. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend Gilbert’s retreat and scholarships are available if money is tight.
There will be a period of “mindful work practice” during the breaks after lunch. Roles will be assigned at the check in.
If you have any questions please email Mick. Thank you!
*Please note that DDMBA-Chicago will pay a processing fee per transaction (PayPal handling fee is: 2.2% +$0.30)
Check-in (please read carefully!)
Check-in begins 30 mins before event starts in order to allow for time to take an on-site covid antigen test that will be required when checking in for the first time (rapid antigen tests will be provided, see disclaimer in the covid-19 section below): Check in on Fri begins at 5:30 p.m, check in on Sat and Sun begins at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive not later than 5:40 PM (on Fri) or 8:40 AM (on Sat or Sun) if you still need to be tested. If you’ve already checked in and have been tested please make sure to be in the Chan Hall at least 5 mins before the event starts. Thank you for your cooperation!
COVID-19 Testing (please read carefully!):
DISCLAIMER: We will keep monitoring the covid situation carefully and may adjust our policy accordingly. Currently (i.e. September 2022) we are not requesting proof or vaccination nor wearing masks in the Chan hall. However we will ask everyone (participants and staff) to take a rapid antigen test at the center prior to checking in at the retreat for the first time – test kits will be provided by the center. Please understand that in case of a Covid-positive test result DDM will refuse participation in the retreat so as not to put other attendees at risk, and a refund of the registration fee will be offered. By registering to the retreat you are giving your consent to the COVID-19 test procedure. Thank you for your cooperation!
The Retreat Schedule can be accessed here.
Etiquette
Shoes are not allowed inside of the Chan Hall (but can remain in the lobby, of course). For your comfort, we recommend loose, comfortable clothing and clean socks. We advise no jewelry (wedding bands are fine) or constricting stockings. You may remove your socks during the meditation sessions; meditations are traditionally done barefoot.
Please be mindful that the retreat is a scent-free event and avoid the use of perfume and/or cologne the day of retreat.
Location
Our DDM Meditation Center (Chan Hall) address is:
241 Holbrook Drive
Wheeling, Il 60090
The center is located in a warehouse district. When you turn onto Holbrook Drive from Wheeling Road, our building will be on your right-hand side. Please drive into the parking lot and continue toward the back of the building where you will find plenty of parking.