Silent Illumination
In Chan meditation, the highest state of Silent Illumination is the absence of any object of awareness. As Chan Master Hongzhi Zhengjue states in Admonitions for Seated Meditation: “Without encountering things, it knows; without opposing conditions, it illumines.” This describes the state of an enlightened being.
For unenlightened practitioners, this teaching is often misunderstood and grasped only conceptually. Truly contacting the environment without an object of awareness requires deep understanding and genuine practice. How can practitioners progress toward this state?
This Chan retreat offers a rare opportunity to understand Silent Illumination through the guidance of Venerable Guo Goang. She will explain Silent Illumination from the perspective of the awakened mind and present practical methods for progressing toward this state.
Schedule as shown on the image above. Free vegetarian lunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-1:30pm.
About Ven. Guo Goang:
Venerable Guo Goang was ordained in 1990 and received Dharma transmission from Chan Master Sheng Yen in 2005. She went for a solitary retreat in 2013 and returned to Dharma Drum Mountain as the Deputy Abbot in 2019. She currently is a senior teacher at the Chan Meditation Center, New York City.
Registration:
Click here to register for this event. The registration includes a vegetarian lunch. The event is free, and your generous donation is warmly welcomed.
Check-in:
Check-in on Friday begins at 5:30pm. Check-in on Saturday and Sunday begins at 8:30 am.
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.
If you have any questions, please email Iris Wang: iwang123@yahoo.com.
Accommodation:
Please note that we do not offer accommodation at our facility.
If you are coming from out of town and need accommodation here are some nearby hotels:
Affordable:
Mid-range:
- MainStay Suites (Northbrook) in Wheeling (nearest)
More comfortable:
- Staybridge Suites Chicago — Glenview:
2600 Lehigh Avenue Glenview, Illinois 60026 United States Get Directions
- Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago/Mt. Prospect. — Mt Prospect
Car-Pooling:
If you need a ride from downtown Chicago / Hyde Park / Evanston OR can offer a ride please fill out the following Car-Pooling form. Thank you!
Recommended Readings:
Master Sheng Yen: The Method of No Method
Guo Gu: Silent Illumination