The Sunday morning Chan Workshop offers a blend of meditation and Dharma study. This event is an inclusive environment suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners. While attending in person is recommended, we understand if you prefer to join virtually. For those interested in participating remotely, here’s the Zoom link. Our Sunday morning sessions are structured as follows:
1. Eight-Form Chan Moving Meditation (8:30 – 9 am)
The Sunday morning Chan Workshop starts at 8:30 am with the 8-Form Chan Moving Meditation. This sequence of movements is a meditation developed by Master Sheng Yen and consists of a mixture of Yoga and Chi Gong exercises. Learn more. Video link.
2. Sitting Meditation (9 – 9:45 am)
After the 8-Form Chan Moving Meditation, there’s a very short break (5 mins), followed by a 45-minute session of sitting meditation. For this period of meditation, you can use whichever meditation method you are familiar with. Meditation cushions and towels will be provided as well as guidance on the Chan methods if necessary.
3. Morning Service (9:45 – 10 am)
Following the sitting meditation session, we transition into morning service. Morning service entails prostrations, reciting sutras, the 4 great vows, and transferring merit. You can find the sutras, vows, and transfer of merit on pages 2-4 via this link.
4. Book Study (10 – 11:30 am)
After the morning service, we convene for the Chan Workshop which explores a range of Dharma topics and/or book study. Previous discussions have delved into works by Master Sheng Yen, including “Chan and Enlightenment”, as well as videos featuring Master Sheng Yen’s teachings or presentations by our resident teachers. The aim of this workshop is to learn about the essential Chan and Buddhist principles. To view previous topics discussed in the Chan Workshop, please find this link.
5. Lunch
Following the class, you are welcome to join us for lunch. Vegetarian and vegan options will be provided.
If you have any questions, please send an email to DDMBAChicago@gmail.com.
Half-Day Retreat
As a part of the Sunday Chan Workshop program, the Half-Day Meditation Retreat takes place on the first Sunday of every month. As advocated in the DDM lineage which teaches “equal importance of doctrine and cultivation, or theory and practice”, this retreat offers an opportunity for practitioners to deepen their sitting meditation practice. There are two sessions of 45-minute sitting meditation with walking or yoga exercise in between each sitting. Please note, previous sitting meditation experience is necessary to participate.
Activity Outline:
- 08:30am – 09:00am : Eight Form Moving Meditation
- 09:00am – 09:45am : Sitting Meditation
- 09:45am – 10:15am : Walking Meditation
- 10:15am – 11:00am : Sitting Meditation
- 11:00am – 11:30am : Chanting Chan
- 11:30am – 12:30pm : Lunch Social