Chan Retreat „Paths to Chan“ September 2023

In the retreat entitled “Paths to Chan” we will become familiar with the Chan methods, as taught in the lineage of Master Sheng Yen. Unlike longer-term retreats the daily routine is designed a little looser and more flexible, and more instructions and explanations are given.

We learn the basic techniques of relaxation and concentration to settle body and mind. Thereafter we are introduced to the methods of “Silent Illumination” (Mozhao) and Huatou. Discover which method suits you the most. We practice in sitting periods of 30 or 40 minutes, alternating with Yoga exercises and meditative walking.

Dharma talks include also practical aspects of our predecessors. Questions and problems arising with the use of the chosen meditation method can be discussed in individual interviews. Daily one hour of work meditation. Continuous silence.
We will start the retreat on September 2 at 6:00 p.m. and finish on September 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Retreat language is German, translation into English is possible.

The prerequisite for acceptance to the retreat is at least 6 months of experience in Buddhist meditation practice.

Venue: Casa Trüb, CH-6984 Pura, Tessin (see here) Casa Trüb is located in the municipality of Pura, a 15-minute walk from Lago di Lugano and close to the border with Italy. Ideally accessible via the suburban railroad and the cantonal road, the hillside location with generous surroundings nevertheless ensures seclusion.

Retreat Teacher

Hildi Thalmann, Chang She (“Always Letting Go”). After many years of practicing meditation in the Christian contemplation and Japanese Zen tradition, she became a student of Master Sheng Yen in 2004. She attended many retreats with Master Sheng Yen and his successors. In 2008 she received teaching permission by Master Sheng Yen. Since then, she was regularly involved in teaching assignments as part of Chan Bern (www.chan-bern.ch) and as an assistant at retreats with Asian and Western Dharma heirs of Master Sheng Yen. She is the mother of 2 grown children, Dr. med., previously she worked as a child neurologist, Master of Science of Religion.

Retreat assistants are practitioners of Chan Bern.

Meister Sheng Yen (1930-2009) was one of the greatest contemporary Buddhist Chan Masters. He established the Dharma Drum lineage in the tradition of Chinese Humanistic Buddhism. The training of monks and nuns was one of his major concerns, as well as practicing socially engaged Buddhism and interreligious dialogue. The lineage of Master Sheng Yen unites Caodong (Jap. Soto) and Linji (Jap. Rinzai).

Casa Trüb

Casa Trüb is a place for the extraordinary. The historic Ticino house and its spacious garden invite you to relax, to be creative and to reflect. Casa Trüb has been in the family for almost 90 years. In the 1930s and 1940s it was also a place of lively intellectual exchange. In close contact with Martin Buber, Ernst Michel and other scholars who were guests here, Trüb’s pioneering concept of dialogic psychotherapy was born. Casa Trüb is located in the community of Pura, a 15-minute walk from Lago di Lugano and close to the border with Italy. Ideally accessible via the suburban railroad and the cantonal road, the hillside location with generous surroundings nevertheless ensures seclusion. The house is managed since 2016 by Nadine and Nadir Weber-Amsler. (www.casa-trueb.net)

Retreat Fee

Retreat fee: 5 days (including veg. meals, lodging in with one or two beds): CHF 390 Sponsor: CHF 450

The retreat fee is to be transferred by August 22, 2023 to:
Verein Chan Bern. IBAN CH97 0900 0000 6059 2636 0
BIC POFICHBEXXX,
PostFinance AG, Mingerstr. 20, CH 3030 Bern
Designation: Chan Bern, 3000 Bern.

With the bank transfer your participation is automatically accepted (if there are still places available).

Additional information: Participants with limited financial resources may apply for a discount on the participation fee. Meditation cushions and mats are on site. The retreat-house has no central heating system. Please bring warm clothing and also your own terry towels and bedding.

Application

The application form and the retreat fee should be sent by August 22, 2023 to: info@chan-bern.ch

Or register directly here online:

Chan Retreat „Paths to Chan“