Bodhidharma’s Teaching: Intro to Zen and QiGong

RETREAT BY INVITED TEACHERS

About two thousand years ago, an enigmatic monk named Bodhidharma taught students the path to awakening. His teachings are even more relevant today as you will discover at this powerful weekend retreat.  We will learn and practice zazen, or seated meditation, and kinhin or walking meditation, as well as the QiGong practices of Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing.  Let go of your day-to-day concerns—come walk with us on Bodhidharma’s path of awakening.

“As Ryoshin’s student, I’ve found his grounded and patient approach makes the essence of Zen feel clear and accessible. His deep understanding of Zen’s ancient stories, rich history, and sincere practice brings the teachings to life in a way that continues to support my own journey.”

“Bob’s sharing and experience of QiGong was easy to understand. His presentation and exercises were something I can take home with me and are available online.”

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This retreat unifies body, mind and spirit through Zen and QiGong practices.

When we are not engaged in something that requires concentration, our “monkey mind” busies itself with all sorts of thinking. Zazen is a practice in which we “drop body and mind” and are fully present to our moment-by-moment experience. We let go of any expectation of improving or getting anything from our practice: we just sit. Somehow, this simple practice is transformative. Our mind slows down. We develop insight into our habits of mind. We become intimate with our life and the life of the world. We will also practice kinhin or walking meditation and engage in dharma study of Bodhidharma’s teachings.

Qigong is an ancient practice for health and longevity.  Through this practice we develop and nurture our Qi, which in turn improves its ability to keep our organs healthy and functioning optimally.  While the primary Daoist goal was longevity, the Buddhist goal was enlightenment. With the arrival of Bodhidharma in China in the 6th century, the teachings evolved and the two end goals became intertwined.

You will be introduced to two routines developed by Bodhidharma at the Shaolin Temple—routines which were secret until the 1980s.

• Yi Jin Jing, tendon changing classic, changes and strengthens ligaments, tendons and muscles, and increases the Qi flow to the 12 organs. 
• Xi Sui Jing, bone marrow cleansing classic, is an internal practice that cleanses and purifies the bone marrow and the brain. 

Together these practices provide a strong mind-body foundation to help transform daily living.

When not in class, relax in the Center’s beautiful environment. Enjoy the view from the patio or a nearby hike, curl up with a book in the library or contemplate the stars while sitting by the fire pit.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
• Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
• Shamatha and guided meditations
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna and walking trails

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for meditators at all levels and those simply interested in exploring the teachings. The movement practices are gentle and accessible.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, January 30

Saturday, January 31

Sunday, February 1