March 3 - 11, 2023
Stillness in Motion (Online)
In this online non-traditional program, learn to integrate meditation into your daily life. Join experienced Chan teachers from across the United States and Europe for an in-depth exploration of Zen relaxation, retreat practice, study, and daily practice. Guided by the late Master Sheng Yen’s practical and inspiring text, Zen and Inner Peace Volume One, we will learn how his teachings can inform, and deepen our practice and contribute to the world’s healing and our own.
Through daily dharma talks, emails, group discussions, and meditation sessions, we will discover the benefits of Chan practice of slowing down and simplifying our lives using compassion and wisdom.
This seven-day program includes:
- A two-day online meditation retreat
- Daily afternoon Dharma Talks at 2:30 pm EST and video recordings afterward
- Daily email reflections selected from Master Sheng Yen’s text to inspire our learning
- Daily opportunities for three meditation periods, in our Online Meditation Hall with participants from around the world
Schedule
March 3, Friday 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Orientation
March 4 & 5: Two-Day Online Meditation Retreat
9 am EST to 5 pm EST schedule includes meditation, exercise, Dharma Talk, and walking meditation with a two-hour lunch break and work practice option. You can choose and commit to a full one-day or two-day retreat.
| 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Meditation, Exercise, Dharma Talk |
| 12:00 – 1:45 pm | Lunch Break, Work Practice |
| 2:00 – 5:00 pm | Stretch, Walking, and Sitting Meditation |
March 6-10: Daily Schedule
| 6:00 am EST | study the quote and the reflection question of the day delivered by email |
| 7:00-7:25 am | eight-form moving meditation |
| 7:30-8:00 am | first meditation sitting |
| 8:00-8:40 am | second meditation sitting (optional; pick one or do both sittings) |
| 2:00-2:30 pm | meditation sitting |
| 2:30-3:30 pm | Dharma talks and Q&A |
| 7:00-7:30 pm | evening sitting |
| 7:30-7:50 pm | breakout groups and sharing |
| 7:50-8:40 pm | optional meditation sitting |
| 8:40-8:50 pm | massage |
March 11: Last Day Schedule
| 6:00 am EST | study the quote and the reflection question of the day delivered by email |
| 7:00-7:20 am | eight-form moving meditation |
| 7:30-8:00 am | first sitting meditation |
| 8:00-8:45 am | second sitting meditation (optional) |
| 1:30-2:00 pm | sitting meditation |
| 2:00-2:50 pm | group sharing |
| 2:50-3:00 pm | transfer of merit & group picture |
When meditating, please respect this virtual practice as if you were practicing in Chan Hall. Allow enough space in the comfort of your own home for seated meditation. Let your housemates know that you should not be disturbed at that time. During the rest of the day, hold on to your practice with relaxation and clear awareness.
For sitting meditation, floor cushions or meditation benches would be best if you have them. Although a sturdy, comfortable chair where your thighs can be level with the floor is acceptable as well.
Teachers for Daily Dharma Talks
| 3/3 Friday | Abbot Guo Yuan – Orientation |
| 3/4 Saturday | Abbot Guo Yuan |
| 3/5 Sunday | Abbot Guo Yuan |
| 3/6 Monday | Nancy Bonardi |
| 3/7 Tuesday | Rebecca Li |
| 3/8 Wednesday | Harry Miller |
| 3/9 Thursday | Karmen Mihalinec |
| 3/10 Friday | Zarko Andricevic |
