UPCOMING EVENTS
In general, registration for events will open 3 months prior to the event start. Registration for week-long retreats will open 4 months prior to retreat start.
January 2024
1/27
Led by David Listen
February 2024
2/10
Led by Nancy Bonardi
2/16 - 2/19
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan, Ven. Chang Ji & David Listen
March 2024
3/1 - 3/3
Led by Chang Yao Fashi
This in-person weekend offers a review of basic meditation methods (such as awareness of the breath), introductory guidance in the method of Silent Illumination, and brief Dharma talks.
3/9
Led by Chang Yao Fashi
Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
3/22 - 3/24
3/29 - 4/6
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
For this advanced intensive retreat, participants will delve into the Huatou method. The program includes Dharma talks and personal interviews, and the integration of Huatou into both intensive retreat as well as in daily life.
April 2024
4/19 - 4/21
Led by Rebecca Li
4/27
Led by Nancy Bonardi
May 2024
5/3 - 5/11
Led by Gilbert Gutierrez
This retreat will cover how to apply classical Right view to all major Chan methods of meditation to make them more effective. The ancient Chan Masters have stated that for one to practice Chan they must have a “true and proper understanding.”
5/25 - 6/1
Led by Rebecca Li
June 2024
6/8 - 6/9
Opens Soon
6/14 - 6/16
Led by David Listen
6/19 - 6/25
Led by Resident Monastics
6/28 - 7/6
Led by Zarko Andricevic
Facilitated with warmth, humor and ease, Zarko Andricevic will be present the method of Silent Illumination of the Caodong sect through Chan practice instruction, Dharma talks, and individual interviews adapted to modern practitioners.
July 2024
7/20 - 7/21
Led by David Listen
Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
August 2024
8/16 - 8/18
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
This in-person weekend retreat has a simple schedule that allows you to settle your mind while at the same time allowing you to maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
8/23 - 8/25
Led by Rebecca Li
8/30 - 9/1
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
September 2024
9/6 - 9/14
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
The silent illumination method will be taught in the context of daily life activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, working, and eating. Chanting and gentle yoga exercises further harmonize the body, breath, and mind.
9/21 - 9/22
Led by David Listen
Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
9/27 - 9/29
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
In our weekend meditation class, you will learn the fundamentals of sitting meditation, including: proper postures, basic methods of concentration, and important concepts related to the process of meditation.
October 2024
10/4 - 10/9
Led by Rebecca Li
10/19 - 10/26
Led by David Listen
November 2024
11/2
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
During a one-day retreat, which is conducted in silence, you have the opportunity to escape daily stress, refresh your mental and physical state, and nurture your meditation practice.
11/8 - 11/10
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience the of practice meditation and it is also a fantastic way to treat yourself. Give your “self” a weekend of meditation, experiencing and enjoying the benefits of Chan practice.
11/15 - 11/17
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
In our weekend meditation class, you will learn the fundamentals of sitting meditation, including: proper postures, basic methods of concentration, and important concepts related to the process of meditation.
11/29 - 12/7
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
December 2024
12/26 - 1/4
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
January 2025
1/5 - 1/19
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
1/25
Led by Nancy Bonardi
February 2025
2/8
Led by David Listen
2/14 - 2/17
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
Join us to explore the foundational practices of meditation. You’ll learn essential techniques for sitting meditation, basic concentration methods, and key principles to deepen your understanding of Chan meditation.
April 2025
4/5 - 4/10
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
Join us to explore the foundational practices of meditation. You’ll learn essential techniques for sitting meditation, basic concentration methods, and key principles to deepen your understanding of Chan meditation.
4/19
Led by Nancy Bonardi
Come practice and learn together with us online! Build diligence, experience camaraderie as we explore self-mastery through Chan meditation.
4/25 - 4/27
Led by Rebecca Li
May 2025
5/16 - 5/18
Led by David Listen
5/24 - 5/31
Led by Rebecca Li
June 2025
6/14 - 6/21
Led by Various Monastics
6/28 - 7/5
Led by Zarko Andricevic
Facilitated with warmth, humor and ease, Zarko Andricevic will be present the method of Silent Illumination of the Caodong sect through Chan practice instruction, Dharma talks, and individual interviews adapted to modern practitioners.
July 2025
7/19 - 7/26
Led by David Listen
This is a full seven-day foundation meditation, designed for people newer to practice and experienced practitioners alike. The retreat schedule is tailored to the development of concentration and ease—not too tight, not too loose.
August 2025
8/15 - 8/17
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
8/22 - 8/24
Led by Rebecca Li
A “beginner’s mind” is a mind open to experiencing life in the present moment, free from preconceived notions and expectations. If you are new to meditation practice, or have never participated in a retreat, this is an ideal way to begin your spiritual journey.
8/30 - 9/7
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
September 2026
Saturday 9/5 - Saturday 9/12
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
The Silent Illumination method will be taught in the context of daily life activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, working, and eating. Chanting and gentle yoga exercises further harmonize the body, breath, and mind. The retreat also includes daily lectures, meditation instruction, guided meditation, and personal interviews.
Friday 9/25 - Sunday 9/27
Led by David Slaymaker
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience the practice of meditation. It is also a fantastic way to treat yourself. Give your “self” a weekend of meditation, experiencing and enjoying the benefits of Chan practice.
October 2026
Friday 10/2 - Wednesday 10/7
Led by Dr. Rebecca Li
Thoroughly confronting this question can take us directly to the center of our being. Over the course of this five-day retreat you will investigate the question “Who am I?” within a standard retreat framework, using silent sitting meditation in conjunction with the communication exercise, a unique method of verbal inquiry. This format allows you to use words to go beyond words and thereby enter the main gate of Chan.
Friday 10/23 - Sunday 10/25
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
Enjoy a two-day break to settle your mind, allowing you to maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
November 2026
Friday 11/6 - Sunday 11/8
Led by Yan Wu Fashi
Although methods of meditation may sound simple and straightforward, it is best to practice them under the guidance of a teacher. An experienced teacher will be able to identify and correct common pitfalls that could lead to problems or a lack of useful results.
Saturday 11/14
Led by Yan Wu Fashi
Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
Friday 11/27 - Sunday 11/29
Led by David Slaymaker
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience the practice of meditation. It is also a fantastic way to treat yourself. Give your “self” a weekend of meditation, experiencing and enjoying the benefits of Chan practice.
December 2026
Saturday 12/12
Led by David Listen
Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
Saturday 12/26 - Saturday 1/2
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. In this 7-day retreat, you will have the opportunity to practice huatou with total dedication.
January 2027
Sunday 1/3 -Sunday 1/17
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. In this 14-day Silent Illumination retreat, we will embody lucid spaciousness together.
September 2025
9/20
Led by David Listen
Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
9/26 - 9/28
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
In our weekend meditation class, you will learn the fundamentals of sitting meditation, including: proper postures, basic methods of concentration, and important concepts related to the process of meditation.
October 2025
Friday 10/3 - Wednesday10/8
Led by Rebecca Li
Over the course of this five-day retreat, you will investigate the question “Who am I?” within a standard retreat framework, using silent sitting meditation in conjunction with the communication exercise, a unique method of verbal inquiry.
Friday 10/17 - Sunday 10/19
Led by David Slaymaker
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience the practice of meditation. It is also a fantastic way to treat yourself. Give your “self” a weekend of meditation, experiencing and enjoying the benefits of Chan practice.
November 2025
Friday 11/14 - Sunday 11/16
Led by David Slaymaker
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience the of practice meditation and it is also a fantastic way to treat yourself. Give your “self” a weekend of meditation, experiencing and enjoying the benefits of Chan practice.
Saturday 11/22
Led by David Listen
Give yourself a day to still the mind through meditation. This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
December 2025
Friday 12/19 -Sunday 12/21
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. In this 3-day retreat, you will have the opportunity to harmonize body, mind, and breath.
Friday 12/26 -Sunday 1/3
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. In this 9-day retreat, you will have the opportunity to practice the huatou with total dedication.
January 2026
Sunday 1/4 - Sunday 1/18
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. In this 15-day Silent Illumination retreat, together we will embody lucid spaciousness.
March 2026
Friday 3/20 - Sunday 3/22
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
Join our Beginner’s Meditation Class to explore the foundational practices of meditation. You’ll learn essential techniques for sitting meditation, including proper postures using a cushion, bench, or chair, as well as basic concentration methods and key principles to deepen your understanding of Chan meditation.
Friday 3/27 - Sunday 4/4
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
In this Huatou Retreat, the method will be taught in the context of daily life activities to investigate the Huatou anytime, anywhere whether you are sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, working, and eating.
April 2026
Friday 4/17 - Sunday 4/19
Led by Yan Xi Fashi
Join our Beginner’s Meditation Class to explore the foundational practices of meditation. You’ll learn essential techniques for sitting meditation, including proper postures using a cushion, bench, or chair, as well as basic concentration methods and key principles to deepen your understanding of Chan meditation.
Friday 4/24 - Sunday 4/26
Led by Dr. Rebecca Li
Reconnect with your body and mind in Chan practice. The retreat schedule that alternates between sitting meditation with various forms of moving meditation is designed to help you harmonize the body and mind. Both in stillness and in motion, you will learn to cultivate clarity and stability of mind amidst all that you do.
May 2026
Friday 5/8 - Sunday 5/10
Led by David Listen
This in-person weekend retreat has a simple schedule that allows you to settle your mind while at the same time, allowing you to maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
Saturday 5/23 - Saturday 5/30
Led by Dr. Rebecca Li
This traditional 7-day retreat provides time and space for dedicated practitioners to learn, practice, and cultivate the Chan method of Silent Illumination. Simple yet difficult, with focused practice, you may encounter a lucid spaciousness and clear Dharma insight.
June 2026
Friday 6/5 - Sunday 6/7
Led by David Listen
This in-person weekend retreat has a simple schedule that allows you to settle your mind while at the same time, allowing you to maintain a constant awareness of your every activity.
Friday 6/26 - Saturday 7/4
Led by Zarko Andricevic
Facilitated with warmth, humor, and ease, the teaching and methods of Zarko Andricevic will present the method of Silent Illumination of Caodong sect through Chan practice instruction, Dharma talks, and individual interviews adapted to modern practitioners.
July 2026
Saturday 7/11 - Saturday 7/18
Led by David Listen
This is a full seven-day meditation retreat, designed for people newer to practice and experienced practitioners alike. The retreat schedule is tailored to the development of concentration and ease—not too tight, not too loose.
Saturday 7/25 -Friday 7/31
Led by Chang Ji Fashi, Yan Xi Fashi, Chang Yuan Fashi
We are excited to once again introduce the “Life in the Retreat Center” project, designed to provide individuals in early adulthood (ages 18-35) with a cost-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the different facets of DDRC retreat life.
August 2026
Friday 8/21 - Sunday 8/23
Led by Dr. Rebecca Li
A “beginner’s mind” is a mind open to experiencing life in the present moment, free from preconceived notions and expectations — a mind open to genuine understanding and self-realization. If you are new to meditation practice, or have never participated in a retreat, this is an ideal way to begin your spiritual journey.
Friday 8/28 -Sunday 8/30
Led by Abbot Guo Yuan
In this Huatou workshop, you will gain a deep understanding of the method through engaging discussions and teachings. You’ll discover how to apply this approach both in the classroom and in your everyday experiences.
