Meditation Retreats

To taste the Chan

Chan Retreat Center is a rare location in Europe designed specifically for hosting meditation retreats. To focus in silence, to get in touch with our body and feelings,  and to release tension and prerequisites to grasp the essence of Chan

What are we retreating from? We are retreating from our every-day lives, habits, and the use of technology, from our immediate environment all the way to retreating from oneself. Discontinuing thinking about the past and the future, we place our mind into the reality of the present moment  where we can experience and encounter deeper layers of our being. 

A deeply transformative experience of Chan retreats is a key prerequisite for developing healing wisdom and compassion. 

We grow into it gradually, from one day to several-day retreats.

One-day meditation retreat

A day spent in meditation is a gentle introduction into the spirit of an extended chan meditation practice. You will get a taste of a continuous practice of meditation method in sitting, walking, exercising and completing simple chores. Meditation retreat is not just an individual practice within a group, but rather a silent communion in an atmosphere of mutual help and support that are an important part of spiritual practice.

Sun

23

One-day retreat

Taste of Chan, One-Day Meditation

Sunday, 23.03.2025. od 9:00-17:00

Chan Center Hartovski Vrh and online

Hartje bb, Kostanjevac | Zoom

Three-day meditation retreat

In the turmoil of daily-life, deeper layers of our being stay mostly hidden and invisible, and they are so worthy of discovery. The gentle atmosphere of a three-day retreat, we cultivate  beginners’ minds continuously returning into the present moment. We keep relaxing the body and mind by practicing breath meditation in stillness and mindfulness of the body in movement.

Upon completing the silent retreat, we can transfer acquired inner stability and peace into our daily lives.

 

Thu

17

Three-day retreat

Beginner's Mind, Three-Day Retreat

Thursday, 17.04.2025. u 16:30 -
Sunday, 20.04.2025. u 17:30

Chan Center Hartovski Vrh

Hartje bb, Kostanjevac

Seven-day meditation retreat

Lasting for one complete lunar phase, seven-day meditation retreat harmonizes us with the larger natural rhythms in the environment and it is considered a form of initiation into Chan practice.  As such, it is considered especially valuable. Over the course of seven days we can bring the mind into a state of continuous focus or one-mind. Such deep immersion opens the gate into seeing one’s own nature and the transformative experience that Chan points toward.

Retreat structure is a result of a long tradition. It requires a set of conditions — place, group, teacher, rhythm, and methods — that support our efforts to deepen the practice. It is called intensive intensive because in its pace, it corresponds to monastic retreats. Advanced Chan meditation methods such as Silent Illumination or mochao, and huatou are applied.

Life during meditation retreat is utterly simple. We immerse ourselves in the present moment In the rhythm of sitting, exercising, lectures, working, and resting. Simplifying life that way to these few basic activities, day by day, starts to reflect the inner simplicity and ease.

Sat

31

Seven-day retreat

Seven-Day Meditation Retreat

Saturday, 31.05.2025. u 16:30 -
Saturday, 07.06.2025. u 12:00

Chan Center Hartovski Vrh

Hartje bb, Kostanjevac

Solitary retreats

Upon consulting with the teacher, experienced members can attend three to seven days long solo retreats. The participants are expected to be self-sufficient. The Center provides support through recorded video Dharma talks and a possibility of an interview with the teacher.

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