Vipassana Retreat
Embrace your zen spirit and master life’s challenges through clarity of mind, and balance of emotions.
Experience Authentic Chan Meditation Retreat in China
The word retreat originates from English, meaning “withdraw” or “step back.” In the realm of mind-body-spirit practices, it refers to a period of withdrawal or seclusion, commonly translated as meditation retreats. This practice involves stepping away from everyday life and immersing yourself in a serene, relaxed environment where meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and natural healing help restore balance to the body and mind. Simply put, a retreat is a deep conversation with yourself. It’s a chance to put down your phone, leave behind work stress, and focus entirely on your inner state. A retreat can alleviate stress, enhance focus and creativity, and help you explore inner peace.
Discover ancient methods that inherit the wisdom to master your life.
The vision of the Donghua Chan Monastery is to spread the knowledge of anover 3000 year old Chan tradition to the western modern world.
Monasticism and religious labels are secondary. We believe that true transformation begins within. To create lasting change, the only person who needs to transform is YOU!
The teachings of Donghua Chan have always been a profound source of wisdom and a method for enhancing the health and lives of its practitioners in ways beyond description.
Thus, it is our responsibility and honor to share the essence of Donghua Chan with you through this Self-Mastery program.
Swipe Left to See the Program Structure
Sitting Meditation
Engage in foundational sitting meditation sessions designed to help you experience the present moment with gentle awareness. Our guided practices foster a light and intimate connection with your inner self, promoting tranquility and focus.
Walking Meditation
Incorporate mindful walking into your daily routine. These sessions cultivate a heightened sense of presence and awareness while in motion, allowing you to integrate mindfulness seamlessly into your everyday activities.
Study Periods and Group Discussions
Participate in dedicated study periods and group discussions. These sessions allow you to explore the theoretical aspects of mindfulness-awareness meditation and share experiences with fellow participants, enriching your collective learning.
Kung Fu Lesson: Basic Stances & Punches
Through systematic practice, you Each session includes warm-up, stance training, punching exercises, and a cool-down period, ensuring that you can exercise effectively while minimizing the risk of injury during your learning process.
The Art of Ancient Chinese Instruments: Performance
Audiences will be transported by the elegant melodies and learn about the deep connection between Chinese music, philosophy, and nature.
Courtyard Walking Meditation
The practice emphasizes mindfulness, grounding, and connecting with the present moment, while the tranquil courtyard setting enhances the sense of harmony with nature.
Silence and Functional Speech
Experience periods of silent meditation, where both silence and functional speech are observed. These quiet moments deepen your introspection and enhance your meditation experience.
Contemplative Meals
Enjoy mindful meals taken in silence, fostering a deeper appreciation for each bite and promoting a meditative state even during eating. This practice enhances your relationship with food and mindfulness.
Talks by Senior Teachers
Gain valuable insights from our Senior Teachers as they share their profound understanding of meditation’s view and path. These talks provide inspiration and deepen your comprehension of mindfulness principles.
Donghua Chan Monastery Tour
Participants will experience the monastery's tranquil architecture, sacred halls, and beautiful natural surroundings while learning about its rich history and spiritual practices.
The Art of Chan Tea : A Performance by Master
The performance showcases the harmonious blend of tea preparation, mindfulness, and Chan philosophy, emphasizing simplicity, presence, and inner peace.
Donghua Dynamic Yoga
With only seven movements, regular practice can activate the innate life energy, unblock the eight extraordinary meridians and twelve regular meridians, balance the yin and yang within the body, and achieve benefits such as strengthening the body and promoting longevity. It is a simple and easy-to-learn method of scientific health cultivation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wellness Experience
Participants will explore holistic practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, Qi Gong, and TCM diagnostics. Guided by experienced practitioners, the experience focuses on restoring balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
Agricultural Chan (Zen) Experience
The activitiy aims to foster a deep connection with nature, promote inner peace, and cultivate a sense of harmony between body, mind, and the environment.
Awarding of Completion Certificates
At the end of the retreat, participants are honored with the Awarding of Completion Certificates, recognizing their dedication and progress in meditation practice. This retreat is perfect for those seeking spiritual growth, relaxation, and a deeper understanding of mindfulness in a peaceful monastic setting.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Note: Late applications may not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Don’t hesitate to contact us at info@agozen.com if you have any questions or require assistance with the application process.
Review Program Details: Please carefully review all program details, including dates, curriculum, costs, and accommodation options, to make sure they align with your goals and expectations.
Complete and Submit the Application Form: Please complete the application form accurately and thoroughly, ensuring all information is correct and current. To complete the application form please click the “Submit Your Application” button.
Receive Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation of your application within 3-5 business days.
Await Approval: The program maneger, Shifu HuaShan, will review your application and notify you of the decision within 3-5 business days.
Pay the Program Fee (upon acceptance): You will receive instructions on how to pay the application fee of 200 USD. This fee is non-refundable but transferable to a friend if you cannot attend the program.
Confirm your participation: Once the program fee is paid, your participation is confirmed, and you will receive detailed information, including accommodation details, travel instructions, visa application, and a packing list.
Visa Requirements
Visa Type
You will need a X2 type visa (short term visa for less than 180 days) to enter China for this program.
Required Documents
To apply for your visa, you will need the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining beyond your intended stay.
- A completed visa application form (available at relevant Chinese embassy website). For some nationals such as USA, you are required to complete the application form in person at the Embassy or Consulate.
- A passport-sized photograph that meets the specifications outlined on the application form.
- Proof of program enrolment or Invitation letter/Admission Notice (we will provide this upon your program acceptance) and supporting documents (school documents and inviting person ID).
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in China (bank statement or other financial documentation may be required).
- A copy of your round-trip flight itinerary.
Application Procedure
You must apply for your visa at your country’s nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. The processing typically takes five business days, but it is best to apply within two months before your departure date. Some consulates or embassies might ask for an original invitation letter. Posting this will take up to 15 working days and cost 75 USD.
Visa Fee
The visa fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you require. You should check the fees on the Chinese embassy website in your country.
Our Assistance
While we cannot directly process visa applications, we are happy to provide guidance and support throughout the process. We can also provide the necessary documentation to help you with your application. Don’t hesitate to contact us at info@agozen.com if you require assistance.
DONGHUA ZEN RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Discover Donghua Chan
The things you already know have brought you to where you are now. But to go further and reach new heights it is essential to continuously explore and rediscover yourself. The Donghua Chan Way of Self-Mastery presented in this program inherits the knowledge and ancient wisdom that will support and help you to climb your personal mountain.
A Path For All Levels
Our Chan Meditation Retreat programs are structured to support learners of all levels. Beginners receive a strong foundation in fundamental techniques, while intermediate students refine their skills and build mastery. Advanced practitioners are challenged to push their boundaries, exploring advanced techniques and deepening their understanding of kung fu philosophy. Regardless of your current skill level, we offer growth and fulfilment pathways.
WHAT HAPPENS after finishing the first retreat?
After the first retreat experience you will have everything that we the Donghua Chan Monastery think is essential and you need to build your life with a good foundation. Mastering yourself, by working on your body, mind and emotions is an ongoing process.
If you want to continue this journey with us, the Donghua Chan Monastery has many opportunities and future projects online and offline that you can participate in.
Restoration of an Ancient Monastery
SINCE 502CE
In 502 CE, Tripitaka Chan Master Zhiyao, an Indian eminent monk, arrived in Wengyuan County, Guangdong by sea. Marveled at the jagged Donghua Mountain range, which resembles India’s Vulture’s Peak, he went no further, and meditated in a cave at the foothills.
After the retreat, he built a monastery called “Vulture’s Peak Monastery.” That year predated the arrival of Bodhidharma, founder of the Chinese Chan school, by 25 years. In 677 CE, having inherited the monastic robe and alms bowl from the Fifth Patriarch, the Sixth Patriarch Huineng practiced in solitude here. He changed the name from “Vulture’s Peak Monastery” to “Donghua Chan Monastery.” In the subsequent history of 1,300 years,
Donghua Chan Monastery waxed and waned and was destroyed during the Ming-Qing war.
RESERVE YOUR DONGHUA CHAN RETREAT
Discover your true potential.
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What is Donghua Zen
Donghua Chan is also known as Donghua Awareness-Illumination Chan (DAIC，東華覺照禪). To maintain the “awareness-illumination” state is to guard one’s true mind.