2026 - Gateway to Chan Hybrid Retreat - Barre Center for Buddhist Studies

December 8, 2026
December 13, 2026

In the Chan tradition, there are two main approaches to awakening: the method of silent illumination (mòzhào) and investigating a critical phrase (huàtóu). The former is a settling method of serene reflection on the nature of awareness; the latter is an explosive approach that aims to concentrate and shatter all mental states so awakening manifests. This retreat will deepen your practice, regardless of method, with 30 minute sitting meditation periods punctuated by mindful yoga and walking meditation.

Program Format: This retreat will primarily be held in silence with some dharma talks at night; there will not be group discussions or lecture presentations.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed during much of this program. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Prerequisites:

Having participated in at least one six day residential Buddhist retreat.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away. If you enroll in the hybrid program residential option, the residential programs cancellation policy will apply to you. If you enroll in the hybrid program online option, the online programs cancellation policy will apply to you. Learn more: https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/courses/cancellation/.

Online Schedule:

This program is hosted on Zoom. You can check the time of the group sessions in your timezone here: https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter. The schedule for this program (shown in US Eastern Time) is as follows:

Please note that the daily schedule will vary (sometimes significantly) from course to course. Below please find a typical schedule, keeping in mind that it will not directly reflect every course.

(* indicates online activity)

Opening Day

* 7:30 – 9:00 pm ET Program Opening/Evening Session

Middle Days

* 7:00 – 7:30 am ET Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am ET Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am ET Yogi/Household Tasks

* 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET Morning Session

12:00 – 12:30 pm ET Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 pm ET Break or Home Practice

* 2:00 – 5:00 pm ET Afternoon Session

5:00 – 5:30 pm ET Dinner

5:30 – 7:00 pm ET Break or Home Practice

* 7:00 – 9:00 pm ET Evening Session

Closing Day

* 7:00 – 7:30 am ET Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am ET Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am ET Yogi/Household Tasks

* 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET Morning/Closing Session

Session Recordings

Audio recordings will be available on DharmaSeed. A code will be provided at the end of the program.

Please note that sessions will not be recorded.

Schedule:

Please note that the daily schedule will vary (sometimes significantly) from course to course. Below please find a typical schedule, keeping in mind that it will not directly reflect every course.

Opening Day

2:00 – 5:45 pm Check-in

4:30 pm BCBS Campus Tour (optional)

5:50 – 6:30 pm Kitchen Orientation and Dinner

7:30 – 9:00 pm Opening Session

Middle Day(s)

6:30 am Wake-up Bell

7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Morning Session

12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

2:00 – 5:00 pm Afternoon Session

5:00 – 5:30 pm Dinner

5:30 – 7:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Session

Closing Day

6:30 am Wake-up Bell

7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Closing Session

12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch (optional)

Application:

Applications will close at 11:59 PM US Eastern time on August 21, 2026. Initial notifications will be sent September 18, 2026.

Gateway to Chan Hybrid Retreat

GuoGu

Deepening Practice,
Building Community.

GuoGu

Deepening Practice,Building Community.

Deepening Practice,
Building Community.