 “One famous Zen master only heard the sound of a rooster crowing and was enlightened. Another Zen master was just sweeping the yard when his broom threw a rock against a piece of bamboo with a loud knock and he was enlightened. He and the sound had become one. So this matter of sound in Zen practice is really very simple. Any sound will do. What’s important is to perceive the sound and become one with it, without separation, without making “I” and “sound.” At the moment of true perceiving, there is no thought, no separation, only perceiving sound. This is the crucial point. So during chanting time, perceive your own voice and the voice of others, just perceive this bell or drum sound, and cut off all thinking. Then your wisdom-mind will grow, you will get enlightenment and thus save all beings.” This retreat will combine sitting practice with “chanting Zen”. The structure will be less formal than our normal Zen retreats and we won’t hold silence during breaks. Bring your drums, bells and whistles, and your voice of course. Our main chant will be Kwan Seum Bosal, repeated over and over again, but we will also chant a couple of other chants and mantras. Kido is a lively, energetic experience during which we attempt to break through the barriers of the conditioned mind and all judgments we hold, about ourselves, others and the chanting we co-create. During a Kido retreat there’ll be no interviews with a Zen Master or teacher, we will have a short work-period and share informal meals together. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of Furnace Mountain, meditate and hang out together. You don’t have to have a trained voice to participate in this retreat. All are welcome! Costs: $85 for the entire weekend including overnight stays, $40 if you just come for the Saturday part of the program. Scholarships available for those with limited means. Schedule: Friday, June 16 7:30 – 9pm Introduction, brief talk and chanting Saturday, June 17 6:00am Silent meditation (optional) 7:00am Chanting session 8:00am Breakfast & brief work period 10:00am Chanting session 12:00pm Lunch and break 2:30pm Chanting session 4:30 pm Personal break or silent meditation time, dinner (optional) 6:00pm Chanting session 8:00pm Hanging out around fire pit (optional) Sunday, June 18 (optional) at no additional costs 8:00am Silent meditation in temple 9:00am Breakfast, open end For more information and to sign up, please contact our office: office(at)furnace mountain.org
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