Gateway to Chan Hybrid Retreat
GuoGu’s Events
Gateway to Chan Hybrid Retreat
Dates
December 8 – 13, 2026
Location
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
149 Lockwood Road
Barre, MA 01005
Also available online via Zoom
Format
Hybrid — residential or online
Cost — online
$189 – $299
Tier pricing available
Cost — residential
$695 – $1,495
Commuter: $425
Registration
Gateway to Chan Hybrid Retreat
with Guo Gu
December 8 – 13, 2026 · Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
About this retreat
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. The program will primarily be held in silence with dharma talks in the evenings. There will be no group discussions or lecture presentations.
Prerequisites & experience level
This retreat is suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners. Participants should have completed at least one six-day residential Buddhist retreat prior to attending.
Daily schedule — residential
| 2:00 – 5:45 pm | Arrival and check-in (opening day) |
| 7:30 – 9:00 pm | Opening session (opening day) |
| 6:30 am | Wake-up bell |
| 7:00 – 7:30 am | Group sitting practice |
| 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Morning session |
| 2:00 – 5:00 pm | Afternoon session |
| 7:00 – 9:00 pm | Evening session |
Pricing
| Option | Tier 3 | Tier 2 | Tier 1 | Benefactor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $189 | $219 | $249 | $299 |
| Residential | $695 | $895 | $1,095 | $1,495 |
Commuter option: $425. Financial assistance available on the registration page. Tier 1 covers the actual cost of the program; lower tiers are subsidized by donor support.
Program fees do not include teacher dana. Please consider offering dana to Guo Gu separately through the BCBS website.
Teacher
Guo Gu (Dr. Jimmy Yu)
Founder & Resident Teacher, Tallahassee Chan Center
Guo Gu is the founder and teacher of the Tallahassee Chan Center and Dharma Relief. He is a professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions at Florida State University and the author of Silent Illumination (2021) and Passing Through the Gateless Barrier (2016).