Blue Heron Zen Community Kyol Che

This Year’s Focus

This year we will focus on six of our Chinese ancestors and their teachings: Hui-neng, Ma-tsu, Nan-ch’uan, Chao-chou, Lin-chi, and Te-shan. (You may have already met them face to face in your Kong-an training.)

These Masters played critical roles in the development of Zen and formed the backbone of the tradition that has been transmitted from ancient China through Korea and down to us at Blue Heron and Golden Wind.

Background

In Korea, Kyol Che is a traditional intensive practice that takes place annually during the winter and summer. The name means “tight dharma” or “coming together.” Originally it was undertaken by monks and nuns doing intensive practice in mountain temples.

Here, in our busy and complex American lives, most of us cannot afford either the time or money to participate in this traditional practice model. But in our version of Kyol Che, we take the same principle to heart so that we, too, can intensify our practice and help others for a 90-day period within the reality of our own circumstances.

Although we are not living in a rigorous monastic setting, we can still find a way to investigate this matter completely and find our before-thinking original nature with total assurance and dedication. And we can also support each other in our efforts.

Even if your schedule does not permit your attending each and every retreat and Sunday morning practice session, if you are motivated to revitalize your practice, please contact me. Together, we can work out a plan to make it work for you. All talks will be recorded and made available to participants.

Kyol Che Teacher

Zen Master Jeong Bong

How to Participate

Before Kyol Che begins, please read and make the four commitments and submit a Kyol Che Intentions to the teacher who is leading Kyol Che.

2025 Schedule