Let’s all practice together! Heart Kyol Che 2012
What is Kyol Che?
Kyol Che is a traditional Korean Zen retreat. The name means “tight dharma” or “coming together.” In Korea, it is the three-month winter and summer periods when monks and nuns do intensive sitting practice in the mountain temples. Providence Zen Center holds two Kyol Che retreats annually, with students sitting up to three months in the winter and four weeks in the summer.
What is the Heart Kyol Che?
The Heart Kyol Che is an opportunity for students who cannot sit the traditional Kyol Che, or who can sit only part of it, to participate by doing extra practice at home and practicing together with others as they are able. This will run concurrently with the traditional Kyol Che. By doing this Heart Kyol Che together, we will strengthen our own practices, and provide support to our fellow students who are able to sit the traditional Kyol Che. We in turn can draw inspiration and energy from their committment.
Will there be together action opportunities?
Students participating in the Heart Kyol Che are encouraged to attend the Kyol Che events at the Delaware Valley Zen Center listed on the second page. Please note that there are also opportunities to attend other Kwan Um School Kyol Che events at Providence and other locations around the world.
What if I can’t get to Providence Zen Center?
If you are geographically distant, you can still participate in the Heart Kyol Che through your commitment to practice at home. Try to attend talks, sittings, and retreats at The Delaware Valley Zen Center or another center of the Kwan Um School of Zen.
How do I arrange to participate?
Fill out the practice commitment form (message me for a form); keep a copy for yourself, and email a copy to dvzcsangha@gmail.com. You can also use the same form to register for retreats.
What does the Heart Kyol Che consist of?
1. An effort to do daily practice (suggested minimum is recitation of the Four Great Vows; bowing; chanting of the Heart Sutra; and sitting at least fifteen minutes)
2. Doing daily mantra practice (suggested minimum is one thousand Kwan Seum Bosals)
3. A personal day of silence and mindfulness (optional)
4. Long sittings (suggested minimum is one)
5. Dharma talks (suggested minimum is one)
6. Yong Maeng Jong Jins and one day retreats(suggested minimum is one day)
7. One or more weeks of Winter Kyol Che at Providence (optional)
8. Winter Kyol Che ceremonies at Providence (optional)
9. Work practice at your Zen center
