Deepen Your Chan Meditation Practice in an Authentic Monastic Environment

Are you looking for a deeper meditation experience beyond everyday mindfulness practice?

The 3-Day Silent Illumination Retreat at Liên Tâm Monastery in Turku, Finland offers practitioners the opportunity to step away from daily distractions and immerse themselves in the profound practice of Chan meditation (Zen meditation).

During three days of continuous cultivation, participants will practice Silent Illumination (Mozhao 默照) – one of the central meditation methods of Chan Buddhism – through sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma teachings, chanting, and mindful daily activities.

Surrounded by a peaceful monastic environment, practitioners can develop greater concentration, clarity, and inner stability while reconnecting with the natural awareness of the mind.

This retreat is designed for those who already have meditation experience and wish to deepen their Chan practice.

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Experience the Depth of Silent Illumination (Mozhao)

In modern life, our attention is constantly pulled outward by information, responsibilities, and distractions.

A meditation retreat creates the rare opportunity to slow down, turn inward, and discover the quiet clarity that is already present within the mind.

Silent Illumination (Mozhao) is a traditional Chan meditation method that combines stillness and awareness.

Rather than chasing special experiences or trying to eliminate thoughts, practitioners learn to remain present with openness and clarity.

Thoughts, emotions, and sensations naturally arise and disappear. Through continuous awareness, we gradually understand the patterns of the mind and develop greater freedom from habitual reactions.

Through this practice, participants cultivate:

• deeper concentration
• mental clarity and stability
• mindfulness in daily life
• insight into the nature of the mind
• patience, compassion, and wisdom

Silent Illumination is not an escape from life’s difficulties. Instead, it is a way of meeting life with a clearer and more balanced mind.

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Liên Tâm Monastery – Chan Practice in the Lâm Tế Chúc Thánh Tradition

Liên Tâm Monastery in Turku, Finland belongs to the Lâm Tế Chúc Thánh Chan lineage, a traditional Vietnamese Chan Buddhist lineage transmitted through generations of Dharma teachers.

The monastery was founded by Ven. H.T. Thầy Hạnh Bảo, the founding abbot of Liên Tâm Monastery.

Thầy Hạnh Bảo is a Dharma brother of Ven. T.T. Thầy Hạnh Giới, the founding abbot of Viên Lạc Meditation Center in Germany.

Although Liên Tâm Monastery and Viên Lạc Meditation Center are located in different countries, both communities share the same Dharma roots and continue the practice and teachings of the Lâm Tế Chúc Thánh tradition.

This retreat provides participants with the opportunity to practice Chan meditation within an authentic monastic environment guided by teachers from the same lineage.

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Retreat Teachers

During this 3-Day Silent Illumination Retreat, participants will be guided by:

Ven. Thầy Thông Tuệ

Resident Supervisor of Liên Tâm Monastery
Dharma disciple of Ven. H.T. Thầy Hạnh Bảo

Thầy Thông Tuệ will guide participants in meditation practice and support the retreat environment at Liên Tâm Monastery.

Ven. Thầy Thông Kiên

Dharma disciple of Ven. T.T. Thầy Hạnh Giới
Supervisor and Teacher at Viên Lạc Meditation Center, Germany

Thầy Thông Kiên will guide participants through Chan meditation practice, Dharma teachings, and retreat activities.

Together, they will support practitioners in developing a deeper understanding of Silent Illumination and Chan cultivation.

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What Is Chan Meditation?

Chan meditation is a Buddhist tradition dedicated to directly understanding the nature of the mind.

The word Chan comes from the Sanskrit word Dhyāna, meaning meditation or meditative absorption.

Chan practice is not simply a relaxation technique. It is a path of cultivation that develops:

• concentration
• wisdom
• compassion
• awareness
• freedom from unnecessary suffering

Through meditation, practitioners learn to observe the mind clearly and respond to life with greater balance and understanding.

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Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat is suitable for practitioners who:

✓ have previous meditation experience
✓ have completed a Chan meditation foundation course or similar training
✓ wish to deepen their Silent Illumination practice
✓ are comfortable with sitting and walking meditation
✓ are willing to practice noble silence
✓ want to experience authentic Buddhist retreat practice

This retreat is not intended as an introduction for complete beginners.

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Retreat Highlights

During the retreat, participants will practice:

• Silent Illumination (Mozhao)
• sitting meditation
• walking meditation
• Samatha and Vipassana cultivation
• Dharma teachings
• Buddhist chanting
• Eight-Form Moving Meditation
• mindful work practice (Dana)
• monastic daily activities
• tea ceremony and closing reflection

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Noble Silence – Creating Space for Inner Awareness

The retreat will be conducted in noble silence.

Silence is not simply the absence of speaking. It is a practice that allows us to observe the mind more deeply and develop concentration.

Participants are encouraged to reduce unnecessary external stimulation.

Mobile phones and electronic devices will be handed in at the beginning of the retreat.

In urgent situations, family members can contact the monastery.

By simplifying our environment, we create the conditions for deeper meditation and inner transformation.

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Retreat Schedule

The schedule may be adjusted according to retreat conditions.

Friday

18:00
Arrival, registration and room assignment

19:00
Introduction and retreat instructions

20:00
Opening meditation

22:00
Lights out

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Saturday

05:15
Wake-up bell

05:45
Eight-Form Moving Meditation

06:15
Sitting Meditation

07:00
Morning Chanting

07:30
Breakfast

08:30
Dana – Mindful Work Practice

09:30
Sitting and Walking Meditation

11:30
Lunch

12:30
Dana – Mindful Work Practice

14:00
Sitting and Walking Meditation

16:30
Dharma Teaching

17:30
Dinner

19:00
Evening Chanting

19:30
Sitting Meditation

22:00
Lights out

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Sunday

05:15
Wake-up bell

05:45
Eight-Form Moving Meditation

06:15
Sitting Meditation

07:00
Morning Chanting

07:30
Breakfast

08:30
Final Meditation Session

09:30
Tea Ceremony and Closing Reflection

11:30
Lunch

12:30
Farewell

14:00
End of Retreat

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Meals

Participants receive vegetarian or vegan meals during the retreat.

The meals follow the simplicity of Buddhist monastic practice and support meditation cultivation.

Please inform the organizers about allergies or special dietary requirements during registration.

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Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at Liên Tâm Monastery.

Participants should bring:

• sleeping bag or bedding
• comfortable meditation clothing
• indoor slippers
• personal toiletries
• weather-appropriate outdoor clothing

Further practical information will be provided after registration.

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Dana – Voluntary Contribution

Participation is offered through Dana (voluntary generosity).

In Buddhist tradition, Dharma teachings are not considered a commercial product but a gift that is shared freely.

Participants are invited to contribute according to their possibilities and with a spirit of gratitude.

Dana allows Buddhist practice opportunities to remain accessible to everyone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this retreat suitable for beginners?

This retreat is intended for people with previous meditation experience.

Beginners are encouraged to first attend an introductory Chan meditation course.

What meditation method will be practiced?

The retreat focuses on Silent Illumination (Mozhao), a traditional Chan meditation method integrating calm abiding and insight.

Is this a Buddhist retreat?

Yes. The retreat follows the Chan Buddhist tradition of the Lâm Tế Chúc Thánh lineage. Everyone with sincere interest in meditation practice is welcome.

Do I need to speak Finnish?

No. The retreat will be conducted in English.

Can I use my phone during the retreat?

To support deep practice, participants are asked to hand in electronic devices during the retreat.

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Join the Silent Illumination Retreat in Finland

Take three days away from everyday distractions and enter a space of silence, meditation, and inner cultivation.

The Silent Illumination Retreat at Liên Tâm Monastery in Turku, Finland offers a rare opportunity to experience Chan practice in an authentic monastic environment and deepen your connection with the Dharma.

We warmly welcome you to join this journey of stillness, awareness, and awakening.

Registration will open soon.