Come sit among the trees. Let the ancient Chan teachings speak in a new century. 

Redwood Vihara • Santa Cruz Mountains

Guest Teacher: Master Gilbert Gutierrez

Step into the stillness of the redwoods and rediscover the living heart of Chan. This weeklong immersion invites practitioners to explore the roots of Chan—hua tou, silent illumination, and breath awareness—as living methods for the modern world. Nothing forced, nothing ornamental. Just the steady work of resting the mind and letting clarity arise on its own.

Here, practice becomes a way of remembering what we already are: open, luminous, unbounded. We learn not to chase after silence, but to fall into it; not to build up a self that practices, but to let that self gently dissolve. This is a retreat in classical Chan style that entails substantial time in seated meditation.

Retreat Features

• Daily practice of hua tou, silent illumination, and breath meditation

• Teachings that honor classical Chan while meeting the needs of the modern world

• Silence amid majestic redwoods

• Guidance in “resting the mind” and dissolving the practitioner-self

• A natural, contemplative environment that supports insight and care

Requirements

• A daily meditation and/or Dharma practice

• Prior participation in at least one residential retreat

• Commitment to observing the Five Precepts

• All digital devices will be collected at check-in to minimize distraction

• Noble silence (speaking only when necessary) 

Application

Apply here. Spaces are limited. Apply early. 

Gilbert Gutierrez Biography

Master Gilbert Gutierrez has over fifty years of experience in meditation, which began with training in martial arts and Qi Gong. He is also a lay Dharma heir of Chan Master Sheng-yen. Master Gilbert teaches in a classical Chan style which inspires his students to investigate Mind through diligent practice and Right View. His sincerity and patience in delivering others before himself is unflagging. He teaches in a way that is simultaneously casual, humorous, accessible and deep, by drawing on every-day life situations as well as the works of great masters. He encourages students to practice sincerely so that wisdom and compassion will arise, and the nature of Mind will be revealed.