Our true nature is the state of mind that exists before sadness, worry, anger, happiness, or joy. In true nature, there is nothing to defend. There is nothing lacking or overflowing—no sense of success or failure. Our true nature cannot be described in words but is always there. It is indestructible.

This retreat will focus on cultivating equanimity, insight, and mindfulness with nature as our dharma teacher. We will deepen our practice through silent meditation, chanting, body movement, dharma discourse, small group conversation, and one-on-one interviews. The mind-body relationship is integral to this experience, so we will include ample movement (stretching, Tai-chi, Qigong) and rest time to balance chi-energy.

This retreat draws on the heritage of Won Buddhism, a modern spiritual movement from Korea, with philosophical background in Taoism, Confucianism and traditional Buddhism.

Let us bathe together in the great mountain energy of Southern Dharma!

Space is limited and registration opens on July 1st at this link.

Guided by Rev. WonGong. Rev. WonGong (affectionately known as Rev. Wow!Gong) is the head dharma teacher at the Won Buddhism Meditation Temples in Chapel Hill and Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a guest lecturer at schools, colleges, and meditation centers around the world, teaching Buddhist philosophy and meditation to people of all ages and experience. Rev. WonGong integrates creative forms of meditation with body movement, vocal Qigong, breathing techniques, guided meditation, and laughter. Rev. WonGong is a master of implementing ideas for integrating the concepts of Buddhism into daily practice. Her kind, compassionate, and wise nature makes her a valued life counselor and effective teacher. She loves gardening and singing; she’s released two CDs—Chants for Healing (2020) and Chants of Samadhi (2018).