Kwan Um Zen Weekend Retreat in Little Rock
with Zen Master Hae Kwang
McArthur Park
June 14-16, 2002

Friday, June 14

Public Talk: "In Korea the Sky is Blue; In Arkansas the Sky is also Blue"

After the talk there were opportunities for conversation and socializing. Tea, juice, and cookies were served.

Saturday/Sunday, June 15-16

Retreat: This  Intensive Retreat, done in silence, began at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and concluded at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday. The formal name of this style of retreat was Yong Maeng Jong Jin which translates at "Ferocious Effort".

Retreats are designed to help us realize our true nature and develop compassion for this world.

Participants were advised to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Mats, cushions, and chairs were provided.  Zen Master Hae Kwang requested that everyone be present at 7:45 on Saturday. The second day began  at 5:00 a.m. with everyone present by 4:45. Participants were asked to attend the entire retreat unless other arrangements were made in advance.

The retreat included sitting, chanting, walking, and bowing meditation, as well as work practice. Sitting periods were a maximum of 30 minutes. There were breaks throughout both days of meditation.

Four-bowl style vegetarian meals were served. Formal private kong-an interviews with Zen Master Hae Kwang were available.

Sunday, June 16

A Precepts Ceremony was held at 11:00 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch and party.

See pictures below.

Lucy Sauer welcoming those attending the precepts ceremony.

Lucy Sauer lighting candles at the start of the ceremony.

Theresa offering incense

Ron offering incense.

Theresa and Ron doing prostrations.

Zen Master Hae Kwang in foreground during precepts ceremony. Theresa Willems and Ron Kelley at mats taking Five Precepts.

Theresa, Lucy, Zen Master Hae Kwang, and Ron after the ceremony.

Zen Master Hae Kwang telling traditional stories about the precepts. (Senior Dharma Teacher Susan Warden with back to camera.)

Lucy shows a precepts certificate. Calligraphy is by Zen Master Hae Kwang.

Photo after precepts ceremony: Barbara and Jim from the Morning Star Zen Center in Fayetteville, Harrison, Chris, Lucy, Theresa, Zen Master Hae Kwang, Susan, Martin, Lorri, Ron, Russ, Karen, George, and Laura.

Surprise birthday party for Zen Master Hae Kwang (59 years old) after precepts ceremony.

All are admiring this cake. Ron's family, who attended the precepts ceremony are seen on the left.

Zen Master Hae Kwang expresses gratitude for the birthday celebration.

That cake was half carrot cake and half chocolate!