For many years Gilbert has been teaching Chan Buddhism (Zen) at the Riverside Chan Meditation Group in Riverside, California. In 2002, Gilbert received Dharma Transmission from Chan Master Sheng-Yen, founder of the Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association, making him the only western lay lineage holder of Master Sheng Yen in North America. His weekly Monday Night Chan classes are broadcasted live online and reach students all over the world. Gilbert’s teachings emphasize the importance of Right View as it is expressed in the teachings of the ancient Chinese Chan masters from the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as in the key Mahayana Sutras. In this retreat, Gilbert will introduce both basic and advanced instructions to meditation and will help fine-tuning of participants’ methods. Upon popular request, this will be his 24th visit to Michigan and we cordially invite you to join that auspicious Dharma event.
Register here for the 2-Day Hybrid Retreat: https://forms.gle/i7Pja8kuAKPDutXz9
Scheduled Events:
Thursday, September 25
Lecture at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – The League, Room 4
Topic: Spirit of Chan: The Fundamentals of Mahayana Doctrine Demonstrated in Meditative and Daily Practice
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM EDT (onsite only)
Friday, September 26
Lecture and Luncheon at MSU Brody – Conference Room, 2nd Floor
Topic: Patriarch Chan: The Chan Masters’ Expression of the Mind (Thusness) through the practice of Mind Work
Lecture: 10:00–11:30 AM EDT (onsite only)
Luncheon: 11:30 AM–2:00 PM EDT (with Q&A Regarding Chan Mind Work)
Saturday–Sunday, September 27–28
Two-Day Hybrid Meditation Retreat at Amitabha Village Retreat Center
Theme: The Demonstration of Profound Wisdom in Meditative and Daily Practice:
The Emergence of True, Unbridled Compassion
Retreat Schedule:
Saturday, 9/27: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, 1:30–5:00 PM, & 7:00–9:00 PM EDT
Sunday, 9/28: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:30–5:00 PM EDT
This retreat is open to both new and experienced practitioners.
Onsite Participation:
A $60 donation is kindly requested from onsite retreatants to help cover the cost of meals, the teacher’s travel, and facility use during the retreat. Lunch and dinner will be provided on both days.
If the suggested donation poses a challenge, please feel free to contact us.
Online Participation:
Everyone joining online is warmly invited to participate for free.
Registration:
Register here for the 2-Day Hybrid Retreat: https://forms.gle/i7Pja8kuAKPDutXz9
Retreat Check-In:
The retreat begins at 9:00 AM EDT on Saturday, September 27.
Please arrive between 8:00–8:45 AM EDT at Amitabha Village.
Zoom will open at 8:30 AM EDT for online participants.
To Donate:
You can contribute via PayPal or credit card through the PayPal Giving Fund:
https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/1842616
Or mail a check to:
Lansing Buddhist Association
P.O. Box 4605
East Lansing, MI 48826
For bank transfers or questions, please contact:
For more information, contact:
Email: lansingbuddhist@gmail.com
Phone: 517-292-3110
Website: www.lansingbuddhist.org
Location: Amitabha Village Retreat Center, 14796 Beardslee Rd., Perry, MI 48872
Retreat Directions:
Address:
Amitabha Village Retreat Center
14796 Beardslee Rd.
Perry, MI 48872
(20 minutes east of Lansing)
> From East Lansing: Go east on Saginaw. Bear right at Haslett Road. Stay on Haslett for 9.1 miles. Turn left onto N. Williamston Road. After 2.2 miles, N. Williamston becomes Beardslee, a dirt road. Go about 1/3 mile to Amitabha Village. Retreat check-in is at the first house on your right (14791 Beardslee).
> From Ann Arbor/Detroit: Take I-96 west to exit 117 (Williamston Rd). Go north on Williamston to Haslett Rd, a dead end. Turn right on Haslett, then make an immediate left on next street (N. Williamston) and proceed as in the E. Lansing directions (see above).
Short Bio: Gilbert M. Gutierrez – Chan Master
Gilbert Gutierrez is a lay Chan master in the Chinese Chan tradition.
His parents were of Mexican descent. Gilbert grew up and was raised as a Catholic in the United States. He obtained a BA and a law degree from UCLA. In 1974, he was admitted to the California Bar and has been practicing law for over 40 years in Riverside, CA.
Growing up Catholic, Gilbert felt strong ties with the Virgin Mary and the idea of universal compassion for all beings. However, he also had religious doubts and felt a longing for a greater truth which he knew existed but hadn’t yet found. His religious search took him to many different places, and he also practiced martial arts for many years.
Being drawn to the meditative dimension of martial arts, Gilbert began studying with many Chi Gong masters and felt the need to find out about the purpose and meaning of the practice. Yet his deeper questions were not answered by those masters in a satisfactory manner until he encountered Buddhism.
Gilbert began formal training in Buddhism under a Buddhist Chi Gong master. Coming across the Diamond Sutra he had a profound experience.
Later, Gilbert met and undertook years of training as a disciple of the Great Chan Master, Venerable Sheng-Yen. After devoted effort, in 2002 he received Dharma transmission from Master Sheng Yen and became one of his five lay Dharma heirs, and the only western lay lineage holder of Master Sheng Yen in North America.
Today, Gilbert teaches Dharma and practices law in Riverside California. He also travels across the country and overseas to teach the Buddha Dharma in the United States, Canada, Taiwan, and in Europe.
Link to the Riverside Chan Meditation Group’s webpage: http://www.riversidechan.org/.
Audio recordings of Gilbert’s Dharma talks can be downloaded from http://dharmatalks.riversidechan.org, and a
Video archive of Gilbert’s more recent teachings is hosted on his group’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@chanmindwork