Triple Crane Retreat Center

Three cranes were found on the property when Triple Crane Retreat Center first opened in 2012, and they gave the place its name. It sits a few miles north of downtown Chelsea, Michigan, and serves as the North American branch of the Huayen World Monastery in Taiwan, under the direction of Master Sea Cloud (Venerable Master Haiyun Jimeng). Master Zhong Hai, also known as Winnie, is the resident head nun and head teacher.

The center's teaching joins two lineages. In 2008 Master Sea Cloud became a lineage holder of the Lakulish International Fellowship and Enlightenment Mission in Gujarat, India, and was authorized to give Śaktipāta initiation by Swami Rajarshi Muni, a foremost disciple of Swami Kripalu. At Triple Crane, Chinese Huayen Mahayana Buddhism meets the Classical Hatha Yoga system of Swami Kripalvananda. The Chan instruction pairs walking meditation, breath work, yoga asana and Chinese energy exercises with seated sitting, the dynamic alongside the still.

The grounds hold two main buildings. Chan Hall has a full kitchen, a dining room, a large yoga and meditation hall, and overnight rooms for up to 20 guests. Beside the monastic quarters, the Dharma Hall hosts traditional Chinese Buddhist chanting and ritual. A newly completed Samantabhadra Hall is scheduled to host an offering ritual on October 17, followed by a vegetarian lunch, guqin music and a tea ceremony.

Ceremony sets the daily rhythm, with three practices each day and a Grand Meal Offering to the Buddha at the new and full moon. Sunday retreats cover QiGong, Tai Chi and meditation, and a 200-hour yoga teacher training is offered. As a non-profit, the center asks guests to donate what they can and offers work-trade for those who cannot give money.