Dharma Drum Retreat Center — Local services in Town of Shawangunk

I have just returned from a Foundation Retreat at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and am so grateful for the experience. I learned the basics of Chinese Zen sitting meditation and was given ample opportunity to practice it. Through the short weekend, we were guided in moving meditation, sitting exercise, standing exercise, and mindful practice. I have so much to learn and was given so much to practice. The teaching was direct, kind, and mindful. The meals were incredible and prepared by generous volunteers. The sleeping accommodations where very comfortable; each person has their own room and everything is very clean and well kept. It's evident how much thought goes into how they care for their property. The grounds they are located on is heaven on earth. Peaceful, quiet, and welcoming. Most importantly, the instruction is kind, clear, and everyone is very encouraging. The staff, volunteers, and monastics were more than generous with their guidance, knowledge, and warm hearts. At the beginning of the retreat the focus is on learning and inward development however on the last day, at the very end, you get to connect with your fellow meditators and the entire staff of Dharma Drum which was a real treat. I will return again, and again, and again. Thank you Dharma Drum! I am eternally grateful and hope that I can return your kindness...

DDRC is a rare meditation center that offers profound, authentic teachings of Buddhism in a setting and fashion that is accessible to those who may be unfamiliar. Thank you very much to all of the teachers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to give us a space for relaxation and training.

The teachers at DDRC are monastics from Asia who are experienced in using English to instruct western students. The design of their retreats are comfortable and forgiving while still providing adequate intensity to challenge and inspire growth.

(Note for those familiar with meditation: the Chan school from which DDRC issues relentlessly focuses on meditative methods and the usage of the mind, and less on formal strictures and conventions. If you are familiar with retreats in the Zen style, you will probably adjust to the Chan approach quite quickly.)

The facilities, especially the meditation hall, are beautiful and modern. The retreat center is located in the tranquil embrace of nature where one normally hears nothing but birdsong and the sound of flowing water, though it is still easily accessible by car.

Highly recommended for both those new to meditation and advanced practitioners looking...

I've lived here for a full month in February 2016. It was a place where I practicing and living the Chan (or in a more familiar term to the many "Zen"). During this short period of time I was enlightened, of course, that would be a lie. However, life is unique and we gain experience through individual steps, regardless how insignificant they felt. We walked and walked, that itself is the practice of Chan. We won't gain physical wealth by practicing Chan (or perhaps you will) yet there are many other benefits other than ordinary ones we see and understand. If you haven't been here, I encourage you to go. People there are very very friendly, and respectful. And the scenery...