About Dharma Drum Retreat Center
We offer silent meditation retreats, ranging from beginner instruction to more advanced methods such as silent illumination and huatou. We are a community learning and living the Buddha’s teachings through the tradition of the Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan Buddhism, as established by our founder Chan Master Sheng Yen. Master Sheng Yen passed on to us a view of the Dharma (teaching) based on his experience in both the main lineages of Chan – Linji (Rinzai) and Caodong (Soto).
Retreat Structure
Monastic and lay Dharma heirs of Master Sheng Yen lead our retreats. Each teacher lends their own perspective and approach to the teachings. Our retreat style is based on ancient Chinese Chan traditions, modified to be applicable to modern Western practitioners. We also offer the unique “Western Zen” style of the Western Chan Fellowship. Meditation practice is taught in the context of daily activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, working, and eating. Chanting and gentle yoga exercises further harmonize the body, breath, and mind. Retreats include daily lectures, meditation instruction, guided meditation, and personal interviews.