Our Mission

The mission of Dharma Drum Retreat Center is to promote the practice of Chinese Chan Buddhism in the western hemisphere. The teaching practiced and taught is based on the Dharma Drum Mountain Lineage developed by our founder Chan Master Sheng Yen.
To that end, we teach the ancient traditions of Chan Buddhist meditation as it has been passed on for generations—but we offer these teachings in original and innovative ways to engage a modern world. We offer essential truths simply, with clean language, easy analogies and direct guidance.
We welcome everyone, near and far, to the Dharma Drum Retreat Center. Whether you are new to practice or already actively engaged, our dynamic, influential Chan teachings will become a part of your everyday life.