ABOUT DHARMA DRUM RETREAT CENTER
Founded in 1997 by Chan Master Sheng Yen, Dharma Drum Retreat Center offers classes, workshops, and retreats teaching the principles and application of the Buddha’s wisdom through Chan Buddhism.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
The vision of Dharma Drum Retreat Center is to fulfill the vows of our founder Chan Master Sheng Yen—to uplift the character of humanity and build a pure land on Earth.
Mission
The mission of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center is to offer classes, workshops, and retreats to make the teachings of Chinese Chan Buddhism available in the Western Hemisphere, all while fostering a community that learns and lives the Buddha’s teachings.
Our Values
Inheriting the Past
Master Sheng Yen passed on to us a view of the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) based on his experience in the Linji and Caodong lineages of Chan—known in Japanese Zen as Rinzai and Soto.
Adapting to the Present
Our teachers present the Dharma in fresh ways to engage citizens of a modern world. We offer essential truths and guidance in simple, direct language.
Welcoming All
We are dedicated to serving the needs of newcomers to experienced meditators. We also believe that financial hardship need not be a barrier to practice, and offer financial support for those who need it.
History of DDRC
Starting in 1998, retreats that used to take place at Chan Meditation Center (CMC) in New York City were gradually organized at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Shawangunk (DDRC). There simply was not enough space to accommodate participants at CMC. Shifu was hoping to have a more suitable place to hold retreats, ideally not too far from or too near New York City. DDRC fulfilled this expectation.
Located in upstate New York, Shawangunk is around two hour’s drive from New York City. DDRC in now situated on what was originally the site of a summer camp. When acquired in 1997, the grounds and buildings had been unattended for years, and the campus was in disrepair. Volunteers and monastics from New York and New Jersey spent almost a year cleaning up the small cottages before we conducted the first retreat.
About Master Sheng Yen →
Located in upstate New York, Shawangunk is around two hour’s drive from New York City. DDRC in now situated on what was originally the site of a summer camp. When acquired in 1997, the grounds and buildings had been unattended for years, and the campus was in disrepair. Volunteers and monastics from New York and New Jersey spent almost a year cleaning up the small cottages before we conducted the first retreat.
About Master Sheng Yen →
Retreat Structure
We offer classes, workshops, and retreats that bring Buddhist wisdom to modern people that teach that range from beginning instruction to more advanced methods such as silent illumination and huatou.
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.
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.
We also offer the unique “Western Zen” style of the Western Chan Fellowship. This retreat style is designed for those who grew up in The West and received a Western Education. During these retreats, emphasis is placed on interaction with the teacher and self-inquiry, often in the form of the question: “Who am I?”
Types of Retreats →
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.
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.
We also offer the unique “Western Zen” style of the Western Chan Fellowship. This retreat style is designed for those who grew up in The West and received a Western Education. During these retreats, emphasis is placed on interaction with the teacher and self-inquiry, often in the form of the question: “Who am I?”
Types of Retreats →
Environment
The retreat schedule and the physical environment are carefully designed to support immersion in the practice. The campus is peaceful and secluded. Nestled just south of the beautiful Shawangunk Ridge, the grounds include acres of woodland trails, and a lake fed by mountain streams. Single-occupancy sleeping quarters with shared bath, and three vegetarian meals per day, are included in your retreat fee. We welcome you to practice Chan meditation together with us amidst all activities of daily life; cultivating mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Chan practice will deepen your understanding of yourself, and help you learn to live more harmoniously with others. You will leave rejuvenated, equipped with the methods and concepts to bring the practice back home.
Our Campus →
Our Campus →