https://dharmadrumretreat.org/ Chan Buddhist Retreat Center Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:40:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png https://dharmadrumretreat.org/ 32 32 When East Meets West https://dharmadrumretreat.org/when-east-meets-west/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-east-meets-west https://dharmadrumretreat.org/when-east-meets-west/#respond Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:36:41 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=27983 At Dharma Drum Retreat Center, Chef Dwayne and the kitchen crew, James & Ephrium, designed a number of new dishes called “When East Meets West” over several weeks. The three chefs, proficient in pan frying, cooking, and baking, showcased their skills with French dishes like ratatouille, crème brûlée, and Vietnamese sandwiches. However, using a wok […]

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At Dharma Drum Retreat Center, Chef Dwayne and the kitchen crew, James & Ephrium, designed a number of new dishes called “When East Meets West” over several weeks.

The three chefs, proficient in pan frying, cooking, and baking, showcased their skills with French dishes like ratatouille, crème brûlée, and Vietnamese sandwiches. However, using a wok was a new experience for them, let alone stir-frying rice noodles or cooking tasty vegetables.

After two weeks of dedicated effort and exploration, they became skillful in stir-frying Taiwanese rice noodles, Chinese toon with tofu, braised cabbage, Taiwanese braised snacks, black beans stir-fry with green and red peppers, and authentic Jiangnan side dish of mashed lima beans with mustard green.

Since starting this “When East Meets West” project, they have collectively decided to use 100% natural ingredients to create dishes that promote the health of all beings. Keep it up!

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]]> https://dharmadrumretreat.org/when-east-meets-west/feed/ 0 Cooking Meditation Retreat https://dharmadrumretreat.org/cooking-meditation-retreat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cooking-meditation-retreat https://dharmadrumretreat.org/cooking-meditation-retreat/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:54:28 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=27857 Vegetarian Cooking Class: Health for the Body and Mind Throughout this vegetarian cooking workshop, participants learned the basic principles of maintaining a healthy mind and body. They learned techniques for creating delicious dishes utilizing simple vegetables and seasonings available at local grocery stores. Our resident chefs and monastics shared their knowledge for cooking healthy East-West […]

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Vegetarian Cooking Class: Health for the Body and Mind

Throughout this vegetarian cooking workshop, participants learned the basic principles of maintaining a healthy mind and body. They learned techniques for creating delicious dishes utilizing simple vegetables and seasonings available at local grocery stores.

Our resident chefs and monastics shared their knowledge for cooking healthy East-West fusion vegetarian cuisine.  Retreatants had the opportunity to participate in creating various dishes over the weekend to fuel body and mind with the energy to walk the Buddha path.

Over the 2-day workshop attendees also practiced periods of sitting and walking meditation to enhance the weekend dedicated to lifting quality of life.

 

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]]> https://dharmadrumretreat.org/cooking-meditation-retreat/feed/ 0 Stillness in Motion 2024 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/stillness-in-motion-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stillness-in-motion-2024 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/stillness-in-motion-2024/#respond Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:12:06 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=26765 After three years of being held online, Abbot Guo Yuan, Venerable Chang Ji, and David Listen led a beautiful edition of Stillness in Motion this February. Stillness in Motion was originally designed during the COVID-19 pandemic as an online retreat for participants to bring Chan practice into daily life at home. This year, Stillness in […]

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After three years of being held online, Abbot Guo Yuan, Venerable Chang Ji, and David Listen led a beautiful edition of Stillness in Motion this February.

Stillness in Motion was originally designed during the COVID-19 pandemic as an online retreat for participants to bring Chan practice into daily life at home. This year, Stillness in Motion 2024 was offered as an in-person 3 day event. Through daily Dharma talks, meditation, Arts in Chan sessions, and group discussions, participants discovered the benefits of Chan practice and learned how to incorporate it into their lives.

This year’s program included sessions on meditating on sound taught by Abbot Guo Yuan and meditative drawing taught by Dr. Rikki Asher. The snow provided a lovely backdrop to give body and mind a break from hectic lives. We hope to see you next year at Stillness in Motion 2025!

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]]> https://dharmadrumretreat.org/stillness-in-motion-2024/feed/ 0 Reflections test https://dharmadrumretreat.org/reflections-test/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reflections-test Sun, 02 Jul 2023 19:42:48 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=23465 Title: 5 Powerful Reflections to Enhance Self-Discovery and Growth Introduction: Reflection is a powerful tool that allows us to gain deeper insights into ourselves, our experiences, and the world around us. By taking the time to pause, contemplate, and explore our thoughts and emotions, we can uncover valuable lessons, cultivate self-awareness, and foster personal growth. […]

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Title: 5 Powerful Reflections to Enhance Self-Discovery and Growth

Introduction: Reflection is a powerful tool that allows us to gain deeper insights into ourselves, our experiences, and the world around us. By taking the time to pause, contemplate, and explore our thoughts and emotions, we can uncover valuable lessons, cultivate self-awareness, and foster personal growth. In this post, we will explore five reflections that can guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth.

  1. Reflect on Your Values and Priorities: Take a moment to reflect on your core values and priorities. What truly matters to you in life? Are your actions and choices aligned with these values? Reflecting on your values helps you gain clarity and make decisions that are in line with your authentic self. It also allows you to identify areas where you may need to make adjustments or realign your focus to lead a more meaningful and purposeful life.

  2. Reflect on Your Strengths and Limitations: Self-reflection involves an honest assessment of your strengths and limitations. Recognize and celebrate your strengths, as they represent your unique talents and abilities. Embrace them and find ways to leverage them in pursuit of your goals and aspirations. Equally important is acknowledging your limitations. Reflect on areas where you can improve, seek growth, or ask for support. By understanding both your strengths and limitations, you can navigate life with greater self-awareness and make conscious choices that lead to personal growth.

  3. Reflect on Past Experiences and Lessons Learned: Look back on your past experiences and reflect on the lessons they have taught you. What insights and wisdom have you gained from challenging situations, successes, or failures? How have these experiences shaped you? Reflecting on the past allows you to extract valuable lessons, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. It also empowers you to make wiser decisions in the present and create a more fulfilling future.

  4. Reflect on Your Relationships: Take the time to reflect on your relationships and the impact they have on your life. Are your relationships supportive, nurturing, and aligned with your values? Are there toxic or unhealthy dynamics that need attention? Reflecting on your relationships allows you to evaluate their quality, identify areas for improvement, and set boundaries when necessary. It also helps you appreciate the meaningful connections in your life and invest in nurturing them further.

  5. Reflect on Your Goals and Aspirations: Reflect on your goals and aspirations in various areas of your life, such as career, relationships, health, and personal growth. Are your goals still aligned with your values and passions? Are they motivating and inspiring? Reflection allows you to assess the progress you’ve made, reevaluate your goals if needed, and realign your actions with your aspirations. It helps you stay focused and intentional in pursuing a life that brings you fulfillment and satisfaction.

Conclusion: Reflection is a powerful practice that invites self-discovery, personal growth, and conscious living. By engaging in regular reflection, you can gain valuable insights, make informed choices, and navigate life with greater purpose and authenticity. Embrace these reflections as opportunities to deepen your self-awareness, enhance your relationships, and cultivate a life that aligns with your truest self. Remember, the journey of self-discovery and growth begins with a moment of reflection.

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]]> Teachings test https://dharmadrumretreat.org/teachings-test/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teachings-test https://dharmadrumretreat.org/teachings-test/#respond Sun, 02 Jul 2023 19:42:24 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=23458 Title: 7 Profound Teachings for Personal Growth and Fulfillment Introduction: In the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment, it is essential to seek wisdom and guidance from various sources. Throughout history, great thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual leaders have shared teachings that offer valuable insights into living a purposeful and meaningful life. In this post, we […]

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Title: 7 Profound Teachings for Personal Growth and Fulfillment

Introduction: In the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment, it is essential to seek wisdom and guidance from various sources. Throughout history, great thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual leaders have shared teachings that offer valuable insights into living a purposeful and meaningful life. In this post, we will explore seven profound teachings that can inspire personal growth and lead to a more fulfilling existence.

  1. Embrace the Power of Self-Awareness: The ancient Greek adage “Know thyself” encapsulates the profound teaching of self-awareness. Understanding our strengths, weaknesses, desires, and beliefs allows us to make conscious choices and align our actions with our true nature. Cultivating self-awareness involves introspection, reflection, and a willingness to confront our shortcomings. By embracing this teaching, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

  2. Practice Mindfulness and Presence: In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, the teaching of mindfulness offers a way to reconnect with the present moment. Mindfulness involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, reduce stress, enhance focus, and develop a greater appreciation for life’s simple joys. Through regular mindfulness practice, we can learn to live more fully in the present and find peace amidst the chaos.

  3. Embody Compassion and Kindness: The teaching of compassion reminds us of our interconnectedness and the power of empathy. By extending kindness and understanding to ourselves and others, we foster an environment of love and acceptance. Compassion involves seeing beyond our differences, recognizing the universal struggles we all face, and responding with empathy and support. Embracing this teaching can lead to more meaningful relationships, personal fulfillment, and a more harmonious society.

  4. Embrace Change and Impermanence: The teaching of impermanence reminds us that everything in life is in a constant state of flux. Change is inevitable, and embracing this truth allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater resilience and adaptability. By letting go of attachments and embracing impermanence, we can find freedom from suffering and open ourselves up to new possibilities. Embracing change becomes a catalyst for personal growth, transformation, and a deeper understanding of the impermanent nature of existence.

  5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: The teaching of a growth mindset encourages us to embrace challenges, see failures as opportunities for learning, and believe in our capacity for growth and development. With a growth mindset, we understand that our abilities and intelligence can be cultivated through effort, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones. By adopting this teaching, we unlock our potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal and professional success.

  6. Live in Alignment with Core Values: Living in alignment with our core values means making choices and taking actions that are congruent with our deeply held beliefs. By clarifying our values and integrating them into our daily lives, we create a sense of purpose, integrity, and authenticity. This teaching invites us to reflect on what truly matters to us and make decisions that align with our values, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

  7. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination: The teaching of embracing the journey reminds us to focus on the present moment and find joy in the process rather than solely fixating on the end result. It encourages us to appreciate the learning, growth, and experiences we encounter along the way. By shifting our perspective and embracing the journey, we cultivate gratitude, resilience, and a greater sense of fulfillment.

Conclusion: These teachings offer timeless wisdom that can guide us on a path of personal growth and fulfillment. By embracing self-awareness, mindfulness, compassion, change, growth mindset, alignment with values, and the joy of the journey, we can cultivate a richer, more meaningful existence. Incorporate these teachings into your life and embark on a transformative journey towards personal growth, fulfillment, and a deeper connection with yourself and others.

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]]> https://dharmadrumretreat.org/teachings-test/feed/ 0 Getting Here https://dharmadrumretreat.org/getting-here/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=getting-here https://dharmadrumretreat.org/getting-here/#respond Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:47:57 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=23347 Getting Here We are located off of Rt. 52 in Pine Bush, NY at 184 Quannacut Road. If you would like to visit our retreat center, call or email to request an appointment. Please note that visitors are not allowed when a retreat is in session. By Car 184 Quannacut Road,  Pine Bush, NY 12566 […]

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Getting Here

We are located off of Rt. 52 in Pine Bush, NY at 184 Quannacut Road.

If you would like to visit our retreat center, call or email to request an appointment.

Please note that visitors are not allowed when a retreat is in session.

184 Quannacut Road, 
Pine Bush, NY 12566

 

You can check the schedule of bus services from the website of Short Line Bus. Their phone number is 845-610-2600. http://www.coachusa.com/shortline/ss.tickets.asp 


The destination station is Middletown, New York. 


The Middletown bus station is about thirty minutes from our retreat center by taxi. 

You can check the schedule of train services from the website of New Jersey Transit. Their phone number is 1-973-275-5555.  http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=TrainSchedulesTo 


The destination station is Middletown, New York. 

Coming from New York City, you would board this train at New York Penn Station, and you would need to change trains at Secaucus Junction. 


The trip takes about an hour and ten minutes. 


The Middletown train station is about thirty minutes from our retreat center by taxi. 

Stewart International Airport – SWF  http://www.panynj.gov/airports/stewart.html  845-838-8200  This airport in Newburgh, NY is closest one to us, about twenty minutes away by taxi. Newark Liberty International Airport – EWR http://www.panynj.gov/airports/newark-liberty.html  973-961-6000  In Newark, New Jersey, about two and a half hours from our center.  From there you can take the Airtrain, to Middletown, NY. www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-airtrain.html   From Middletown, NY train station you would take a taxi to our center.   

Taking the AirTrain to DDRC 

If you are flying into Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, NJ, from there you can take the AirTrain, to Middletown, NY. Their phone number is 973-961-6000.  www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-airtrain.html 
  1. At Newark Liberty International Airport, follow the signs to the AirTrain. 
  1. Before boarding the AirTrain, purchase your ticket at a NJ Transit ticket vending machine: 
  • Select the NJT rail ticket option. 
  • Enter the station identification number for Middletown, NY (not NJ) 
  • The cost of the ticket is approximately $25.00. 
  • IMPORTANT: This one ticket is used for the AirTrain and all other trains on your journey. 
  1. Board the AirTrain and exit at Newark International Airport train station. 
  1. At Newark International Airport train station, board the next available train heading to NY-Penn station. 
  1. NOTE: You are not going all the way to NY-Penn station. Exit the train at Secaucus Junction (2nd Stop). 
  1. At Secaucus Junction, transfer to the Main/Bergen/Port Jervis Line. This train will take you to Middletown NY train station. 
  1. From Middletown train station take a taxi to our center. 
  JFK International Airport – JFK http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html  718-244-4444  In Queens, NY, about two and a half hours from our center. LaGuardia International Airport – LGA http://www.panynj.gov/airports/laguardia.html  718-533-3400  In Queens, NY, about two and a half hours from our center. Reaching Us from JFK or LaGuardia  If you are flying into a New York City airport:  Use the NYC Airporter Service to connect with a train at Penn Station, or a bus at Port Authority.  OR  Use a car service such as Hudson Valley Transportation, 845-605-4555.  http://www.nycairporter.com                       http://hudsonvalleytransportation.com/ 

If you are coming to us by train or bus, your destination station is Middletown, New York, about thirty minutes from our retreat center by taxi. 

Taxi fare from Middletown to our center is approximately $35-$40. Some local taxi companies are: 

  • Orange County Taxi (845) 343-5555 or (845)-344-3122 
  • B&D Taxi (845) 778-7143 or (845) 744-8805 
  • Catskill Cab (845) 888-0535 
  • Checker Cab (845) 343-3333 
  • Middletown Taxi (845) 343-5555 

In case the driver is not familiar with our center, you can tell them these directions: 

  • Take Rt. 52 west from the corner of Rt. 302. 
  • Continue west on Rt. 52 for 2.5 miles. 
  • Second traffic light after Rt. 302 is Quannacut Road. 
  • Turn right onto Quannacut Road continue 8/10 mile.
  • Two stone pillars mark the entrance to DDRC. 
  • First house on the right is the Reception Hall. 
  • Turn right into the driveway and pull up to the stone steps at the main entrance. 

Use a car service such as Hudson Valley Transportation, 845-605-4555. 

http://hudsonvalleytransportation.com/ 

A Hudson Valley Limousine https://www.ahudsonvalleylimo.com/ 

DIAL7 – NYC Car Service 212 777 7777  https://www.dial7.com/ 

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]]> https://dharmadrumretreat.org/getting-here/feed/ 0 Celebrating Community and Togetherness: Highlights from DDRC’s Family Fun Day https://dharmadrumretreat.org/celebrating-community-and-togetherness-highlights-from-ddrcs-family-fun-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrating-community-and-togetherness-highlights-from-ddrcs-family-fun-day https://dharmadrumretreat.org/celebrating-community-and-togetherness-highlights-from-ddrcs-family-fun-day/#respond Fri, 26 May 2023 05:07:44 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=23262 DDRC recently hosted its Family Fun Day on May 6, 2023, as a special event dedicated to serving the local community. Invitations were sent to the neighbors, and the event was designed to cater to families with kids as well as senior couples. The festivities began at 10 am, with volunteers setting up booths along […]

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DDRC recently hosted its Family Fun Day on May 6, 2023, as a special event dedicated to serving the local community. Invitations were sent to the neighbors, and the event was designed to cater to families with kids as well as senior couples.

The festivities began at 10 am, with volunteers setting up booths along the path from the parking lot to the dining hall. The registration booth, located closest to the parking lot, warmly welcomed families with kids and provided them with colorful gift bags filled with candies and cookies. One of the highlights of the event was the face painting booth, where professional artists skillfully transformed children’s faces with various designs. Additionally, kids had the delightful opportunity to take home artistically arranged balloons. Adjacent to the face painting booth, the handicraft booth offered materials and provided step-by-step demonstrations on making Chinese knots and necklaces. Participants interested in Chinese calligraphy were able to select their preferred Chinese words, which were beautifully written on traditional rice paper.

On that sunny summer day, the bubble tea station emerged as a crowd favorite, offering a refreshing treat to attendees. The veggie barbecue service began at 11 am, allowing everyone to savor grilled vegetables while enjoying the delightful flavors of bubble tea. As people indulged in their delicious meals, they found a comfortable spot in the seating area facing the ceremony platform at the back of the dining hall. The abbot of DDRC, Guo Yuan Fashi, led a donation ceremony where DDRC generously contributed $6,000 to the Town of Shawangunk.

Following the donation ceremony, Guo Yuan Fashi guided participants through a captivating sound meditation session. With closed eyes, attendees immersed themselves in the resonating sound waves produced by the Gong and Drum. At the center of the ceremony platform, a standing Buddha statue and a water basin were placed, offering individuals the opportunity to engage in their own personal ritual of bathing the Buddha. Guo Yuan Fashi demonstrated the proper steps for this sacred ritual. Nearby, the tea meditation booth, inviting attendees to mindfully savor a cup of tea and immerse themselves in the present moment.

In addition to the veggie barbecue, the kitchen prepared a delectable selection of vegetarian dishes and fruits for the participants. After lunch, attendees had the option to remain on the main campus, engaging in various activities such as horseshoe games and making wishes at the wish-granting fountain. As the event came to a close at 3 pm, people lingered around the tea booth, unwilling to depart from the joyful atmosphere and treasured moments shared throughout the day.

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]]> https://dharmadrumretreat.org/celebrating-community-and-togetherness-highlights-from-ddrcs-family-fun-day/feed/ 0 Family Fun Day – Saturday May 6 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/family-fun-day-saturday-may-6/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=family-fun-day-saturday-may-6 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/family-fun-day-saturday-may-6/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:08:26 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=23134 Celebrating the Beginning of Summer 10:00am – 3:00pm, Saturday May 6 Family Fun Activities: Bubble Tea, Wish-granting Fountain, Face-painting, Chinese Knots and Necklaces, Balloon Art, Horseshoe Game, Bathing the Baby Buddha Event Free Vegetarian Lunch There will be a donation ceremony to Pine Bush township as part of DDRC’s long-term commitment to give back to […]

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Celebrating the Beginning of Summer

10:00am – 3:00pm, Saturday May 6

Family Fun Activities:
Bubble Tea, Wish-granting Fountain, Face-painting, Chinese Knots and Necklaces, Balloon Art, Horseshoe Game, Bathing the Baby Buddha Event

Free Vegetarian Lunch

There will be a donation ceremony to Pine Bush township as part of DDRC’s long-term commitment to give back to our community.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by info@dharmadrumretreat.org

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]]> Stillness in Motion https://dharmadrumretreat.org/stillness-in-motion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stillness-in-motion https://dharmadrumretreat.org/stillness-in-motion/#respond Fri, 24 Feb 2023 22:36:34 +0000 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/?p=20447 The post Stillness in Motion appeared first on .

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