Buddhist Meditation: Cultivate Wellbeing through the Skills of Awareness

Name: Buddhist Meditation: Cultivate Wellbeing through the Skills of Awareness
Start: 2025-06-20
End: 2025-06-22
Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
Rating: 5

5.0012 reviews

191 Cragsmoor RoadCragsmoor, New York 12566

Up to 20 in group

June 20 - 22, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John

John Henderson

John Henderson has studied Buddhist philosophy and practiced meditation for nearly 30 years. Since 2003 he has been a senior student of the Dharmakaya Center’s founder, Rimay master Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche. John has applied the teachings in his professional life as a serial entrepreneur, leading both healthcare and real estate businesses, and as a board member of numerous not-for-profit organizations in the Northeast. He has been teaching at the Center since it opened in 2017, offering dozens of programs in person and online, as well as providing individual meditation guidance to our retreatants and our volunteers. COMMENTS FROM FORMER STUDENTS

"John models the attributes that I am always working on developing. Graciousness, patience, compassion. It's one thing to teach it, another to live it."
“John was fantastic. His teaching has changed my life for the better.”
“I absorbed more from John’s teachings than from any other Buddhist materials I’ve seen.”
“I really enjoyed this experience – a weekend I will never forget which may have changed my view on a few things.”
“John’s teachings were excellent. He provided very clear explanations and was generous with his time with answering questions.”
“The balance of teaching/questions, contemplation and meditation practice was optimal. I have a much better understanding of the practice and its relevance in my life.”
“John was wonderful. Full of warmth, wisdom and patience”
“I feel calm and re-energized. I am excited to restart my personal practice and feel inspired to apply a number of new techniques that enrich my daily life.”
“John is an excellent teacher. I really appreciated how he adjusted his planned presentation to accommodate our many questions”

GUIDED MEDITATIONS (please click to link to the meditation)

Details of this retreat

Gaining Balance and Positivity in the Midst of Difficulties
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT
Why meditate? For many, the answer is to find inner balance and to cultivate a positive outlook. For others it's also to understand the nature of our lived experience more deeply. In this engaging weekend, Buddhist concepts and meditation practices will form the backdrop in a discussion about our natural capacity for wellbeing and the methods available to us for sustained happiness in all of our lives. Using an easy-to-digest approach, we will discuss key Buddhist concepts and meditation practices and apply them to daily life. You will leave understanding how to develop—and maintain—a practice that is integral to your goals for greater peace and happiness.
"Absolutely fantastic! John taught the dharma in a way that was accessible and understandable to everyone."

BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you know someone who would like this program, but hasn't been to the Center? Bring them, and you both get a 10% discount on your entire program package. For the discount to apply, there must be two reservations, at least one of whom has not taken a Dharmakaya Center class previously. At checkout, apply the Discount Code:BringAFriend. May not be combined with other discounts.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Partial scholarships are available for this program. Please write retreats@dharmakayacenter.org for more information.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Buddhist teachings on impermanence, selflessness, inter-dependence, morality, compassion, karma and awareness (to name a few) all help point us toward a life of greater peace, clarity and happiness. But what are they? How do they work together? What is the role of meditation?

This engaging weekend program of interactive teachings and discussions will provide an in-depth discussion of Buddhist concepts and how they work together as a unified spiritual path. Meditation sessions throughout the weekend allow us to experience the teachings directly—and understand how different types of meditation open you to greater clarity, compassion, and understanding.

The weekend will include:

Meditation: Instruction on how to meditate, and a range of practices including stillness meditation, guided meditation, walking meditation and analytical meditation.
Teachings: Specifically focused on the direct relevance of Buddhist teachings on our daily lives, we will discuss Buddhist concepts and philosophy, including morality, impermanence, awareness, selflessness, compassion, and wisdom. We will also explore the Three-Moment Method™, designed by Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche, a practical tool that can be deployed in real time recognize harmful emotions and let them go

Discussion: Interactive questions and engagement help everyone get the most out of our time together

Ultimately, we will discuss the ways to make meditation practice—on and off the cushion—a living part of everything we do.

When not in a program session, relax in the Center’s beautiful and tranquil environment. Enjoy the view from the patio, take a walk through our 98 acres of woods, curl up with a book in the library or contemplate the stars while sitting by the fire pit.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Personal and guided meditations
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna

OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for meditators at all levels and those simply interested in exploring the teachings.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)

Friday, June 20

3:00 PM
Check in begins

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:30-8:30 PM
Welcome and Introduction

Calming Meditation Techniques

Saturday, June 21

7:00-8:00 AM
Outdoor Walking Meditation

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Program

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00-2:30 PM
Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation

2:30-4:30 PM
Program

5:00-6:00 PM
Meditation in the Outdoor Practice Pavillion (optional)

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:30-8:30 PM
Evening Meditation

Sunday, June 22

7:00-8:00 AM
Outdoor Walking Meditation

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Program

Closing Q & A

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure

Schedule

7:30-8:00 AM: Morning Mediation and Salutations
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Program or free time
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00-6:00 PM: Program or free time
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
10:00 PM Lights Out

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, 191 Cragsmoor RoadCragsmoor, New York 12566

Directions

CAR. You will find a link for driving directions on our website. The parking lot is immediately to your left when you enter the Center grounds. You may drive up and drop your luggage at the Welcome Center, but may not leave your car unattended there; someone will be happy to shuttle you back down to the parking lot.

TRAIN. From Newark, La Guardia and Penn Station, you can take the Metro North train into Middletown, New York, approximately a 30-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

BUS. From New York City, you can take the Shortline Bus into Ellenville, New York, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

PLANE. Newark, La Guardia and Stewart Airports all offer convenient services. From Newark or LaGuardia you can complete your trip by train; from Stewart you may rent a car or take a taxi service.

Accommodation

Our two residence halls offer a simple, peaceful environment that supports your retreat experience, with rooms for those on both personal and solitary retreats. Each room has a meditation cushion and zabuton. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner with the resident community, as well as towels and housekeeping. All guests are welcome, but not required, to join the daily meditation and other activities (although separate tickets are required for all ticketed events). • Our junior suites have a double bed, private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. • Our private rooms have a double bed and room for private meditation, with a shared bath. Rooms may be shared by those in a committed relationship.

Commuter

Our Commuter Fee covers the costs of all meals during your retreat and the use of all our facilities.

Private Room: Single

This comfortable room has a double bed and ample room for meditation. It is outfitted with a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object; it shares a bath with one or two other rooms. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room rate includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day; in addition, there is a tea station on every hall.

Private Room: Couple

This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.

Junior Suite: Single

These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.

Junior Suite: Couple

This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Perched atop a wooded hillside in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is surrounded by 90 acres of forest. The Center opened in 2017 and was purpose built to support retreats. With only 20 bedrooms, our retreats are small, keeping the retreat experience intimate. People regularly comment both on the cleanliness of the buildings and on the total sense of peace that envelopes you when on campus.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Ancient wisdom describes food as a source of prana, or life force. The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing was founded on the premise that nourishing food is integral to wellbeing. Our chefs are passionate about creating meals that are both flavorful and healthy. We use the freshest, most nutritious, least processed foods available; when possible our ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your accommodation fee. To promote good health, we serve delicious, varied, nutritious vegetarian food, with options at every meal. All our meals are served on a buffet, with ingredients listed next to each dish, enabling guests to avoid dairy, as well as glutens, nuts and other allergens.

What's Included

Comfortable accommodations with queen bed in every room
All linens
Three delicious, farm-fresh vegetarian meals a day
Tea station and fruit bowl always available
Large Meditation Hall and private Meditation Room
Extensive library of dharma books
Cozy chairs and fireplace
90-acre campus with walking trails and outdoor meditation spots
Fire pit
Outdoor practice pavilion

What's Not Included

Travel to the Center

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Laura • Feb 01, 2023

5.0

Verified

Peace in a comfortable environment

From the moment I arrived I was impressed with how peaceful and immaculate the entire facility is. The rooms had exactly what I needed with a comfortable bed and pillows, meditation table and cushions, and a desk. Towels were provided as well. Vegetarian meals were delicious. I was able to immerse myself in the silent meditation retreat and focus on deepening my practice. This is a perfect place for me and I’m already planning my next retreat.

Anonymous • May 18, 2022

5.0

Verified

Beautiful spot

Dharmakaya Center is a beautiful & peaceful spot. Highly recommend! The center is immaculate and well maintained. Great staff and facilities.

YELENA • Nov 10, 2021

5.0

Verified

Amazing place Amazing experience

If you are looking for a place to unwind and grow spiritually while eating the best food this place is for you. Brand-new beautiful facility, super friendly stuff and relaxing atmosphere - I don’t know the better way to spend a weekend. I enjoyed my stay and I’m coming back!

Debra • Sep 03, 2021

5.0

Verified

fantastic experience

I was in a wonderful art work shop and it was amazing. Accommodations where beautiful. Food was delicious and fantastic.
Beautiful grounds lovely walking experience. . The staff was delightful.

Lucia • Sep 01, 2021

5.0

Verified

Easeful Setting

I felt at ease and at home, right from the start. The program teacher was phenomenal, the retreat center director capable and down-to-earth, and the staff was truly kind and accessible. I can't wait to come back. I wanted to give Dharmakaya a good review, though I also like that it's a small and intimate setting. -- Lucia D

Buddhist Meditation: Cultivate Wellbeing through the Skills of Awareness

About this Retreat

Your Guides

John Henderson

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions