Half-Day Meditation Retreat with David Slaymaker
Step away from the pace of the city for a morning of sustained meditation.
This Half-Day Retreat offers a structured and supportive opportunity for Chan/Zen meditation, rooted in the Dharma Drum lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen.
Rather than a drop-in sitting, this program is held in the spirit of a retreat—a morning of continuous practice including:
Sitting meditation
Moving/walking meditation
Working with a method
Dharma talk and Q&A
Our visiting teacher, David Slaymaker, will offer guidance and answer questions about the practice. We'll close with an opportunity for sharing and reflection.
Offered monthly, this retreat is a great opportunity for those building a regular meditation practice and seeking something more sustained than ordinary daily sitting. It is a natural next step for anyone who has attended our regular meditation sessions or completed our Beginner's Meditation Class.
Please note: this program assumes some prior meditation experience. If you’re new to meditation, you can explore our Programs Calendar for introductory classes, guided meditations, and other beginner-friendly offerings.
About the teacher
David Slaymaker began studying Chan with Master Sheng Yen in 1995. He enjoys sharing the benefits of Buddha Dharma and meditation through talks, classes, workshops, and short retreats. Most of his teaching occurs at DDMBA New Jersey, Global Meditation Center NY (online), Dharma Drum Retreat Center in Pine Bush, NY, and Dharma Drum Meditation Center in Manhattan. He lives with his wife in New Jersey where he is a professor of biology.
Arrival & Check-In
Doors open at 9:00 AM.
Please plan to arrive by 9:15 AM, allowing 15–20 minutes to check in and get settled.
The retreat begins promptly at 9:30 AM. Arriving early helps us begin together in a quiet and settled space.
Preparing for the Retreat
Out of respect for all participants and the teacher, we ask that everyone arrive on time and remain for the full retreat. Late arrivals and early departures can be disruptive to the group’s practice.
Please silence your phone and watch to support the quality of your practice and that of everyone in the room.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to sit and move easily. Please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented lotions.
This retreat is suitable for those with prior meditation experience. If you are new to meditation, we warmly invite you to first join one of our weekly group meditation sessions or our Beginner’s Meditation Class, which offers a full-day introduction to the foundations of Chan practice.
What to Bring
A water bottle or travel thermos to help us reduce waste.
A light jacket or wrap in case the meditation hall is cool.
Your personal meditation cushion or bench, if you prefer. Cushions and chairs are available at the center.
An open mind.
Cost
Suggested donation: $25.
All of our events are offered free of charge. If you would like to support us, please consider making a donation.