One-Day Meditation Retreat with David Slaymaker
Step away from the pace of the city for a day of dedicated practice.
This One-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 day 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.
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 that this program assumes prior experience with meditation. For guided meditation sessions and other beginner-friendly programs, please see our full Events Calendar.
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.
Requirements & What to Expect
Doors open at 8:45 AM. Please arrive by 9:00 AM so you can check in and get settled before the retreat begins.
Out of respect for all participants and the teacher, we ask that everyone arrive on time and remain for the full session. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to the group's practice.
Lunch is included, and a brief eating meditation will be offered.
Please plan to silence your phone and watch. We ask for these 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. Refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strong-smelling lotions.
This retreat is suitable for those with prior meditation experience. If you are new to meditation, we warmly invite you to join our weekly group meditation sessions or our Beginner's Meditation Class (BMC) first, which offers a full-day introduction to the foundations of Chan practice.
What to Bring
To help reduce waste, please bring your own water bottle or travel thermos.
A light jacket or wrap in case the 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: $50.
All of our events are free of charge. If you'd like to support us, please consider making a donation.