Dharma Drum Retreat Center

10/25/2025

Have you been living fully in the present moment?

10/17/2025

Registration is still open for Winter Retreat I: Foundation! Take this opportunity to harmonize your body, mind, and breath in this 3-day retreat led by Abbot Guo Yuan.

👉Save your spot: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/548/winter-retreat-session-i-foundation/

09/26/2025

In this short but insightful teaching from David Listen, he explores Mahayana Buddhist teachings on wholesome and beneficial speech.

Check out all upcoming retreats to see opportunities to practice with David Listen or other teachers at DDRC!

📅: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/calendar/

Are there any ethical guidelines in Buddhism that can help us know how to speak more pro-actively in a beneficial way? Buddhist teachings on ethics can provi...

09/23/2025

This week kicks of the launch of two campus improvements projects at DDRC:
https://dharmadrumretreat.org/campus-improvements/

1️⃣ Planting of trees adjacent to the main parking lot. The planting of nearly two dozen trees surrounding the DDRC main parking lot will serve to connect multiple campus spaces with trees, provide shade and shelter, as well as be aesthetically pleasing.
2️⃣ The building currently serving as the DDRC reception hall is nearly 200 years old. At this age, its sidings, insulation, and windows all need to be replaced to continue functioning for our community. The work is schedule to take approximately six weeks and be completed by November.

Check out the new page we've created so that you can follow along with the updates!

While retreat fees cover the costs of running retreats, our center (and its continual improvements) depend on the generosity of community members like you!

09/19/2025

How can you allow the clouds to clear, and discover selflessness?

Find opportunities to jump into Chan meditation here: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/calendar/

09/17/2025

One month from today: Weekend Retreat led by David Slaymaker!

There is still some space left -- give yourself a weekend to still the mind amidst a community of practitioners!

📅 https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/545/weekend-retreat/

09/12/2025

We invite you to check out this teaching (the first in a multi-part series) on Buddhist Practices of Communication.

If what you find is instructive, David is leading a 1-Day retreat on November 22nd!

Check it out: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/547/1-day-retreat/

Does it feel difficult to speak in a way that's not harmful? Are there any ethical guidelines that can help us know how to speak in a beneficial way? Buddhis...

09/09/2025

In the Spring of this year, the construction team finished working on the new contemplation hall at DDRC and we were able to open its doors to the public for the first time.

The first two events to use the space were an event with the Chinese Buddhist Cultural Association for seniors and the Life in a Retreat Center event for young adults. Enjoy the pictures below of our community taking advantage of this smaller, intimate setting for practice.

Thanks for following along with the updates about this project!

See this update and all past updates here: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/construction-updates/

08/27/2025

This Fall, David Slaymaker will lead two weekend retreats at DDRC: the first from October 17th - 19th, and the second from November 14th 16th.

Curious about retreat practice or looking to spend a weekend settling your mind? We'd love for you to join us!

🍁 October: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/545/weekend-retreat/
🍂 November: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/546/weekend-retreat/

08/22/2025

Registration opens today for this one-day retreat at DDRC led by David Listen on November 22nd!

Many people find that attending these one-day retreats regularly can help renew the strength of their daily practice.

📅 Learn more and sign up here: https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/547/1-day-retreat/

This silent retreat is non-intensive: the simple and relaxed schedule allows you to settle your mind and maintain a constant awareness of your every activity. The day will consist of thirty minute periods of sittings interspersed with guided gentle yoga and walking meditations. The retreat also offers a review of basic meditation methods (such as awareness of the breath) and brief Dharma talks.

08/19/2025

Registration is now open for our three Winter Retreats:

1️⃣ Foundation (12/19/2025 - 12/21/2025)

2️⃣ Huatou (12/16/2025 - 1/3/2026)

3️⃣ Silent Illumination (1/4/2026 - 1/18/2026)

Find more information and sign up links below!

❄️❄️❄️

The annual Winter Retreat, also known as the Snow Retreat, is designed to provide an intensive meditation practice experience. The Winter Retreat is divided into three sessions: Session 1, the 3-day Foundation retreat; Session 2, 8-day Huatou retreat, will be held from 12/26/2025 to 01/03/2025; and Session 3, 15-day Silent Illumination retreat. Practitioners have the flexibility to attend any or all sessions of the retreat.

Abbot Guo Yuan will lead the Winter Retreat, while offering Dharma talks, guided Chan practice, and interviews.

Chan meditation is fundamentally a practice that connects the mind and body. Its purpose is to cultivate inner peace, tranquility, and a deeper sense of presence in one’s daily life. Through deep meditation, participants can establish a connection with their inner selves, the serene environment of DDRC, and the interconnectedness of the universe.

1️⃣ https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/548/winter-retreat-session-i-foundation/

2️⃣ https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/549/winter-retreat-session-ii-huatou/

3️⃣ https://dharmadrumretreat.org/all-retreats/550/winter-retreat-session-iii-silent-illumination/

08/15/2025

Happy International Day of Relaxation!

Join us in celebrating by taking 10 minutes to relax body and mind, with guidance from Dharma Drum teacher Rebecca Li:

https://rebeccali.org/2020/03/15/guided-meditation-with-rebecca-li-10-min/