Buddhist Meditation: The Core Teachings and Practices Copy

With John Henderson

March 6 - 8, 2026

Closeup of the face of a copper Buddha
Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Jan 4, 2026.

Date and Time Details: Friday, March 6 (check in 3-6 PM; program starts 7 PM) until Sunday, March 8 1 PM

Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing

Address: 191 Cragsmoor RoadCragsmoor, New York 12566

Contact: retreats@dharmakayacenter.org
845.640.4593

Check-in Time: 3 pm – 6 pm

Per Person Price: Prices include 3 meals per day and use of all campus facilities.

    Early Bird Price: Book before January 1 (May not be combined with Bring-a-Friend Discount)
  • Commuter: $306
  • Private Room (shared bath), single: $504
  • Private Room (shared bath), double: $454.50
  • Junior Suite (private bath), single: $630
  • Junior Suite (private bath), double: $540
  • Regular Price
  • Commuter – $340
  • Private Room (shared bath): Single – $560
  • Private Room (shared bath): Couple – $505
  • Junior Suite (private bath): Single – $700
  • Junior Suite (private bath): Couple – $600

To extend your stay on Personal Retreat: Simply add days before or after the program during step 2 when making your reservation.

Cancellation Policy: Program and accommodations fees are refundable up to two weeks prior to the program (less a $50 processing fee). See our policy to learn more.

  • Commuter – $400.00
  • Private Room: Single – $560.00
  • Private Room: Couple – $1,010.00
  • Junior Suite: Single – $700.00
  • Junior Suite: Couple – $1,200.00

Gaining Balance and Positivity Through Awareness

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT

Why meditate? For many, the answer is to find inner balance and to cultivate a positive outlook. Discover how and why in this engaging weekend. Using an easy-to-digest approach, we will discuss key Buddhist concepts and meditation practices. You will leave understanding how to develop—and sustain—a practice that is unique 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 an Early Bird Discount.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: We are pleased to be able to offer partial scholarships for this program. Please apply here.

Man teaches a group with a Buddha statue behind him

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 lead to different discoveries and understandings.

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: An overview of Buddhist concepts, philosophy and morality, including awareness, selflessness, compassion, wisdom, and impermanence. We will also explore the Three-Moment Method™, designed by Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche, a practical tool that can be deployed in real time—at the Third Moment™—to recognize harmful emotions and let them go.
  • Discussion: Interactive questions and engagement help everyone get the most out of our time together
  • Three-Moment Method™: Designed by Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche, this practical tool can be deployed in real time—at the Third Moment™—to recognize harmful emotions and let them go.

Ultimately, you will discover how meditation practice affects our daily lives even when not sitting on the cushion—and how to make practice a living part of everything you 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

peopel in the sun

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, March 6

3:00 PM Check in begins
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:30-8:30 PM Welcome and Introduction
Calming Meditation Techniques

Saturday, March 7

7:00-8:00 AM Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM-11:30 AM Program
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
2:00-4:30 PM Program
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:30-9:00 PM Evening Meditation, optional

Sunday, March 8

7:00-8:00 AM Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM-11:30 AM Program
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Checkout and Departure

 

About the Teacher

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 […]

Learn more about John Henderson

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