Noble Silence: A Silent Retreat Weekend of Meditation, Reflection, and Rest

With Gary Wheaton

November 19 - 21, 2021

A cropped image of a large bronze statue depicting Buddha's hand touching a lotus flower. a shaft of sunlight crosses the image

Date and Time Details: Friday, November 19 (check in 3-6 PM; program starts 7 PM) until Sunday, November 21 1 PM

Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing

Address: 191 Cragsmoor Road
Cragsmoor, New York 12566

Contact: retreats@dharmakayacenter.org
845.640.4593

Check-in Time: 3 pm – 6 pm

Cancellation Policy: Refundable up to two weeks prior to the program (less a $50 processing fee). There is no charge for COVID-19-related cancellations. See our policy to learn more.

Per Person Price: Prices are per person and are all-inclusive.

  • Commuter – $250
  • Private Room (shared bath): Single – $440
  • Private Room (shared bath): Couple – $350
  • Junior Suite (private bath): Single – $550
  • Junior Suite (private bath): Couple – $430

  • Commuter – $270.00
  • Private Room: Single – $490.00
  • Private Room: Couple – $700.00
  • Junior Suite: Single – $630.00
  • Junior Suite: Couple – $860.00

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT

Imagine the peace that comes with a weekend of silence. No insistent beeps and buzzes demanding immediate attention. No distracting debates about the state of the world. No pressure to be witty or wise. Only the opportunity to be present with yourself, and the opening  to mindfully observe and release the thoughts and emotions that arise. As we move into the holiday season, silence serves as a way to ground yourself—setting a solid foundation for the coming festivities.

“Such a special opportunity to practice in a sacred space.”

STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19: In the interest of safety, we are strictly limiting enrollment to 10 people; please read our COVID-19 Precautions & Preparations to understand our additional strategies.

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.

 

Stone Buddha Statue in the woods

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Life has been quite insistent recently—and the upcoming holiday season will only amplify that pressure.

Seize a moment for yourself, before the onslaught. No devices. No conversations. No scattered inputs demanding your attention. Create space for your mind to calm, space to harness the power of meditation, protected from the distractions and stressors of daily life. By centering yourself, you will be better prepared for the coming weeks.

After dinner Friday night, you will be asked to relinquish your cell phone*, and the silence begins. Between group meditation sessions—both sitting and walking—you can take contemplative walks around the property, meditate on your own, or use a journal to explore your inner landscape. There will be an opportunity each day for group or one-on-one conversations with the teacher to discuss goals and uncover roadblocks.

Group silence creates an atmosphere of deep tranquility, and with it the ability to rest in the present moment. Together, you collectively deepen your meditation practices, and enjoy a rare chance for self-inquiry, insight, and the possibility of inner transformation.

 

*Please give loved ones the Dharmakaya Center main number as an emergency contact.

 

woman sits in meditation hall

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
  • Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
  • Personal and guided meditation sessions
  • 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

People walk around a coutryard as the sunlight shines

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for meditators at all levels and those simply interested in learning more about themselves.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, November 19

3:00 PM Check in begins
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:15-8:15 PM Welcome and Introduction
Discussion on Retreat Mind
Opening Ceremony

Saturday, November 20

7:00-8:00 AM Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional
8:00-8:45 AM Breakfast
9:00-10:30 AM Introduction to Calm-Abiding Meditation and its Application
11:00-11:45 AM Meditation
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:30-2:30 PM Introduction to Walking Meditation and its Application
2:30-4:30 PM Personal Practice, Reflection, and Rest
4:30-5:15 PM Meditation
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:15-8:00 PM Evening Meditation, optional

Sunday, November 21

7:00-8:00 AM Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional
8:00-8:45 AM Breakfast
9:00-10:30 AM Discussion on “Right Speech”
Meditation
11:00 AM-12:00 PM Walking Meditation
Closing Ceremony
Group Discussion on Experience
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Checkout and Departure

 

About the Teacher

Man with glasses and blue shirt

Gary Wheaton

Gary Wheaton has been a Buddhist practitioner and student of Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche since 2008. He has served as retreat cook, retreat organizer, retreat leader, and teacher's assistant. Professionally he is a human resources director, with expertise in conflict resolution and coaching. STUDENT COMMENTS "Sharing his personal experiences, Gary made a regular meditation practice seem […]

Learn more about Gary Wheaton

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