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 opportunity for Chan/Zen meditation, rooted in the Dharma Drum lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen.

Rather than a drop-in sitting, this program holds 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 provide guidance and engage in discussions about the practice, concluding with a sharing and reflection session.

Offered monthly, this retreat is an excellent opportunity for those looking to build a regular meditation practice and seeking something more sustained than ordinary daily sitting. It's a natural next step for anyone who has attended our regular meditation sessions or completed our Beginner's Meditation Class.

Please note that prior experience with meditation is assumed for this program. For guided sessions and other beginner-friendly programs, check 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. 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 resides 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 to check in and get settled before the retreat.
• Arrive on time and stay for the entire duration to be respectful of all participants.
• Silence your phone and watch to support everyone’s practice.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid perfumes and strong-smelling products.

This retreat is suitable for those with prior meditation experience. If you're new, we warmly invite you to join our weekly group meditation sessions or our Beginner's Meditation Class (BMC) first.

What to Bring

• Your own water bottle or travel thermos to reduce waste.
• A light jacket or wrap in case the hall is cool.
• Your personal meditation cushion or bench, if preferred (cushions and chairs are available at the center).
• An open mind.

Cost

Suggested donation: $25. All of our events are free of charge, but if you’d like to support us, consider making a donation.

Join us at the Dharma Drum Meditation Center, 122 W 26th St Ste 801, New York, NY 10001, USA.

RSVP on Luma — the center may charge a fee for no-shows.