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 member of numerous not-for-profit organizations in the Northeast. He has been teaching at the Center since it opened in 2017, offering dozens of programs in person and online, as well as providing individual meditation guidance to our retreatants and our volunteers.
COMMENTS FROM FORMER STUDENTS
- “John models the attributes that I am always working on developing. Graciousness, patience, compassion. It’s one thing to teach it, another to live it.”
- “John was fantastic. His teaching has changed my life for the better.”
- “I absorbed more from John’s teachings than from any other Buddhist materials I’ve seen.”
- “I really enjoyed this experience – a weekend I will never forget which may have changed my view on a few things.”
- “John’s teachings were excellent. He provided very clear explanations and was generous with his time with answering questions.”
- “The balance of teaching/questions, contemplation and meditation practice was optimal. I have a much better understanding of the practice and its relevance in my life.”
- “John was wonderful. Full of warmth, wisdom and patience”
- “I feel calm and re-energized. I am excited to restart my personal practice and feel inspired to apply a number of new techniques that enrich my daily life.”
- “John is an excellent teacher. I really appreciated how he adjusted his planned presentation to accommodate our many questions”
GUIDED MEDITATIONS
(please click to link to the meditation)
- Shamatha Meditation
- Walking Meditation
- Mindfulness Meditation on Feelings
- Blue Light Meditation
- Meditation: Blue Light with Counting
- Loving Kindness Meditation
- Meditation on Compassion
- Meditation on Impermanence
Events with John Henderson
Winter Pause: A Silent Retreat for Body, Mind, and SpiritJanuary 24 - 31, 2025
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT What happens when you enter a sanctuary of quiet? Your mind settles. Your awareness deepens. And as the days pass, you open to unexpected personal insights, the release of unwanted emotional attachments, and true inner transformation. In the deep quiet of winter days, with the holidays safely behind you, join us for a week of quiet and profound peace. You’ll return to your life more grounded, more centered, more wise—filled with an inner ease that is unshaken by outer circumstances. “I had never done a silent retreat and only dabbled in meditation. This experience reinforced my…
Spring Detox: Unplugged Meditation and Movement RetreatApril 25 - 27, 2025
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with nature, the present moment, and your inner being. Five teachers guide you through a range of powerful practices—including shamata, yoga, walking meditation, guided compassion meditation, personal outdoor meditation, reiki, qi gong, and singing bowls. You will find yourself refreshed, recharged, and reconnected to yourself. “This is my favorite program of the year. I leave completely re-energized.” “Each of the teachers were exceptional, accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable. Each one gave something precious to take home & carry with me—this weekend was such a gift.” BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you…
Just Be: A Springtime Personal RetreatMay 23 - 26, 2025
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT Now, on the cusp of summer, leave the pressures of your normal life and immerse yourself in the tranquil environment of our Center. This is a time to focus on yourself and your practice. Meditate in Milarepa Hall, in the privacy of your room, or in one of our many mediation spots around campus—including our outdoor practice pavilion and along our woods trails. Spend afternoons in the library, perusing our extensive collection of dharma and other books. Hike Bear Mountain or Sam’s Point. Spend evenings around our firepit. Contemplate the stars. With a teacher on hand…
Buddhist Meditation: Cultivate Wellbeing through the Skills of AwarenessJune 20 - 22, 2025
Gaining Balance and Positivity in the Midst of Difficulties A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT Why meditate? For many, the answer is to find inner balance and to cultivate a positive outlook. For others it’s also to understand the nature of our lived experience more deeply. In this engaging weekend, Buddhist concepts and meditation practices will form the backdrop in a discussion about our natural capacity for wellbeing and the methods available to us for sustained happiness in all of our lives. Using an easy-to-digest approach, we will discuss key Buddhist concepts and meditation practices and apply them to daily life. You…
Fall Reset: Come into yourselfSeptember 12 - 14, 2025
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT Fall is often a time of new beginnings. Reset as you reconnect with nature, the present moment, and your inner being. Five teachers guide you through a range of powerful practices—including stillness meditation, yoga, walking meditation, guided compassion meditation, personal outdoor meditation, reiki, qi gong, and singing bowls. You will find yourself refreshed, recharged, and ready for all the world brings. “From the time of my arrival at this beautiful place, until the last delicious meal, Fall Reset was exactly what it promised to be; a chance to learn, experience and practice different techniques to prepare…
The Power of Silence: A Silent Retreat for Body, Mind, and SpiritOctober 13 - 17, 2025
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT What happens when you enter a sanctuary of quiet? Your mind settles. Your awareness deepens. And as the days pass, you open to unexpected personal insights, the release of unwanted emotional attachments, and true inner transformation. In the deep quiet of winter days, with the holidays safely behind you, join us for a week of quiet and profound peace. You’ll return to your life more grounded, more centered, more wise—filled with an inner ease that is unshaken by outer circumstances. “I had never done a silent retreat and only dabbled in meditation. This experience reinforced my…
