Buddhist Meditation: Cultivate Wellbeing through the Skills of Awareness
With John Henderson
June 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 will leave understanding how to develop—and maintain—a practice that is integral 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 other discounts.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Partial scholarships are available for this program. Please write [email protected] for more information.
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 open you to greater clarity, compassion, and understanding.
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: Specifically focused on the direct relevance of Buddhist teachings on our daily lives, we will discuss Buddhist concepts and philosophy, including morality, impermanence, awareness, selflessness, compassion, and wisdom. We will also explore the Three-Moment Method™, designed by Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche, a practical tool that can be deployed in real time recognize harmful emotions and let them go
- Discussion: Interactive questions and engagement help everyone get the most out of our time together
Ultimately, we will discuss the ways to make meditation practice—on and off the cushion—a living part of everything we 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
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, June 20
3:00 PM | Check in begins |
6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
7:30-8:30 PM | Welcome and Introduction |
Calming Meditation Techniques |
Saturday, June 21
7:00-8:00 AM | Outdoor Walking Meditation |
8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Program |
12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
1:00-2:30 PM | Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation |
2:30-4:30 PM | Program |
5:00-6:00 PM | Meditation in the Outdoor Practice Pavillion (optional) |
6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
7:30-8:30 PM | Evening Meditation |
Sunday, June 22
7:00-8:00 AM | Outdoor Walking Meditation |
8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Program |
Closing Q & A | |
12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teacher
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…
Learn more about John Henderson