Events

This evening's talk will dive into Odysseus's journey from the perspective of the Buddhist teaching of anatta, or no-self. Explore the principles behind meditation: how the mind works, why we get stuck, and how to return to ease and clarity. Our Tuesday evening talk series offers a chance to study with a teacher in an interactive format, with space for questions and reflection. You're warmly encouraged to join earlier at 6:30 PM for a Guided Meditation. ​About the teacher Harry Miller has studied and practiced meditation for five decades, including more than 30 years with Chan Master Sheng Yen. He serves as a core teacher at Dharma Drum Meditation Center and also teaches at the Chan Meditation Center and for the Buddhist Sangha at All Souls, NYC. His background in literature and translation includes a B.A. in French and English literature from Sarah Lawrence, along with an M.A. in Chinese Literature and an M.Phil. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University. A frequent contributor to Chan Magazine, he received an NEA grant for his Chinese translations. He is currently writing a book on the Lotus Sutra.

If you’re looking for a quieter way to spend part of Labor Day weekend, join us for a morning of sitting and walking meditation. The morning will include periods of seated meditation along with two forms of walking meditation: natural walking at a familiar pace, and slow walking as a more deliberate meditative practice. Light instruction will be offered, with plenty of space for silent practice. There will also be time for questions and sharing. All are welcome, including those newer to meditation.

Join us for a morning of guided meditation led by Chang Ji Fashi, a Buddhist monastic and teacher in the Chan/Zen tradition. You don't need to have a quiet mind to meditate. In fact, having a quiet mind really limits the potential of your meditation, because meditation isn't just about sitting in a still, calm, empty place. It's a path for gaining insight into the nature of the mind—insight into the nature of reality. Coming to the End of Wanting A common hurdle in meditation and spiritual growth: how our natural desire to achieve something through practice—like personal improvement, existential relief, or blissful experiences—can actually block our progress. True spiritual growth is about letting go, not acquiring more. This can be difficult to accept because it challenges some deeply ingrained ways we relate to life. When we let go of our attachment to the separate self, we can begin to discover who and what we really are, which is so much bigger, so much deeper, so much more extraordinary than we could have imagined. About the Teacher Chang Ji Fashi is a nun in the Chan Buddhist lineage of Dharma Drum Mountain. She served as International Affairs Special Assistant to the late Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen and as Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association’s representative to the United Nations. Her international work has brought together young adults and multifaith leaders around global citizenship, social development, sustainability, and climate change. She leads meditation retreats and teaches contemplative action and Master Sheng Yen’s approach to Spiritual Environmentalism. Arrival & Check-in Doors open at 10:00 AM. Please plan to arrive by 10:15 AM, allowing 15–20 minutes to check in and get settled. The event begins promptly at 10:30 AM. Arriving early helps us begin together in a quiet and settled space. Preparing for the Program Out of respect for all participants and the teacher, we ask that everyone arrive on time and remain for the full program. Late arrivals and early departures can be disruptive to the group’s practice. Please silence your phone and watch to support the quality of your practice and that of everyone in the room. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to sit and move easily. Please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented lotions. What to Bring A water bottle or travel thermos to help us reduce waste. A light jacket or wrap in case the meditation hall is cool. Your personal meditation cushion or bench, if you prefer. Cushions and chairs are available at the center. An open mind. Cost Suggested donation: $25. All of our events are offered free of charge. If you would like to support us, please consider making a donation.

Join us for a talk and discussion with Chang Ji Fashi, a Buddhist monastic and teacher whose international work connects contemplative practice with social engagement and global citizenship. How can I make every moment an opportunity for awakening and transformation? We often think of spirituality as somehow separate from the rest of our activities, a space or refuge we go to in order to connect with our deepest wisdom and awakening. How can we dissolve the boundary between “practicing” and ordinary living, so that every moment and every action becomes an opportunity to cultivate and express your awakened sense of purpose, presence, and awareness? How can I expand my awakening beyond the self? Awakening isn’t confined to personal transformation alone; it extends into the very fabric of our social and collective existence. But how do we bridge this gap between individual enlightenment and social connection? Using the Protection of the Spiritual Environment approach, we not only deepen personal awareness but also connect our insights with the wider community, fostering a shared consciousness that transcends individual perspective. About the Teacher Chang Ji Fashi is a nun in the Chan Buddhist lineage of Dharma Drum Mountain. She served as International Affairs Special Assistant to the late Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen and as Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association’s representative to the United Nations. Her international work has brought together young adults and multifaith leaders around global citizenship, social development, sustainability, and climate change. She leads meditation retreats and teaches contemplative action and Master Sheng Yen’s approach to Spiritual Environmentalism. Arrival & Check-in Doors open at 1:40 PM. The event begins promptly at 2:00 PM. Please plan to arrive by 1:45 PM, allowing 10–15 minutes to check in and get settled. Out of respect for all participants and the teacher, we ask that everyone arrive on time and remain for the full program. Cost Suggested donation: $25. All of our events are offered free of charge. If you would like to support us, please consider making a donation.

Join us for a full day of hands-on instruction and practice in Chan/Zen meditation, grounded in the Dharma Drum lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen. This class is designed for beginners and no prior experience is necessary. Whether you have never sat in meditation before or have tried on your own without much guidance, this is where to start. Over the course of the day, you'll be introduced to the essential elements of meditation: Settling the body Working with the breath Bringing the mind to a place of calm and clarity You will explore: Sitting and moving forms of practice Key principles behind them How to carry that quality of presence into everyday life Each topic is introduced and practiced, so the learning stays grounded in direct experience throughout the day. Please note that this is a full-day program, not a drop-in class; participants are asked to arrive on time and remain for the entire session, as the practice builds continuously from morning through afternoon. You will leave with everything you need to sit on your own, and to join our regular weekly group meditation sessions and half-day retreats here at the center. Lunch is included. A brief eating meditation will be offered as time permits. ​​​About the teacher Peter Lin, a licensed psychologist, received an M.S. in Biostatistics from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University. His primary clinical training was at Weill Cornell Medical College, and his postdoctoral training was at the HIV Research Center of Columbia University. Peter has great interest in the parallelism between Western psychology and Buddhism. He integrates Chan teachings in his clinical work, and his research interest focuses on the effects of mindfulness meditation. Peter started his Buddhist practice in 1988, and in 2003 began his Chan practice at Dharma Drum Mountain. Peter is a psychology professor and has a private practice in NYC. ​Requirements & What to Expect Please read the following before registering: Doors open at 8:30 AM. Please arrive by 8:45 AM so you can get settled before we begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Attending only part of the day is not permitted. This class builds continuously from morning through afternoon. Out of respect for all participants and the teacher, we ask that everyone commit to the full day. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to the group's practice. Please plan to silence your phone and watch. We ask for these to support the quality of your practice and that of everyone in the room. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to sit and move easily. Refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strong-smelling lotions. Please avoid a heavy meal before arriving. A light breakfast is fine. Lunch is provided. No prior meditation experience is required. Chairs are available for those who prefer not to sit on a cushion. What to Bring To help reduce waste, please bring your own water bottle or travel thermos. A light jacket or wrap in case the hall is cool. Your personal meditation cushion or bench, if you prefer (cushions and chairs are available at the center). An open mind. Cost Suggested donation: $50. All of our events are free of charge. If you'd like support us, please consider making a donation.

Step away from the pace of the city for a morning of sustained meditation. This Half-Day Retreat offers a structured, supportive morning of continuous practice, rooted in the Dharma Drum lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen—a rigorous yet modern approach to Chan (more commonly known as Zen). The morning will include: sitting meditation walking meditation mindful movement reflection and sharing Offered monthly, this retreat is a good opportunity for those building a regular meditation practice and seeking something more sustained than ordinary daily sitting. It is a natural next step for anyone who has attended our regular meditation sessions or completed our Beginner’s Meditation Class. Please note that this program assumes prior experience with meditation. For guided meditation sessions and other beginner-friendly programs, please see our full Events Calendar. Arrival & Check-In Doors open at 8:45 AM. Please plan to arrive by 9:00 AM, allowing 15–20 minutes to check in and get settled. The retreat begins promptly at 9:15 AM. Arriving early helps us begin together in a quiet and settled space. Preparing for the Retreat Out of respect for all participants and the teacher, we ask that everyone arrive on time and remain for the full retreat. Late arrivals and early departures can be disruptive to the group’s practice. Please silence your phone and watch to support the quality of your practice and that of everyone in the room. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to sit and move easily. Please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented lotions. This retreat is suitable for those with prior meditation experience. If you are new to meditation, we warmly invite you to first join one of our weekly group meditation sessions or our Beginner’s Meditation Class, which offers a full-day introduction to the foundations of Chan practice. What to Bring A water bottle or travel thermos to help us reduce waste. A light jacket or wrap in case the meditation hall is cool. Your personal meditation cushion or bench, if you prefer. Cushions and chairs are available at the center. An open mind. Cost Suggested donation: $25. All of our events are offered free of charge. If you would like to support us, please consider making a donation.

Are you new to meditation or new-ish and want help in establishing your practice? Learn the basics of Chan Buddhist meditation in this introductory class. We’ll learn how to find a stable posture, what to do with your body, what to do with your mind, and how to set up a regular practice at home. There will be plenty of time for Q&A and sharing experiences. Each section of the class builds on the previous one, so arriving on time is essential. Doors open at 6:15 PM, and class begins promptly at 6:30 PM. Please plan to arrive before the start of class. Because meditation is easier to learn with personal guidance, we are keeping this class small. Please sign up only if you are committed to attending, so that spaces remain available for those who are able to attend. If your plans change after registering, please cancel your registration or let us know as soon as possible. About the instructor Beth Adelman learned how to meditate almost 20 years ago on a retreat with Larry Rosenberg, founder of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center. She has continued her study and practice of Chan Buddhism with Simon Child and Rebecca Li at Dharma Drum Retreat Center and in the Chan Dharma Community, where she volunteers. She is also active with Dharma Drum Meditation Center in New York City, where she leads a monthly Walking Meditation and regularly helps facilitate Tea, Chat & Meditation evenings.