DDRC Dharma Drum Retreat Center, Pine Bush NY

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience at DDRC. The location, the people, the food, and the teachings all exceeded my expectations and made a huge impact on me. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend a visit!

DDRC is a rare meditation center that offers profound, authentic teachings of Buddhism in a setting and fashion that is accessible to those who may be unfamiliar. Thank you very much to all of the teachers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to give us a space for relaxation and training.

The teachers at DDRC are monastics from Asia who are experienced in using English to instruct western students. The design of their retreats are comfortable and forgiving while still providing adequate intensity to challenge and inspire growth.

(Note for those familiar with meditation: the Chan school from which DDRC issues relentlessly focuses on meditative methods and the usage of the mind, and less on formal strictures and conventions. If you are familiar with retreats in the Zen style, you will probably adjust to the Chan approach quite quickly.)

The facilities, especially the meditation hall, are beautiful and modern. The retreat center is located in the tranquil embrace of nature where one normally hears nothing but birdsong and the sound of flowing water, though it is still easily accessible by car.

Highly recommended for both those new to meditation and advanced practitioners looking to go deeper.

Spent the mid-autumn weekend here for friends gathering and meditation. Food is fantastic and people are warm and kind. Will come back again!

Very beautiful and peaceful space!
A nice place for meditation. Let's go mindful by Chan practice.

Peaceful location
Spacious meditation hall
Lovely pond and walking trails
Extremely friendly, helpful, and wonderful staff and monastics
GREAT vegetarian food
Affordable retreat options with individual dorms

So I just got back from a weekend retreat and I must say it's an extremely calm and wonderfully different way in which to spend 48 hours. Well worth it, even for someone just looking to get away from "it" all and not into Buddhist teachings. I wanted to learn more about serenity and meditation and it succeeded my expectations. The food is wonderful, the people who guide you throughout your stay there are thought provoking and charming and warm. This was very different from what I expected and my expectations were lofty. I'm very happy with everything there and definitely say give it a try.you have only something to gain.

I did my first 7 days meditation retreat here 7 years ago. Since then, I have been back a few time. Every time, the experience was amazing. Great food. Friendly people. Clear instructions.

This is a gorgeous and peaceful place. The monks and volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable. The food is always delicious and sometimes prepared by volunteers. I have gone to Dharma Drum Retreat Center three times now and I always feel rejuvenated when I leave. I am looking forward to my next retreat.

I have just returned from a Foundation Retreat at the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and am so grateful for the experience. I learned the basics of Chinese Zen sitting meditation and was given ample opportunity to practice it. Through the short weekend, we were guided in moving meditation, sitting exercise, standing exercise, and mindful practice. I have so much to learn and was given so much to practice. The teaching was direct, kind, and mindful. The meals were incredible and prepared by generous volunteers. The sleeping accommodations where very comfortable; each person has their own room and everything is very clean and well kept. It's evident how much thought goes into how they care for their property. The grounds they are located on is heaven on earth. Peaceful, quiet, and welcoming. Most importantly, the instruction is kind, clear, and everyone is very encouraging. The staff, volunteers, and monastics were more than generous with their guidance, knowledge, and warm hearts. At the beginning of the retreat the focus is on learning and inward development however on the last day, at the very end, you get to connect with your fellow meditators and the entire staff of Dharma Drum which was a real treat. I will return again, and again, and again. Thank you Dharma Drum! I am eternally grateful and hope that I can return your kindness and generosity!

I attended the 3-day weekend Foundation retreat, for the first time at the end of September. The entire weekend was calm, peaceful, and well organized. For those looking to introduce themselves into Chan Meditation, this is the place for you. While there may be no use of smartphones or other forms of communication, this sense of “being cut off” is truly enlightening. It allows you to be fully present and experience/learn practices you can take back to your daily life. Truly grateful for the opportunity and very much looking forward to the next Foundation retreat.

I'm so happy to have found this special hidden gem!
The Dharma Drum centre is such a tranquil and calm environment, filled with the loveliest teachers and volunteers.
I stayed last weekend for two 1 day silent retreats and can say I will 100% be going back!
I left feeling relieved, empowered, relaxed, inspired and totally satisfied with my weekend away.
Love the centre and all the beautiful people involved! Can't recommend it enough