Cultivating Serenity in Difficult Times

Name: Cultivating Serenity in Difficult Times
Start: 2025-08-08
End: 2025-08-10
Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
Rating: 5

5.0013 reviews

191 Cragsmoor Road; Cragsmoor, New York 12566

Up to 20 in group

August 8 - 10, 2025

Retreat Highlights

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Shamatha 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 paths, flora and fauna

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Ramananda

Details of this retreat

Living Beautifully in a Challenging World
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
In a world marked by increasing turmoil and uncertainty, it can feel challenging to uncover and embrace true joy and inner peace. Join Ramanada John E. Welshons, renowned teacher, author, and practitioner, as he leads a weekend of meditation, teaching, and discussion amid the welcoming tranquility of the Center's 90 acre-campus. You will leave feeling inspired, uplifted, and supported, with new tools for living beautifully—no matter what.
“Ramananda John E. Welshons is incredible! He is a WONDERFUL teacher!”
~ Ram Dass

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
One of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism is that Joy is our birthright. How do we learn to experience Joy when we live in a world filled with uncertainty, impermanence, and disappointment? How do we work with anxiety and fear? How do we heal from the losses we have experienced? How do we find the path to our own True Nature—and learn to live beautifully—in the sacred sanctuary of Love, Compassion, and Peace that rests in the core of our Being? Discover how during this transformative weekend. The weekend will include:

Teachings, reflections, dialogue and dharma talks
Discussion of practices, perspectives and techniques to help us carry meditation practice into daily life
Guided group meditation
Gentle yoga

Through meditation practice, dialogue, and dharma talks we will experience a weekend focused on deep rest and finding Inner Peace and Equanimity no matter what is going on in our bodies, our lives, or in the world around us.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with questions and answers
Guided meditations - including sitting, walking, and lying-down meditation
Gentle yoga (optional)
Delicious, healthy vegetarian food
Beautiful accommodations 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 all.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)

Friday, August 8

3:00 PM
Check in begins

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:30-9:00 PM
Welcome and Introduction

9:00-9:30 PM
Calming Meditation Techniques

Saturday, August 9

7:00-8:00 AM
Morning Meditation

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Program

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Meditation

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 Program

Sunday, August 10

7:00-8:00 AM
Morning Meditation

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Program

11:30 AM-12:00PM
Closing Q & A and Blessings

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure

Schedule

7:30-8:00 AM: Morning Mediation and Salutations
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Program or free time
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00-6:00 PM: Program or free time
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
10:00 PM Lights Out

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, 191 Cragsmoor Road; Cragsmoor, New York 12566

Directions

CAR. You will find a link for driving directions on our website. The parking lot is immediately to your left when you enter the Center grounds. You may drive up and drop your luggage at the Welcome Center, but may not leave your car unattended there; someone will be happy to shuttle you back down to the parking lot.

TRAIN. From Newark, La Guardia and Penn Station, you can take the Metro North train into Middletown, New York, approximately a 30-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

BUS. From New York City, you can take the Shortline Bus into Ellenville, New York, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

PLANE. Newark, La Guardia and Stewart Airports all offer convenient services. From Newark or LaGuardia you can complete your trip by train; from Stewart you may rent a car or take a taxi service.

Accommodation

Our two residence halls offer a simple, peaceful environment that supports your retreat experience, with rooms for those on both personal and solitary retreats. Each room has a meditation cushion and zabuton. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner with the resident community, as well as towels and housekeeping. All guests are welcome, but not required, to join the daily meditation and other activities (although separate tickets are required for all ticketed events). • Our junior suites have a double bed, private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. • Our private rooms have a double bed and room for private meditation, with a shared bath. Rooms may be shared by those in a committed relationship.

Commuter

Our Commuter Fee covers the costs of all meals during your retreat and the use of all our facilities.

Private Room: Single

This comfortable room has a double bed and ample room for meditation. It is outfitted with a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object; it shares a bath with one or two other rooms. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room rate includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day; in addition, there is a tea station on every hall.

Private Room: Couple

This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.

Junior Suite: Single

These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.

Junior Suite: Couple

This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Perched atop a wooded hillside in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is surrounded by 90 acres of forest. The Center opened in 2017 and was purpose built to support retreats. With only 20 bedrooms, our retreats are small, keeping the retreat experience intimate. People regularly comment both on the cleanliness of the buildings and on the total sense of peace that envelopes you when on campus.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Ancient wisdom describes food as a source of prana, or life force. The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing was founded on the premise that nourishing food is integral to wellbeing. Our chefs are passionate about creating meals that are both flavorful and healthy. We use the freshest, most nutritious, least processed foods available; when possible our ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your accommodation fee. To promote good health, we serve delicious, varied, nutritious vegetarian food, with options at every meal. All our meals are served on a buffet, with ingredients listed next to each dish, enabling guests to avoid dairy, as well as glutens, nuts and other allergens.

What's Included

Comfortable accommodations with queen bed in every room
All linens
Three delicious, farm-fresh vegetarian meals a day
Tea station and fruit bowl always available
Large Meditation Hall and private Meditation Room
Extensive library of dharma books
Cozy chairs and fireplace
90-acre campus with walking trails and outdoor meditation spots
Fire pit
Outdoor practice pavilion

What's Not Included

Travel to the Center

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Catherine • Dec 14, 2024

5.0

Verified

thanhgiving retreat

hello

My retreat was great met alot of interesting people from everywhere as far as Brazil and China most people were from New Jersey. The food was great. I was in the yoga class on a chair and then decided I wanted to sit on the mat i miss and landed on the floor. There was so many people that just jumped out to help me. The place is very peaceful it feels like one big family. Catherine Asaro

Laura • Feb 01, 2023

5.0

Verified

Peace in a comfortable environment

From the moment I arrived I was impressed with how peaceful and immaculate the entire facility is. The rooms had exactly what I needed with a comfortable bed and pillows, meditation table and cushions, and a desk. Towels were provided as well. Vegetarian meals were delicious. I was able to immerse myself in the silent meditation retreat and focus on deepening my practice. This is a perfect place for me and I’m already planning my next retreat.

Anonymous • May 18, 2022

5.0

Verified

Beautiful spot

Dharmakaya Center is a beautiful & peaceful spot. Highly recommend! The center is immaculate and well maintained. Great staff and facilities.

YELENA • Nov 10, 2021

5.0

Verified

Amazing place Amazing experience

If you are looking for a place to unwind and grow spiritually while eating the best food this place is for you. Brand-new beautiful facility, super friendly stuff and relaxing atmosphere - I don’t know the better way to spend a weekend. I enjoyed my stay and I’m coming back!

Debra • Sep 03, 2021

5.0

Verified

fantastic experience

I was in a wonderful art work shop and it was amazing. Accommodations where beautiful. Food was delicious and fantastic.
Beautiful grounds lovely walking experience. . The staff was delightful.

Cultivating Serenity in Difficult Times

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Ramananda John E. Welshons

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions