Bodhidharma's Teaching: Intro to Zen and QiGong
191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, New York 12566, USA
January 30 - February 1, 2026
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
Charles Ryoshin Kalmanek began his Zen practice in 2001 after a trip to Japan. He received Jukai in 2002, was Shuso in 2013, and was given the role of Dharma Holder (Hōshi) from Ryotan Eiger Roshi in August 2023.
Ryoshin worked in software technology for over 40 years. He teaches Zen meditation at the Village Zendo in New York City and Shakti Yoga in Maplewood NJ. He is an aspiring playwright and fiction writer, whose work explores themes of change and loss, the many ways that we are the product of causes and conditions, our human failings and our capacity for compassion and joy. Ryoshin lives in New Jersey with his wife Sarah and two very good dogs.
Bob Blanton has over 40 years of experience in the martial arts, 25 of which have been dedicated to the study and practice of Tai Chi and QiGong. For over 10 years Bob has devoted his time to a deeper study of the principals and forms of these arts. In addition to teaching private and group classes, he has participated in numerous demonstrations and competitions.
Details of this retreat
RETREAT BY INVITED TEACHERS
About two thousand years ago, an enigmatic monk named Bodhidharma taught students the path to awakening. His teachings are even more relevant today as you will discover at this powerful weekend retreat. We will learn and practice zazen, or seated meditation, and kinhin or walking meditation, as well as the QiGong practices of Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing. Let go of your day-to-day concerns—come walk with us on Bodhidharma’s path of awakening.
“As Ryoshin’s student, I’ve found his grounded and patient approach makes the essence of Zen feel clear and accessible. His deep understanding of Zen’s ancient stories, rich history, and sincere practice brings the teachings to life in a way that continues to support my own journey.”
“Bob’s sharing and experience of QiGong was easy to understand. His presentation and exercises were something I can take home with me and are available online.”
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This retreat unifies body, mind and spirit through Zen and QiGong practices.
When we are not engaged in something that requires concentration, our “monkey mind” busies itself with all sorts of thinking. Zazen is a practice in which we “drop body and mind” and are fully present to our moment-by-moment experience. We let go of any expectation of improving or getting anything from our practice: we just sit. Somehow, this simple practice is transformative. Our mind slows down. We develop insight into our habits of mind. We become intimate with our life and the life of the world. We will also practice kinhin or walking meditation and engage in dharma study of Bodhidharma’s teachings.
Qigong is an ancient practice for health and longevity. Through this practice we develop and nurture our Qi, which in turn improves its ability to keep our organs healthy and functioning optimally. While the primary Daoist goal was longevity, the Buddhist goal was enlightenment. With the arrival of Bodhidharma in China in the 6th century, the teachings evolved and the two end goals became intertwined.
You will be introduced to two routines developed by Bodhidharma at the Shaolin Temple—routines which were secret until the 1980s.
Yi Jin Jing, tendon changing classic, changes and strengthens ligaments, tendons and muscles, and increases the Qi flow to the 12 organs.
Xi Sui Jing, bone marrow cleansing classic, is an internal practice that cleanses and purifies the bone marrow and the brain.
Together these practices provide a strong mind-body foundation to help transform daily living.
When not in class, relax in the Center’s beautiful environment. Enjoy the view from the patio or a nearby hike, 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
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 and walking trails
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. The movement practices are gentle and accessible.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday, January 30
3:00 PM
Check in begins
6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner
7:00-8:45 PM
Orientation
Welcome and Introductions
Overview of the Schedule
Intro to Zen Meditation
Intro to Qigong
Question & Answer
Relaxed Breathing Exercises
8:45-9:00 PM
Training for Service Positions (Morning and Afternoon/Evening Jikidos)
10:00 PM
Lights Out
Saturday, January 31
7:00-7:30 AM
Eight Cycle Qigong
7:30-8:00 AM
Morning Meditation
8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:30-10:30 AM
Yi Jin Jing
11:00-11:30 AM
Dharma Talk
11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Meditation
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00-3:00 PM
Personal Time
3:00-4:00 PM
Xi Sui Jing
4:00-5:00 PM
Afternoon Meditation
6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner
7:30-8:30 PM
Evening Meditation
8:30-9:00 PM
Qigong teaching, relaxed breathing
Four vows
10:00 PM
Lights out
Sunday, February 1
7:00-7:30 AM
Morning Meditation
7:30-8:00 AM
Yi Jin Jing
8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:30-10:30 AM
Xi Sui Jing
11:00-11:30 AM
Dharma Talk
11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Group Sharing, Four Vows
12:30-1:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM
Checkout and Departure
Getting Here
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.
Meals
Menu Types
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.
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