191 Cragsmoor Road Cragsmoor, New York 12566
Up to 10 in group
May 22 - 25, 2026
About this Retreat
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 STUDENTS
- "John models the attributes that I am always working on developing. Graciousness, patience, compassion. It's one thing to teach it, another to live it."
- “John was fantastic. His teaching has changed my life for the better.”
- “I absorbed more from John’s teachings than from any other Buddhist materials I’ve seen.”
- “I really enjoyed this experience – a weekend I will never forget which may have changed my view on a few things.”
- “John’s teachings were excellent. He provided very clear explanations and was generous with his time with answering questions.”
- “The balance of teaching/questions, contemplation and meditation practice was optimal. I have a much better understanding of the practice and its relevance in my life.”
- “John was wonderful. Full of warmth, wisdom and patience”
- “I feel calm and re-energized. I am excited to restart my personal practice and feel inspired to apply a number of new techniques that enrich my daily life.”
- “John is an excellent teacher. I really appreciated how he adjusted his planned presentation to accommodate our many questions”
GUIDED MEDITATIONS
(please click to link to the meditation)
Details of this retreat
A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT
Now, on the cusp of summer, leave the pressures of your normal life and immerse yourself in the tranquil environment of our Center. This is a time to focus on yourself and your practice.
Meditate in Milarepa Hall, in the privacy of your room, or in one of our many mediation spots around campus—including our outdoor practice pavilion and along our woods trails. Stretch out in a gentle yoga class. Get an optional massage. Spend afternoons in the library, perusing our extensive collection of dharma and other books. Hike our tails or local parks. Spend evenings around our firepit. Contemplate the stars.
With a teacher on hand to lead group meditations, help you design a course of practice for your stay, guide your practice, and answer your questions in one-on-one sessions, you can use it as a time for study. Or you can simply follow your own rhythms, to just be.
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 AVAILABLE: We are pleased to be able to offer partial scholarships for this program. Please apply here.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Intimate setting
Daily program of salutations and meditation with Center community
Guided meditations and teacher available for personalized guidance
Gentle yoga program
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
OPTIONAL MASSAGE
Please email retreats@dharmakayacenter.org at least one week in advance if you would like to book a massage during your free time.
OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.
SCHEDULE
Friday, May 22
3:00-6:00 PM
Check in
6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner
7:30-8:00 PM
Sunset Meditation, optional
7:30-9:30 PM
Fire pit (weather permitting), optional
10:00 PM
Lights out on campus
Saturday, May 23-Sunday, May 24
7:30-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional
8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast
10:30-11:30 AM
Gentle Yoga, optional
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
Afternoon Group Meditation, optional
6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner
7:30-8:00 PM
Sunset Meditation, optional
7:30-9:30 PM
Fire pit (weather permitting), optional
10:00 PM
Lights out on campus
Monday, May 25
7:30-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional
8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:30-10:30 AM
Group Meditation, optional
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure
Verified
4 Spaces Remaining
