The Chan Tradition
Chan is a form of Buddhism that originated in China. It was transmitted to Japan where it became known as Zen, the name most familiar to Westerners. The ultimate goal of Chan is the realization of one's true nature and the expression of this realization in our interactions with others. The goal is nothing less than the attainment of our full potential as Buddhas--the embodiment of wisdom and compassion.
The path of Chan meditation practice also benefits people physically, psychologically, and spiritually.
DharmaDrumMountain
ChanMeditationCenter
The ChanMeditationCenter and Institute of Chung-Hwa Buddhist Culture is a division of Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association. It is a place of serenity and self-cultivation, located in Elmhurst, Queens, a multi-cultural neighborhood in New York City. We welcome all those interested in meditation and the study and practice of Buddhism, regardless of background, age, or ethnic origin. We offer access to Buddhism through a variety of approaches, including classes, lectures on Buddhist scriptures and philosophy, meditation, retreats, chanting, and ceremonies.
The Center is also a small monastery where bhikshus and bhikshunis (fully ordained monks and nuns) live and practice the traditional precepts, including harmony, celibacy, and purity of mind.
Regular membership is available but not required. Those who wish to give their support can do so through regular participation in the Center activities and / or voluntary contributions.
DharmaDrumRetreatCenter
In July 1997, DharmaDrumRetreatCenter was purchased by Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association. It is in Pine Bush, New York, on the edge of UlsterCounty, about 2 hours drive north-west of Manhattan. The 120-acre property is on the foothills of ShawangunkMountain. Extensive renovation is being done to provide year round single-room accommodations for up to 100 practitioners.
DharmaDrumRetreatCenter provides a serene location to learn about Buddhism and practice Chan meditation. We help practitioners achieve inner peace and harmony through cultivation of wisdom and compassion, which also benefits society and humankind.
At this important time, we are in need of financial support for program development and operations as well as voluntary help. If you are interested in helping us, please contact DharmaDrumRetreatCenter at
Tel: (845)744-8114, Fax: (845)744-8483 or
Web site:
E-mail:
The Founder and Spiritual Leader
Chan Master Sheng Yen, born on a farm outside Shanghai in 1930, became a monk at the age of thirteen. In 1949, during the Communist takeover, he moved to Taiwan to continue his study and practice. In 1958 at the age of 28, during an intense dialogue with Chan Master Ling-yuan, he had one of the deepest spiritual experiences of his life. At the age of 30, Chan Master Sheng Yen went into an intense six-year solitary retreat in the mountains. After the retreat, Chan Master Sheng Yen saw the need to educate both monastic and lay Buddhists through modern Buddhist education. He went abroad and earned his master's degree and doctorate in Buddhist Literature from RisshoUniversity in Japan. In 1978 he founded the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies.
In 1975 Chan Master Sheng Yen received transmission from Chan Master Dongchu of the Cao Dong (Ts'ao-tung) School of Chan. In 1978, he received transmission from Chan Master Ling-Yuan of the LinJi (Lin-chi) School of Chan, becoming the third generation descendant of Chan Master Xu Yun (Hsu-yun)--the greatest contemporary patriarch and reviver of Chan Buddhism.
Chan Master Sheng Yen is the founder of the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies and the International Cultural and Educational Foundation of Dharma Drum Mountain in Taiwan, as well as the ChanMeditationCenter and the DharmaDrumRetreatCenter in New York. Chan Master Sheng Yen now travels annually between the United States and Taiwan, gives talks in universities and centers, and lead retreats throughout the world.
About the teachers
Guo Ming Fashi, is the Spiritual Director of ChanMeditationCenter since 2004. She received her full ordination in 1992. Guo Ming Fashi has many years of experience in leading intensive 7-day retreats. Her specialty is in the Silent Illumination practice.
Guo Chian Fashi, is the senior teacher of both meditation practice and Buddhadharma. She received her full ordination in 1996. She is currently the Director of the center's Youth programs.
Chang Wu Fashi, is the teacher of beginner's and intermediate level meditation practice. She received her full ordination in 2003.
If you have any question pertaining to the Buddhadharma or Chan practice , please e-mail to: . The resident teachers will be happy to answer your questions.
Ongoing Activities
Sunday Open House
Every Sunday From 10 am to 3 pm
Except:Jan. 29 for Chinese New Year Celebration,
April 9, Aug. 13 for Earh Store Recitation
May 14 for Buddha's Birthday Celebration
The Center set up this open house so that families, friends, and neighbors can explore and join our various programs. Everyone welcome to participate.
Please call in advance or visit our website for information about the topics and speakers for the Sunday lectures.
10:00 - 11:00amGroup Meditation
11:00 - 12:30pmDharma Talk
12:30 - 1:00pmLunch Offering & Announcement
1:00 - 2:00pmVegetarian Lunch ($3.00 donation requested)
2:00 - 3:00pmDevotional chanting of Guanyin
( BodhisattvaAvalokitesvara)/
Second Sunday of the month is devoted to the chanting of the Great Compassion Dharani. Dharma Discussion(Q&A)
4:00 - 6:00pmChoir Practice
Monday Night Chanting
Every Monday 7:30 - 9:15 pm, Free of Charge
Devotional chanting of Amitabha Buddha
88 Buddhas Repentance service on last Monday of each month
Tuesday Night Sitting
Every Tuesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Free of Charge
All who have previous experience in meditation are welcome. Activities include sitting meditation, walking meditation, yoga exercise, chanting of the Heart Sutra, and group discussion of Chan Master Sheng Yen's books.
Thursday Night Tai Ji Quan Class
Thus., from 7:30 PM - 9:00 Pm, All levels are welcome
$80 (16 classes in total) or
$25 per month (4 week as a month)
Translated literally the Chinese word Tai means great; Ji means origin; and Quan, exercise or boxing with the hands, Tai Ji Quan is a gentle and relaxing form of exercise using the hands. It has absorbed all the best qualities of Chinese traditional therapeutic exercise.
Instructor: David Ngo
First Thursday of the month is free for newcomers.
Saturday Sittings
Every Saturday From 9 AM to 3 PM. Free of charge.
Open to all who have previous experience in meditation. Each period is half an hour with yoga or walking meditation in between the sittings. Participants can join and leave the sittings between periods and sit for as many periods as they wish.
Yoga Classes
Sat., Feb 04, 11, 18, 25. / Mar 04, 11, 18, 25. / Apr 01, 08, 15.
From 3 pm - 4:30 pm
$80 for all 10 classes, $10 for each class. (All levels are welcome.)
Yoga is a Sanskrit term. Its definition implies its purpose to unite the mind, body and spirit to enhance the health and to improve the overall quality of life.
Instructor: Rikki Asher
Chan and Recitation Retreats
1-day retreats: apply to CMC
Web site: /
Email:
3-day retreats: apply to DDRC
To apply please see Intensive Chan Retreats below.
1-day Chan Retreat at CMC
Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Aug. 19 and Oct 21
For practitioners who have completed CMCbeginnermeditation classed.
Please arrive at CMC 8:45 AM.
3-day Chan Retreat at DDRC
Friday 8:30 PM to Monday5:00 PM; Feb 17-20
For Practitioners who want to deepen their meditation practices.
Please arrive at DDRC 7:00 PM.
1-day Recitation Retreat at CMC
Saturdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Jan 14, May 6 and Jul 22
Intensive practice in recitation, prostration, sitting, chanting gatha in praise of Buddha, and dedications.
Please arrive at CMC 8:45 AM.
3-day Recitation Retreat at DDRC
Thursday 9:00 PM to Sunday 5:00 PM; Mar 23-26
Friday 9:00 PM to Monday 5:00 PM; Sept 1-4
Intensive practice in recitation, prostration, sitting, chanting gatha in praise of Buddha, and dedications.
Please arrive at DDRC 9:00 PM.
Intensive Chan Retreat at DDRC
An opportunity to deepen our practice, enhance self-frflection and look into the meaning of life for those who are interested in the intensive retreats ranging from 5 days, 7 days, 10 days and longer terms.
Apply directly to DDRC, visit their website: or E-mail: for detail information.
College Zen Camp at DDRC
3-day: Thursday 8:30 PM to Sunday 5:00 PM; Jan 5-8
5-day: Monday 8:30 PM to Sunday 5:00 PM; Jul 31-Aug 6
The Zen camp is for college students and young professionals who are interested in learning about Buddhism but are new to the practice. Free for students.
Please arrive at DDRC 7:00 PM.
5-day Chan Retreats at DDRC
Friday 6:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM; July 7-12
Intensive meditation is for serious sitters to deepen their practice. Each full day, 4:00 AM -10:00 PM, begins with exercises and includes 14 periods of 40-minute meditation, chanting, work practice, Dharma talks, and private interviews.
Please arrive at DDRC 6:00 PM
5-day Western Zen Retreat at DDRC
Friday 6:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM; Mar 10-15
This is an East-West psychology retreat that is related to Buddhist philosophy. Program will be under the guidance of Drs. John Crook and Simon Child who have received transmission from Chan Master Sheng Yen, and assisted by Dr. Hillary Richards. Please call, write or download for an application form from DDRC website and send it in two months in advance. Acceptance letter will be sent one month before the retreat.
Please arrive at DDRC 6:00 PM
10-day Huatou Retreat at DDRC
Friday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM; May 26-Jun 4 and Nov 24-Dec 3
10-day Silent Illumination Retreat at DDRC
Saturday 5:00 PM Monday10:00 AM;
Jun 24-Jul 3 and Dec 26-Jan 4, 2007
These retreats are open to practitioners who have taken a formal meditation class and have subsequently practiced for at least one year. The retreat will be held at the DDRC in upstate New York. Call, write or download from our website for an application form and send it in three months in advance. Acceptance letters will be sent out one month before the retreat begins. Please arrive at DDRC 5:00 PM
Special Events
Chinese New Year Celebration at CMC:
Celebration in praise of the Buddha
Sunday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM; Jan 29
The chanting in praise of 88 Buddhas, a lecture by Master Jen Chun in the morning, followed by vegetarian feast; entertainment and performance in the afternoon. Families and friends are welcome. Admission is free.
Special Lecture by Dr. John Crook at CMC
Thursday 7:00 PM-9:00 PM; Mar 9
Dr. John Crook, the founder of the Western Chan Fellowship, received the Dharma transmission from Chan Master Sheng Yen in 1993. He has been leading various retreats in Europe and the U.S. ever since.
Earth Store Bodhisattva Recitation at CMC
Sunday 9:30 AM-3:30 PM; April 9 and Aug 13
Recitation of Sutra of Bodhisattva KsitigarbhaFundamental Vows. Merits are transferred to the deceased and blessings for the living.
BuddhaBirthday Celebration at CMC
Sunday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM; May 14
The dayprogram includes Dharma talks by Master Jen Chun and Chan Master Sheng Yen, bathing of the Baby Buddha statue, vegetarian feast, and entertainment. All are welcome. Admission is free.
Family Summer Zen Camp at DDRC
Thursday Sunday; Jul 13-16
This weekendprogram includes bonfire, outdoor meditation, Buddhist-related stories, family workshops, and more.
Application starts in June. Contact the ChanMeditationCenter,
Chan Master Sheng Yen's T.V. Program
"Zen & Inner Peace"
Friday midnight at WNYE(C-25) TV station.
Please contact CMC for more information.
Praying Service for the Deceased
Chan Master Sheng Yen said "Prayer Service for the Deceased is an adorned Buddhism Ceremony"
The purpose of forming the prayer group is to care for our members and their families and friends, and to advocate the Buddhist Service for the Deceased. We welcome and encourage all of our members to join this group.
Dharma Drum Publication
Chan Magazine
Published quarterly since 1977. Contains lectures by Chan Master Sheng Yen; translations of Buddhist texts; scholarly studies in Buddhism; practitioners' retreat reflections; poetry, stories, and other articles. Please contact ChanMeditationCenter for free subscription.
Books by Chan Master Sheng Yen
Please visit web site:
Email:
Directions to the ChanCenter
By subway from Manhattan:
Take the Queens bound Uptown R or G train to Grand Ave. / Newtown station, Queens. Walk 3 blocks on Broadway. Turn right on Corona Ave. Walk 3 blocks to the ChanMeditationCenter. Or take the #7, E or F train to 74th St. / Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave. station. Change to R or G (toward Forest Hills) and go 2 stops to Grand Ave. / Newtown station. Then follow above directions from Grand Ave. / Newtown station.
By bus from Flushing
Take Q58 bus on 41st. Road in Flushing. Get off at 91st. Pl. and Corona Avenue. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
By car
Please contact ChanMeditationCenter for a map.
DDMBA America Chapters
DDMBA America:
Dharma Drum for Young People:
New York, NY(718) 592-6593
90-56 Corona Ave., Elmhurst, NY11373
Long Island, NYP.O.BOX 423, Upton, NY11973
Rochester, NY(585) 242-9096
170 Maywood Drive, Rochester, NY14618
New Jersey(732) 249-1898
789 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick, NJ08901
Connecticut(203) 972-3406
66 Field Crest Road, New Canaan, CT06840
Pennsylvania(814) 867-9253
134 Gala Drive, State College, PA16801
Vermont(802) 658-3413
16 Bower Street, S.Burlington, VT05403
Michigan(517) 332-0003
1431 Stanlake Drive, East Lansing, MI48823
Illinois(847) 932-1567
1234 North River Road, Mt Prospect, IL60056
North Carolina(919) 468-3834
101 Ranchero Court, Cary, NC27513
Georgia(770) 416-0941
4977 Dillards Mill Way, Duluth, GA30096
Orlando, FL(407) 932-3360
3050 Ashland Lane, South Kissimmee, FL34741
Tampa, FL(727) 393-9588
SafetyHarbor Library, 101 2nd Street N.
Safety Harbor, FL34695
Dallas, TX(972) 660-5971
2150 East Pioneer Pkwy #104Arlington, TX76010
Los Angeles, CA(626) 572-5472
1168 S. San Garbriel Blvd. #R, Rosemead, CA91770
San Francisco, CA(650) 692-3259
1842 EI Camino Real, Burlingmae, CA94010
Sacramento, CA(916) 681-2416
9196 Campobello Court, Elk Grove, CA95624
Oregon(503) 579-8582
12715 S.W. 158th Terrace Beaverton, OR97007
Seattle, WA(425) 957-4597
14028 Bel-Red Road, Suite 202, Bellevue, WA98007
Las Vegas, NV(702) 839-9155
10560 Premia Pl. Las Vegas, NV89135
Vancouver, (604) 737-7288
Canada10800 No.5 Road, Richmond,
BC V7A 4E5, Canada
Toronto, Canada(416) 386-0189
Unit 1, 2Fl. 1041 Avenue Road
Toronto, ONTM5N 2C5, Canada