Dharma Drum Chan Tradition

Master Sheng Yen established the ‘Chung-Hwa (Chinese) Chan Dharma Drum School’ through inheriting from both Linji and Caodong lineages; and developing upon the traditions. It consolidate from the similarities and differences among various schools from India and Han Chinese Buddhism, and with mindful consideration of the popular meditation methods such as Son in Korea, Zen in Japan, and Thien in Vietnam, as well as the Southern Vipassanā and the Tibetan tradition.

Chan Meditation Courses and Events

To accommodate the needs of various practitioners, Dharma Drum Mountain offers a complete range of meditation courses based on your levels and stages of practice. You can find a suitable meditation activity, regardless of whether you are a beginner, seasoned practitioner, or someone who is unable to sit cross-legged.

For beginners who are looking to learn more about Chan Meditation, the San Francisco Bay Area Center offers a two-hour ‘Meditation Guidance’ course monthly, and a ‘Beginner’s Meditation Training Class’ once every three months.

For seasoned practitioners who have a good understanding of our practice, please consider participating in our ‘Group Meditation Practice’ sessions held every Tuesday evening, Thursday morning, or Saturday morning, where we can cultivate and deepen our practice together through the ‘Eight-Form Moving Meditation’ and various sitting methods.

In addition to practicing proficiently through continuous training, there are monthly ‘One-Day Retreats’, or the annual ‘Intensive Three-Day or Seven-Day Retreats’. Starting from relaxing and becoming mindfully aware of the body and mind, then further progress to letting go of attachments. Last but not least, putting the practice into their daily lives through the joy of giving and serving others will cultivate our compassion and nourish oneself to grow.

Learn more about Dharma Drum Chung-Hwa (Chinese) Chan Tradition
http://www.shengyen.org/content/about/about_04_01.aspx

Learn more about DDM Meditation Center’s “Meditation Practitioner’s Guide”

https://chan.ddm.org.tw/xmdoc/cont?xsmsid=0K316390576867305629

In the two-hour class, you will get a brief introduction to the fundamental methods and learn how meditation can benefit us physically and mentally in our modern life. During the class, participants will also gain hands-on experience through a short session of guided sitting meditation, relaxing their body and mind, and putting the methods into practice. This serves as the entry-level class for the ‘Beginner’s Meditation Training Course’.

This 8-hour training course is spread out into either four two-hour sessions or a two-day intensive session. During the course, the concepts and methods of meditation are taught progressively. Through the practice of the meditation methods, one can cultivate greater self-awareness and self-realization. By subsequently changing and uplifting our own character to find our inner peace and enhance the quality of our life.

The course agenda covers: learning how meditation can benefit us physically and mentally in our modern life, what kind of mindset to better prepare us for our practice, introduction to the fundamental methods of meditation; sitting postures; meditation tools; sitting meditation; eight-form moving meditation; walking meditation; resting meditation; application of meditation in daily life; and a complete overview to Dharma Drum Mountain systematic meditation curriculum.

Through our group practice, it nurtures a sense of belonging where we can mutually support each other to deepen our practice and grow together. We start out with Eight-Form Moving Meditation to allow our scattered mind to gradually settle. Followed by two sessions of sitting meditation to regulate the body, breath, and mind. Last but not least, we will share and discuss in groups to learn from Master Sheng Yen’s Dharma Talk.

Eight-form moving meditation is a method that integrates the core principles of Chan practice into physical exercise. This method is beneficial for both body and mind and can be practiced anywhere anytime. As one learns how to practice diligently even when we engage in all daily activities, regardless of whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or reclining. We can cultivate greater awareness, attain relaxation of body and mind, and find our inner peace.

This retreat is an opportunity for practitioners to diligently practice meditation methods that were taught in the Beginner’s Meditation Training Class. Through a full day of training, it allows us to bring one’s mind back to the present moment and enjoy every single moment. Noble Silence is observed throughout the retreat.

The activities include: sitting meditation, Eight-Form Moving Meditation, Dharma Talk by Master Sheng Yen, walking meditation, prostration, and yoga exercises.

Multi-day retreat is an advanced meditation activity personally led by monastics, with guidance assisted by qualified Chan Teachers or experienced volunteers.

The activities include: chanting services, sitting meditation, Eight-Form Moving Meditation, yoga, Dharma talks, prostration, walking meditation, group chore practice, etc.