Dharma Drum
The Chan methods taught at Dharma Drum Mountain bring together the two major Chan lineages, Linji and Caodong. They also integrate the shared principles and distinctive features of both Indian Buddhism and the various traditions of Chinese Buddhism, while drawing insight from meditation methods widely practiced today in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, as well as Vipassanā in the Theravāda tradition and the Tibetan graduated path of practice. By reexamining and reorganizing the traditional Chan methods of Chinese Buddhism, our approach marks a renewed beginning. Rooted in traditional Chan yet also open to innovation, Master Sheng Yen reestablished the lineage as the Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan Buddhism.
Chan Meditation Courses and Events at Dharma Drum Mountain
To meet the needs of different practitioners, Dharma Drum Mountain offers a full range of meditation courses, guided through clear stages of practice, so that beginners, those unable to sit cross-legged, and seasoned meditators alike can find activities suited to them. At Dharma Drum Mountain San Francisco Bay Area Center, we offer a two-hour Guided Meditation each month, and a Beginner’s Meditation Course every three months.
After learning safe and complete principles and methods of Chan meditation, practitioners are welcome to join our weekly Chan Meditation Group Practice sessions held every Tuesday evening, Thursday morning, or Saturday morning, to continue practicing Dharma Drum’s Eight-Form Moving Meditation and other meditation methods.
In addition, the monthly One-Day Retreat and the annual intensive Three-Day or Seven-Day Retreats help practitioners develop a continuous practice, beginning with relaxing body and mind, to directly experiencing body and mind, and eventually learning to let go of body and mind. In doing so, the practice naturally becomes a part of daily life, benefiting both oneself and others.
Please refer to the Dharma Drum Lineage of Chan Buddhism
http://www.shengyen.org/content/about/about_04_01.aspx
Please refer to the Dharma Drum Mountain Chan Meditation Center’s Chan Meditation Roadmap
https://chan.ddm.org.tw/xmdoc/cont?xsmsid=0K316390576867305629
This two-hour class offers a brief introduction to the basic concepts and methods of Chan meditation, along with an overview of how meditation can benefit us physically and mentally in our modern, fast-paced lives. During the class, participants are guided through a short, simple seated meditation, awareness of the breath, and relaxation of body and mind. This serves as the entry-level class for the Beginner’s Meditation Course.
This 8-hour course is offered either as four 2-hour classes or as a two-day intensive program. It presents the principles and methods of Chan meditation in a complete, step-by-step way, so you can learn how to use meditation to better understand yourself, cultivate self-awareness, and gradually transform your character and enhance your quality of life. In doing so, you can live with greater ease and freedom.
The course covers: the purpose and benefits of meditation, the right mindset for practice, essential principles, proper sitting posture, the use of meditation cushions and equipment, basic meditation methods, Eight-Form Moving Meditation, walking meditation, reclining meditation; the application of meditation in daily life, and an introduction to the Dharma Drum Mountain learning system.
Practicing together in a group allows us to support and encourage one another, helping us grow together and deepen our meditation practice. We begin with Dharma Drum’s Eight-Form Moving Meditation to harmonize body and mind, helping the scattered and restless mind to gradually settle and turn its attention inward. This is followed by two sessions of sitting meditation, incorporating methods for adjusting posture, regulating the breath, and calming the mind. Finally, after listening to Master Sheng Yen’s Dharma recorded talk, we take part in discussion and sharing.
Dharma Drum’s Eight-Form Moving Meditation is a set of easy-to-learn exercises that can be practiced anywhere, anytime. It incorporates Chan meditation into movements. With consistent practice, moving meditation can be applied while walking, standing, sitting, or reclining, helping practitioners fully enjoy the relaxation of body and mind and bring about a sense of inner peace and ease.
Designed for participants who have completed the Beginner’s Meditation Course or who are interested in Chan meditation, this one-day retreat offers a chance to strengthen and deepen our methods through a full-day of dedicated practice. In an atmosphere of Noble Silence, we return the mind to the present moment and fully appreciate each moment as it arises. The retreat features sitting meditation, Eight-Form Moving Meditation, a video Dharma Talk by Master Sheng Yen, slow and brisk walking meditation, prostrations, and mindful yoga.
Multi-day retreats are advanced Chan meditation programs led by monastic teachers, with certified Chan teachers or experienced practitioners serving as time keepers. The program features morning and evening chanting services, sitting meditation, Eight-Form Moving Meditation, yoga, Dharma talks, prostrations, indoor and outdoor walking meditation, and mindful work practice (cleaning chores).