Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing

Mind, Body, Joy: Integrated Wellbeing.

United States NY paid

Perched on a wooded hillside in Cragsmoor, New York, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing offers a serene escape dedicated to integrating mind and body. This purpose-built center, opened in 2017, shares ancient Buddhist teachings in a way that resonates with modern life. With only 20 bedrooms, retreats here are intentionally small and intimate, fostering a deep sense of peace and community. Guests consistently praise the pristine environment and the tranquility that envelops the 90-acre forest campus. The center emphasizes nourishing food as a vital component of wellbeing, with chefs crafting flavorful and healthy vegetarian meals using fresh, often organic and locally sourced ingredients. It's a place where physical and mental health are seen as interconnected, creating a balanced foundation for inner joy.

Highlights

Purpose-built center opened in 2017 for optimal retreat experience
Intimate retreats with only 20 bedrooms, fostering a close-knit community
Emphasis on integrated mind-body practice rooted in ancient Buddhist teachings
Chefs passionate about creating flavorful, healthy, organic, and locally sourced vegetarian meals
90 acres of surrounding forest providing a deeply peaceful and clean environment

Good for

beginnersmeditation practitionersyoga practitionershealth and wellnessnature loversthose seeking intimate retreats

Setting

The center is situated atop a wooded hillside in the quiet hamlet of Cragsmoor, New York. Surrounded by 90 acres of forest, the atmosphere is one of profound peace and natural beauty, providing an ideal environment for quiet contemplation and retreat.

The practice

The center offers an integrated practice that combines ancient Buddhist teachings with a focus on both mental and physical wellbeing. While the specific tradition is not detailed, the approach aims to help individuals recognize their inner joy through a balanced cultivation of mind and body. Retreats are designed to be responsive to a 21st-century lifestyle.

A typical day

While daily schedules vary by specific retreat, guests can expect a rhythm that integrates mental and physical practices. Days typically include structured sessions, nourishing vegetarian meals, and opportunities to enjoy the peaceful 90-acre forest surroundings. The focus is on creating a balanced environment for inner reflection and wellbeing.

Accommodation

The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing features 20 bedrooms, ensuring an intimate retreat experience. The facilities are noted for their cleanliness and are purpose-built to support a focused and comfortable stay.

What to bring

Given the New York location and emphasis on wellbeing, comfortable clothing suitable for both indoor practice and outdoor walks in the surrounding forest is advisable. Layers are recommended due to varying temperatures, especially during cooler months.

Website dharmakaya.org

Address 191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, NY, USA

How to get there

The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is located at 191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, NY. Driving directions are available on their website. For those arriving by train or bus, the center is approximately a 30-minute drive from Middletown, NY (train) and a 15-minute drive from Ellenville, NY (bus).

Nearest airport: Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) (22 km)

The nearest major airports are Newark, LaGuardia, and Stewart. From Newark or LaGuardia, you can connect to a train to Middletown, NY. From Stewart, you may rent a car or take a taxi. The center provides van service at set times for special events from train/bus stations.

Nearest city: Syracuse

Public transport: From New York City, you can take the Metro North train into Middletown, NY, or the Shortline Bus into Ellenville, NY.

Languages

English

How to book

Please visit the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing website to inquire about specific retreats and booking procedures.

Pricing

The cost model is paid, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the accommodation fee.

Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.

Visit Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing website

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Sep, Mar, Jul

Avoid: May, Apr, Jun

Cragsmoor, NY experiences a temperate climate with an annual average temperature of 9.0°C. Summers (July, August, June) are the warmest, while winters (January, February, December) are the coolest. Precipitation is fairly distributed, with May, April, and June being the wettest months, and September, March, and July typically drier.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What kind of food is served at the center?

The center serves delicious, varied, and nutritious vegetarian food, with options at every meal. They prioritize fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients when possible. Meals are served buffet-style, with ingredients listed to accommodate dietary needs such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options.

How can I get to the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing?

You can reach the center by car, train, or bus. Driving directions are available on their website. If traveling by train, take Metro North to Middletown, NY. By bus, take Shortline Bus to Ellenville, NY. The center provides van service at set times for special events; otherwise, taxis are available from the stations.

Are the retreats suitable for beginners?

The center shares ancient Buddhist teachings in ways that are responsive to a 21st Century way of life, focusing on an integrated practice. While not explicitly stated, the mission to help people recognize their 'inner joy' and the emphasis on accessible teachings suggest suitability for those new to retreat experiences.

What amenities are included with my stay?

Accommodation includes air conditioning in rooms, free WiFi, towels, and free parking. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also included in your accommodation fee. There is a restaurant on-site, and housekeeping services are provided.