Won Dharma Facilities
Conveniently located in a rural setting near New York City and Boston, the Won Dharma Center is set on 426 acres in Claverack in upstate New York, overlooking the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains. Surrounded by wooded foothills with a nearby brook, the retreat center is a serene natural setting for contemplation and renewal.
A green community designed with sensitivity to nature and issues of Sustainable Design, the center consists of eco-friendly buildings designed to provide a tranquil and meditative atmosphere. The Won Dharma Center won the 2010 Design Award from Faith & Form / IFRAA International Awards Program for Religious Art and Architecture.
“The Design Concept For The Buildings Evokes Both The Tradition Of Grass-Roofed Houses In Korea And A Natural Disposition Of Groups Of Trees Placed Along The Grassy Slope. Visitors Walk Between And Among The Buildings As If Walking Between And Through Clusters Of Trees, While The Discovery Of The Inner Courtyards Creates A Sense Of Surprise And Quiet Calmness Appropriate For A Spiritual Retreat.” -HanrahanMeyers Architects
A great benefit of staying at the Won Dharma Center is that guests may freely join our daily meditation programs and weekly ongoing spiritual activities. There are many walking paths on our tranquil secluded property, and guests can take advantage of several magnificent state parks (Taconic State Park, Lake Taghkanic State Park, and others) and ski resorts (Catamount, Jiminy Peak, and others) in the area. There are also opportunities for canoeing and kayaking nearby.
The Won Dharma Center is the ideal environment for retreats, board meetings, conferences, or workshops, especially for the spiritual community. The entire campus is equipped with wireless Internet and all buildings are fully handicap-accessible.
For information on how to book the Won Dharma Center for your program,
please call 518-851-2581, or email us at info@wondharmacenter.org
Il Won Hall
Il Won Hall is the main meditation hall and offers breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains. The 1,800 sq. ft. meditation hall is the heart of our center. Il Won Hall is a wooden structure with oak hardwood floors, high vaulted ceilings, a spacious foyer, bathrooms, and a complete range of audiovisual and technological equipment. It is fully equipped for yoga and meditation and can accommodate 100 persons comfortably.
One World Hall
One World Hall is the administration building. It contains a spacious dining hall, offices, and a conference room. The spacious 1,300 sq. ft. dining hall overlooks the Catskill Mountains and holds more than 60 people at one seating.
The 400 sq. ft. conference room has modern audio and video resources and may also be used as a break-out room.
Timeless Zen House and Placeless Zen House
Timeless Zen House and Placeless Zen House are two guest residences capable of accommodating 60 overnight guests in single, double, and dorm-style rooms featuring forest and mountain views. There are several single rooms, but most rooms are double rooms with twin beds and an ensuite sink. Each room shares a modern tiled bath with the adjacent room.
We can recommend off-site housing options for groups larger than 50.
Accommodations are quiet, simple, convenient, and comfortable. Each house has a spacious lounge with a magnificent view of the Catskill Mountains. Timeless Zen House also has a 1,000 sq. ft. medium-sized hall on the first floor, which can be used for meditation/yoga practice or as a conference room.
Both Houses have inner courtyards which create a natural sense of quiet and contemplation.
Walking Trails
Mindfulness Walking (open to the public from April to November)
Walk in the Present Moment
Arrive with each step in the present moment.
Each moment is a new moment.
Walk with no thought of “I” or “getting somewhere” other than being present here and now.
If your mind wanders into thoughts of past or future, simply notice it and come back to the present.
