Join us for a nourishing half-day retreat co-sponsored by the Buddhist Sangha of Bucks County and Scudder Falls Zen, held at the St. Andrews Parish House.
Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers a gentle yet powerful way to deepen your practice.
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025 Time: 7:55AM – 1:00 PM (Please arrive 15m early to setup and get settled to be seated on your cushion by 7:55am)
Buddhist Sangha of Bucks County & Scudder Falls Zen
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We’re delighted to welcome David Slaymaker on Monday, July 14th, for a special session of meditation and Dharma teachings!
David, a dedicated practitioner in the Dharma Drum Mountain lineage of Master Sheng Yen, will delve into self-compassion through the lens of Chan Buddhism. He’ll also expand our understanding by connecting it to all Four Brahma Viharas.
David’s journey in Buddhist practice began in 1992 with Soto Zen, leading him to study Chan with Master Sheng Yen in 1995. He has shared his knowledge and experience by leading numerous Dharma talks, meditation classes, and retreats at various centers, including the Chan Meditation Center, Dharma Drum Retreat Center, and DDMBA New Jersey. Outside of his practice, David is a biology professor in New Jersey, where he lives with his wife.
You can find more information about David at chancenter.org Visit ddmbanj.org 2nd Sundays and learn how to apply Chan practice to daily life.
A suggested donation of $20 for the evening helps us support our visiting teachers. We hope you’ll join us for this insightful evening!
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We are happy that Dr. Rebecca Li, PhD, a Chan Buddhist teacher in the lineage of Master Sheng Yen, and the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community, joined us on Monday, May 5 2025. Rebecca offered a guided meditation and dharma teaching on karuna.
Rebecca began practicing in 1995, and attended her first seven-day intensive retreat with Chan Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Retreat Center (DDRC), in the following year. Since then she has attended numerous intensive Chan retreats. In 1999 after moving to New Jersey she began translating for Master Sheng Yen. In the same year, she began her training with the Master to become a Dharma and meditation instructor. Currently, she teaches meditation and Dharma classes and gives public lectures at the Chan Meditation Center (CMC) and leads 1- to 3-day retreats at CMC & DDRC. She has been training with Simon Child since 2008 to conduct retreat interviews and has been assisting in his intensive retreats since 2012. Along with her husband David Slaymaker, Rebecca leads Chan practice at Rutgers University and the New Jersey chapter of DDMBA and teaches on behalf of Dharma Drum in various community activities in the NJ-NY area. Rebecca is a board member of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and professor of sociology at The College of New Jersey.
We are excited to welcome Padmadharini back to the Buddhist Sangha of Bucks County, on Saturday February 8th to lead a meditation retreat.
This daylong retreat will explore three key meditation practices in Buddhism that help us find inner peace and freedom from suffering.
Padma will also talk about how Wishlessness (Apraṇihita) is the letting go of all desires and aspirations, including the desire for enlightenment. By releasing cravings and intentional striving, the mind reaches a state of calm and balance, paving the way to true liberation.
Padma is a teacher trained in the Triratna tradition and brings many years of experience as a meditator and teacher, as well as chaplaincy and coaching training. Her past retreats with us have been tremendously valuable and warmly appreciated by many participants.
Event Details: Date: Saturday, February 8th Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Please arrive 15m early to register and get settled. Location: Buddhist Sangha of Bucks County
What to Bring: Participants should plan to bring their own bag lunch. Snacks, tea, and coffee will be available. Cost: $40 donation requested at the door. In the spirit of dana, those who can donate more are encouraged to do so. Scholarships are available if needed. We created a registration link so we can keep track who is coming. Please RSVP here You may also pre-register online using Paypal – Add a note indicating this is for retreat on 2/8 You can also pre-register via venmo – @buddhistsanghabuckscounty and add a note indicating this is for retreat on 2/8
Dr. Rebecca Li joined us December 2nd to lead the sangha in a guided meditation and a dharma talk on the four noble truths, focusing on the third noble truth.
Guided MeditationDharma Talk about the 4 Noble Truths Part 1Dharma Talk about the 4 Noble Truths Part 2
About Rebecca Li, PhD
Rebecca began practicing in 1995, and attended her first seven-day intensive retreat with Chan Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Retreat Center (DDRC), in the following year. Since then she has attended numerous intensive Chan retreats. In 1999 after moving to New Jersey she began translating for Master Sheng Yen. In the same year, she began her training with the Master to become a Dharma and meditation instructor. Currently, she teaches meditation and Dharma classes and gives public lectures at the Chan Meditation Center (CMC) and leads 1- to 3-day retreats at CMC & DDRC. She has been training with Simon Child since 2008 to conduct retreat interviews and has been assisting in his intensive retreats since 2012. Along with her husband David Slaymaker, Rebecca leads Chan practice at Rutgers University and the New Jersey chapter of DDMBA and teaches on behalf of Dharma Drum in various community activities in the NJ-NY area. Rebecca is a board member of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and professor of sociology at The College of New Jersey.
The following talk is about the 4 noble truth of suffering and how to apply the teachings to everyday life. The talk begins after the instruction was given after the guided meditation to keep paying attention to the present moment to moment experience as the guests went on short break and came back to hear the teachings.
About Dr. Rebecca Li, PhD
Rebecca began practicing in 1995, and attended her first seven-day intensive retreat with Chan Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Retreat Center (DDRC), in the following year. Since then she has attended numerous intensive Chan retreats. In 1999 after moving to New Jersey she began translating for Master Sheng Yen. In the same year, she began her training with the Master to become a Dharma and meditation instructor. Currently, she teaches meditation and Dharma classes and gives public lectures at the Chan Meditation Center (CMC) and leads 1- to 3-day retreats at CMC & DDRC. She has been training with Simon Child since 2008 to conduct retreat interviews and has been assisting in his intensive retreats since 2012. Along with her husband David Slaymaker, Rebecca leads Chan practice at Rutgers University and the New Jersey chapter of DDMBA and teaches on behalf of Dharma Drum in various community activities in the NJ-NY area. Rebecca is a board member of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and professor of sociology at The College of New Jersey.
On Monday Nov. 20 2023 Dr. Rebecca Li lead us in a guided meditation followed by a dharma talk on wisdom.
About Rebecca Li, PhD
Rebecca began practicing in 1995, and attended her first seven-day intensive retreat with Chan Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Retreat Center (DDRC), in the following year. Since then she has attended numerous intensive Chan retreats. In 1999 after moving to New Jersey she began translating for Master Sheng Yen. In the same year, she began her training with the Master to become a Dharma and meditation instructor. Currently, she teaches meditation and Dharma classes and gives public lectures at the Chan Meditation Center (CMC) and leads 1- to 3-day retreats at CMC & DDRC. She has been training with Simon Child since 2008 to conduct retreat interviews and has been assisting in his intensive retreats since 2012. Along with her husband David Slaymaker, Rebecca leads Chan practice at Rutgers University and the New Jersey chapter of DDMBA and teaches on behalf of Dharma Drum in various community activities in the NJ-NY area. Rebecca is a board member of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and professor of sociology at The College of New Jersey.
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” – Rumi
During this day retreat, we’ll explore together the all-inclusive heart energy of love that can be available even when we feel emotions such as sadness, grief, loneliness. Becoming intimate with the variety of energies the heart expresses and feels reveals the full potential of the heart’s longing for freedom. Instead of believing we need to cultivate love, we can understand that when we are fully present and open to the energies of this moment, the heart’s longing for love and connection is always available. Loving ourselves is the first step to this discovery. The day will consist of: Exploration of the energy of love and how it shows up in the body. Ways to be sensitive to energy that expand the capacity of the heart to greater knowing. Recognize and internalize loving-kindness always builds on a foundation of intimate and radical acceptance of what is here – the good, the bad and the ugly. Learning effortless opening to the heart energies.
A Deep Dive into Metta: Discover the Boundless Power of Love Join us for a transformative day retreat inspired by the radiant teachings of Metta, the practice of loving-kindness.
Date: October 7th, 2023. Note the date was changed from September 30, 2023 Time: 10 am – 4 pm Location: Friend’s Meeting House, Yardley PA
A Day of Transformation and Connection This day retreat is not just a journey within but also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals on a shared path of self-discovery and love. Through guided meditations, insightful discussions, and practical exercises, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the profound capacity for love that resides within you. Unlock the Magic Within Your Heart The retreat offers an opportunity to explore the all-encompassing energy of love that resides within you, even in moments of sadness, grief, or loneliness. At the heart of this transformative experience is the understanding that loving yourself is the key to unlocking the boundless love that can flow from your heart to the world around you. It’s time to embrace the full spectrum of emotions your heart can express and feel, as they unveil the incredible potential of your heart’s longing for freedom. Discover the Treasures Within:
The Heart’s Energy: Dive into the exploration of the energy of love and learn how it manifests within your body. Expanded Awareness: Develop sensitivity to the energies that expand your heart’s capacity for understanding and connection. Radical Acceptance: Understand that loving-kindness always begins with accepting what is. Effortless Opening: Learn the art of effortlessly opening your heart to its full potential.
Led by: Padmadharini. With over four decades of dedicated meditation practice, Padmadharini’s heart-centered teachings have crystallized into a powerful message: Embrace your grief and sadness with open arms, for they are the key to unlocking the doorway to unconditional love. Her insights and guidance provide a profound and transformative perspective on the human experience. Through her teachings, you will discover the transformative potential that lies within the depths of your own heart and gain invaluable tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom. To register or for more information, please contact us /z-contact-us/
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Relaxing in Clarity: One-Day Silent Retreat with Dr. Rebecca Li, a Chan Teacher When and Where: Saturday May 6 at the Yardley Friends Meetinghouse 10AM to 4 PM Location: Yardley Friends Meetinghouse 65 N Main St, Yardley, PA
Please register and pay in advance for this opportunity to practice with the community using this secure form https://forms.gle/xiguqrbnkCvQqt4J7
Suggested retreat donation $40. Please contact us if you need a scholarship to attend.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY APRIL 28
The retreat is capped at a maximum of 20 (twenty) participants. Please let us know if you are not able to join us incase we are at capacity.
This retreat is an opportunity to deepen your meditation and experience understanding of Dharma teachings and Chan practice. You will learn to cultivate clear awareness of body and mind through Chan meditation and gain insight into habitual tendencies that cause suffering for yourselves and explore ways to release these habits to attain inner peace.
This will be a silent retreat with a silent lunch, offering the practice of eating meditation. Light fare will be provided, but please bring your own lunch to the retreat.
Retreat Schedule
9:45 am – Arrival and Check-in
10:00 am – Brief Introduction, Guided Sitting Meditation (followed by bathroom break)
11:00 am – Eight-Form Moving Meditation (followed by bathroom break)
We are honored to be able to present this retreat by Dr. Rebecca Li, and look forward to practicing with all who attend.
May your practice bring you great blessings! – The officers and Board of the Buddhist Sangha of Bucks County Please click here to submit your registration. https://forms.gle/xiguqrbnkCvQqt4J7
About Rebecca Li, PhD
Rebecca began practicing in 1995, and attended her first seven-day intensive retreat with Chan Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Retreat Center (DDRC), in the following year. Since then she has attended numerous intensive Chan retreats. In 1999 after moving to New Jersey she began translating for Master Sheng Yen. In the same year, she began her training with the Master to become a Dharma and meditation instructor. Currently, she teaches meditation and Dharma classes and gives public lectures at the Chan Meditation Center (CMC) and leads 1- to 3-day retreats at CMC & DDRC. She has been training with Simon Child since 2008 to conduct retreat interviews and has been assisting in his intensive retreats since 2012. Along with her husband David Slaymaker, Rebecca leads Chan practice at Rutgers University and the New Jersey chapter of DDMBA and teaches on behalf of Dharma Drum in various community activities in the NJ-NY area. Rebecca is a board member of the Dharma Drum Retreat Center and professor of sociology at The College of New Jersey.
Saturday, March 4th – 10AM to 5PM@ Yardley Friends Meeting
Please sign-up in advance using this form so we can anticipate how many attendees we will be welcoming.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
A $40 donation is suggested, which can be made online and in-person.
A Deeper Harmony
A somatic and energetic approach to finding harmony in body and mind. You will be guided through meditations and inquiry that draw on your deepest capacity to be open and receptive. We’ll first become familiar and learn to trust the energy of harmony and ease. Next, you’ll be guided to explore and say ‘yes’ to challenging psychic and emotional energies in order to integrate those energies. Once integrated, we can include the positive flow of energy that is always available.
Padmadharini is a dedicated meditation practitioner. She has attended around 3 years of cumulative meditation retreats, during which she has tried out various approaches to insight. She is trained and educated in modalities that support going deeper in meditation. This includes her training as a Chaplain, training as a coach, training in mindfulness courses and in focusing and somatic work.
You may send a check to 65 North Main Street in Yardley, PA 19067 (Att:BSBC) or if you prefer, you may donate online via PayPal by clicking on the Donate button
