2022 GENX GATHERING

2022 Planning Committee Members

JD Doyle (Theravada)
Kiyonobu Kuwahara (Jodo Shinshu)
Linda Modaro (Theravada)
Dosung Yoo (Won)

Welcome GenX teachers,

The last two years have been challenging for many people, including dharma teachers. Fortunately, the next GenX Gathering is planned for July 2022 at the Won Dharma Center in New York.

We believe that this will be an excellent opportunity for us to contemplate and renew our minds while also deepening our bonds.

While there are still lingering uncertainties due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we’d like to put your mind at ease and provide some clarity about the in-person 2022 GenX Gathering at the Won Dharma Center.

♦ When: July 13 (Wed) – July 17 (Sun), 2022

♦ Where: The Won Dharma Center

The Won Dharma Center is a meditation/retreat center in upstate NY, set on over 400 rural acres with over 7.5 miles of beautiful walking trails. Surrounded by wooded foothills overlooking the Hudson Valley, it offers panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains.

A green community and sustainably designed with sensitivity to nature, the center consists of eco-friendly buildings intended 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.

♦ Safety Protocols

We have taken numerous precautions to help ensure the safety of our staff and guests. With everyone’s cooperation we can work to maintain a safe environment at the Won Dharma Center.

The following are Won Dharma Center’s required safety protocols for the Gen-X Gathering.

• Vaccination: All staff, teachers, and practitioners must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Per NU State law, we require everyone to show proof of full vaccination.

• Masks: Strongly recommended inside all Won Dharma Center buildings.

• Ventilation: Weather permitting, we intend to open the doors and windows of Meditation Hall, Dining Hall, and other buildings for additional ventilation during the Gen-X Gathering.

The Gen-X Gathering will be limited to 48 participants to maintain minimum physical distancing of 6 feet while in the meditation hall and/or dining hall.

The Won Dharma Center will review and as necessary modify our safety guidelines as the Covid-19 situation evolves.

♦ Accommodations and Fee

The buildings of the Won Dharma Center include: Guest House I, Guest House II, Staff Residence, Meditation Hall, and the Administration Building/Dining Hall.

Each Guest House has three single rooms, six double rooms, and one quad room. WDC can accommodate up to 46 guests. Won Buddhist ministers attending this conference will stay in the Staff Residence.

We understand that some guests may feel uncomfortable sharing a guest room due to concerns regarding Covid-19, therefore we will provide 10 single-occupancy tents on wooden platforms for those who choose to camp. Please note, only tents will be provided, guests must bring their own sleeping bags and mats if they choose to camp. We encourage those who feel comfortable sharing a room to choose this option as it will allow us to accommodate more people during the event.

The fee for attending the Gen-X Gathering is $100. Specific room requests shall be made based on availability, order of registration, and medically necessary accommodations to the extent possible. Local hotel/Airbnb options are also available nearby.

Please indicate your room preference on the application form when you register. Specify if you want a single room or tent, or whether you opt to share a guest room with others. This will greatly facilitate the process of assigning rooms and tents. Images of the room types can be found on the Won Dharma Center website under “Facility” at www.wondharmacenter.org

♦ Volunteering

Volunteers are an integral part of our retreat center. In order for this Gen-X Gathering to unfold smoothly, we will need your help in some areas. We would appreciate it if several participants could arrive one day prior the event. If you are able to do so, please let us know when you register.

Throughout the retreat, volunteers will be asked to assist with simple jobs, e.g. washing dishes, vacuuming or mopping the dining hall or meditation hall.

♦ Directions and Transportation

The Won Dharma Center is located in Claverack, New York on a beautiful 426-acre property and is conveniently located near both New York City and Boston:

2.5 hour drive from Boston (152 miles)
40 min drive from Albany International Airport in upstate NY
15 min drive from Hudson AMTRAK Station

AMTRK trains run seven times a day, every hour, from Penn Station in New York City to Hudson, New York. The average cost of a one-way ticket is $40.00.

The train ride is 2 hours and 15 minutes with only 5 stops. As you travel along the river, you will pass through the beautiful Hudson River communities of Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-Harmon, and Yonkers.

Taxis are generally available at the Hudson AMTRAK Station. However, it is always a good idea to plan ahead of time by calling one of the following companies:

Hudson Region Transport LLC: 518-697-0056, Cubs Taxi: (518) 929-6005

H Transport: (518) 577-5388 Gathering Shuttle Van

On Wednesday, July 13^th, a 15 or 20 passenger van will be available to transport participants from JFK Airport to the Won Dharma Center.

Details on the exact meeting spot and times will be announced at a later date.

Registration will open in January 2022. GenX members register below. If you are not a member, please apply first. Once we review your application we will send a link to register for the gathering!

REGISTER (CURRENT GENX MEMBERS)

Apply (prospective genx members)

Retreat Information

Upstate NY Weather and What to Wear

The climate in our area in summer is typically very warm and humid. Therefore, we recommend bringing modest and lightweight clothing for your comfort.

Food and Meals

The Won Dharma Center provides nutritious and delicious vegetarian meals to support a meditative environment.

At breakfast, we usually serve hot and cold cereals, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, fruit, yogurt, gluten free and non-gluten free bread and vegetables (raw or steamed).

The meals are served buffet-style with ingredients listed next to each dish.

For those with gluten or dairy allergies, we provide a simple, non-animal protein, gluten-free grain, and plain vegetables for lunch and dinner.

A selection of caffeinated and herbal teas are freely available at all times.

If you have any special dietary requirements, you are welcome to bring any necessary foods or supplements which can be stored in a refrigerator at the entrance to the dining room. Space is limited, so we encourage you to bring only those food items that are necessary. Please bring your food in sealed plastic containers and mark them with your name.

What to bring (or not bring)

— Sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters are provided. You can bring your own if you prefer. Please bring your own towel and toiletries.

— Coin operated washers and dryers are available in the laundry room in the Placeless Zen House.

— If you choose to camp, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, mattress padding, etc.

— Please don’t bring any scented shampoo, soap, perfumes or laundry products as they can affect fellow practitioners with chemical sensitivities. The Won Dharma Center provides unscented shampoo and body wash in all the bathrooms.

— Please don’t bring pets, candles, or incense. Refrain from bringing clothing which is made of nylon or any other noise-making fabrics.