About Stillwater

Our Mission

Stillwater Dharma Center exists to make genuine contemplative practice accessible to everyone. We offer teachings and courses rooted in the Buddhist tradition — particularly in meditation and compassion training — in a form that is clear, practical, and relevant to contemporary life.

We believe that the ability to find stillness within the mind, and to develop genuine warmth toward ourselves and others, is not a luxury but a necessity — and that these capacities can be cultivated through training.

Our Approach: Rimé

Rimé — the Tibetan word for "non-sectarian" — is not a new tradition but a spirit of open inquiry and respect for multiple lineages of wisdom. At Stillwater we draw from Tibetan Buddhist traditions (Kagyu, Nyingma, Gelug), Zen, and Theravada, offering what is most helpful without insisting that any one path is the only way.

You do not need to be a Buddhist, or hold any particular belief, to practise with us. The techniques we teach are universal. What matters is the sincerity of your intention to look inward and to cultivate kindness.

Meditation & Wellbeing

Research over the past three decades has confirmed what practitioners have known for centuries: meditation and compassion training genuinely help. Studies show significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression; improvements in focus, emotional regulation, and sleep; and measurable increases in wellbeing and prosocial behaviour.

Our courses are informed by this research and are taught in a way that meets people where they are — whether they come seeking relief from stress, greater clarity, deeper meaning, or simply a community of like-minded people.

Our Space

Our centre sits on a quiet property on the edge of Woodstock, surrounded by mature trees and the sounds of the forest. The main meditation hall seats up to thirty practitioners and is equipped with cushions, benches, and chairs. The space is simple, warm, and conducive to practice.

We are accessible by car from across the Hudson Valley and from New York City. See our contact and directions page for details.