Deepening The Way at Menla

Join us for Deepening The Way, a transformative zen retreat designed to anchor your spiritual practice and reconnect with what matters most. Held Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the serene Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, this intimate gathering brings together two renowned teachers—Henry Shukman, an acclaimed spiritual guide, and Mingtong Gu, a Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute—to guide you through a day of contemplative practice, energetic healing, and genuine human connection.

This zen event in Phoenicia offers a rare opportunity to deepen your inner work under expert mentorship. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or exploring zen for the first time, you'll experience a carefully curated blend of sitting meditation, movement practices, and wisdom teachings that honor both ancient traditions and contemporary life. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and focused entirely on your journey inward.

Mingtong Gu and Henry Shukman have each dedicated decades to helping students access the transformative power of contemplative practice. Together, they create a unique synergy—combining the grounded wisdom of zen insight with the dynamic, life-force cultivation of traditional Chinese Qigong. This zen event in Phoenicia is an opportunity to learn from masters who understand that deepening the way isn't just about sitting in silence; it's about integrating practice into every breath, every movement, every moment.

What to Expect

From the moment you arrive at Menla, you'll be held in a container designed for deep practice. The day flows between guided meditation sessions, gentle Qigong movements that activate and balance your chi, dharma talks that illuminate your path, and periods of silence that allow insights to land. You'll experience the unique quality of a zen retreat where group energy amplifies individual transformation—the silent presence of others becomes a mirror and an anchor for your own practice.

Expect to move mindfully through the space, to breathe with intention, and to sit with whatever arises without needing to fix or change it. Sensory details matter: the soft morning light in the meditation hall, the felt sense of energy moving through your body during Qigong practice, the collective hush of a room full of practitioners turned inward together. By day's end, you'll likely feel more spacious, more present, and more connected to yourself and others.

The retreat balances structure with spaciousness. There's time for formal practice, time for nourishing meals, and time to simply be. Whether you're drawn to zen for stress relief, spiritual growth, or the sheer beauty of sitting still, you'll find what you need here.

About the Artists

Henry Shukman is a spiritual teacher, author, and longtime Zen practitioner whose guidance has touched thousands of students. His teaching style is direct, compassionate, and rooted in the lived experience of integrated practice. Henry brings clarity to the essential teachings of Zen, helping practitioners move beyond intellectual understanding into genuine awakening.

Mingtong Gu is a Chinese Qigong master, healer, and founder of the Chi Healing Institute, where he bridges ancient energy cultivation techniques with modern wellness science. His approach makes traditional practices accessible to global students while honoring their profound roots. Mingtong's gift lies in helping you feel and direct your own vital energy—a practice that complements Zen meditation beautifully and brings its insights into the body.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa sits nestled in the Catskill Mountains near Phoenicia, NY—a region known for its natural beauty, artistic communities, and contemplative spaces. The venue itself is a sanctuary: thoughtfully designed meditation halls, comfortable lodging, and a full spa offering treatments that support your retreat experience. The mountain setting creates a natural buffer from daily distractions, allowing your mind to settle more easily.

Phoenicia is accessible by car from NYC (approximately 2 hours from Manhattan), and the surrounding area offers restaurants, shops, and natural hiking for those arriving early or staying longer. Menla's serene grounds and quality amenities make it an ideal home base for a zen event that asks you to slow down and turn inward.