Tai Chi Moving Meditation Retreat with Rev. Daesung Song

This Tai Chi moving meditation retreat brings together Tai Chi, Qigong, and yoga-based practice over the turn of the year at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, New York, in the Hudson Valley. It is led by Rev. Daesung Song of the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, and it welcomes anyone with an interest in meditation, Qigong, or Tai Chi, whether you are new to the forms or have practiced for years.

What to Expect

Tai Chi is a gentle mind-body practice rooted in martial arts. It pairs slow, intentional movement with deep, natural breathing, and regular practice can support strength, flexibility, balance, relaxation, and mental clarity, as well as ease stress and anxiety.

Rev. Song draws on the essential principles of Tai Chi, Qigong, and yoga to shape a balanced program of movement, meditation, and contemplative practice. Sessions alternate between moving and seated work, so the body and the mind each get their turn. The aim is to cultivate physical vitality and inner steadiness together, while building a deeper understanding of meditation and spiritual practice.

Teaching comes through guided instruction, individual practice, and group exercises. You experience the teachings both in theory and in practice, and you leave with skills that can keep supporting your practice after the retreat ends. Beginners have room to build a solid foundation. More experienced practitioners can deepen what they already do and explore new dimensions of it.

About Rev. Daesung Song

Rev. Song has 41 years of experience in the martial arts of Taekwondo and Hapkido, and 35 years of study in Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and the healing energy arts of Qigong and Yoga. He has competed in international martial arts tournaments and taught in Korea, China, and the United States. Those who study with him know him for teaching students at every level with humility and gentleness.

His early training was with Third Head Dharma Master Daesan, which led to his service in the Korean Army as a Buddhist chaplain. Afterward he studied Won Buddhism and meditation at WonKwang University and was ordained in 2001. He is also a Chinese herbalist and holds a doctorate in acupuncture. At the Won Institute of Graduate Studies he teaches sitting and moving meditation and vital energy studies. He works to bring healing and meditation into daily life, with the aspiration of an enlightened society built on the care of mind, body, and spirit.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, in New York's Hudson Valley. Participants can choose a private single room, a shared two-bed room, or commuter participation if they prefer not to stay overnight. Check-in begins at 4pm on the first day.

Before You Go

No prior experience is required. The retreat is open to all levels, and instruction is in English. The fee covers guided instruction in Tai Chi, Qigong, and yoga-based meditation, individual practice time, group exercises, and either accommodation in the room category you select or commuter participation.

Every registration includes a non-refundable deposit, and online payments carry a PayPal service fee. Optional additional donations are welcome and help the center keep prices low and offer scholarships. Cancellation and transfer terms depend on how close to the start date you make the change, so it is worth reading them before you register.