About Retreat Center
CHUNG TAI INTERNATIONAL RETREAT CENTER
Chung Tai International Retreat Center (CTIRC), established in February 2004, is located in Shepherd, Texas, approximately 60 miles northeast of Houston off State Highway 59. The idyllic setting spans over 540 acres of hilly, wooded land, bound on the north by the Trinity River and encompassing three lakes and six miles of walking trails.
In light of the growth of interest in Buddhism and meditation in the United States, Chung Tai International Retreat Center plans to develop a world class Zen Buddhist retreat center with a serene environment for local as well as international practitioners to practice Zen meditation and study Buddhist teachings.
Texas Pagoda Monastery, which consists of a grand pagoda and five other buildings, is the first phase development of CTIRC. At the center of the grand pagoda is a great multi-function hall that houses ceremonies as well as meditation practice. Texas Pagoda Monastery was dedicated in October 2010 by Grand Master Ven. Wei Chueh from Taiwan. Government representatives, local officials and celebrities from around the country gathered to witness the inauguration.
Chung Tai International Retreat Center in collaboration with Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston, its Houston-based sister organization, offers year round regular meditation retreats and special Buddhist ceremonies. All activities are free and open to the public.
