This group is dedicated to provide information and experience on how to live a powerful life with any time of meditation, mental discipline or trance based experience. Our topics will include a broad range, including, certifications, philosophies, mind expanding experiences, etc.

Meditation From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about the mental discipline. For the form of alternative dispute resolution, seeMediation. For other uses, seeMeditation (disambiguation). A statue of theBuddha meditating, Borim Temple,Korea

Meditation refers to any of a family of practices in which the practitioner trains his or hermind or self-induces a mode of consciousness in order to realize some benefit.[1][2][3]

Meditation is generally an internally-invoked, personal practice, which an individual can do by themselves.Prayer beads or other ritual objects may be used during meditation. Meditation may involve invoking or cultivating a feeling or internal state, such ascompassion, orattending to a specific focal point. The term can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques employed to cultivate the state.[4]

There are dozens or more specific styles of meditation practice;[3] the wordmeditation may carry different meanings in different contexts. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity as a component of numerous religious traditions, especially, in Western countries, in monastic settings. In the Eastern spiritual traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, meditation is more commonly a practice engaged in by many, if not most, believers.

A 2007 study by the U.S. government found that nearly 9.4% of U.S. adults (over 20 million) had practiced meditation within the past 12 months, up from 7.6% (more than 15 million people) in 2002.[5]

Since the 1960s, meditation has been the focus of increasingscientific research of uneven rigor and quality.[6] In over 1,000 published research studies, various methods of meditation have been linked to changes in metabolism, blood pressure, brain activation, and other bodily processes.[7][8] Meditation has been used in clinical settings as a method of stress and pain reduction.[9][10]

See original here:
"Meditation NYC" (New York, NY) - Meetup

with Paige Polisner at Unitarian Church of All Souls 1157 Lexington Ave. (between 79th and 80th Streets) $10 | Free for Supporting Members

According to Buddha, our unhappiness and problems come from painful and distorted states of mind, which we call delusions. The essence of Buddhist practice is to identify and let go of these delusions, and gradually to replace them with their virtuous opponents: peaceful and clear minds which produce happiness. In this course we will be given practical guidelines to bring this about through meditation and daily life practice.

Upper East Side meditation and Buddhism classes are suitable for both beginners and more advanced meditation practitioners. These weekly classes containguided meditations and Buddhist teachingswhichoffer meditation techniques and teachings on the fundamentals of Buddhism, with an emphasis on their practical application in everyday life. Although these meditation classes are given as a series, they can also be taken individually. Please feel free to drop in on a class-by-class basis. Classes are held every week unless otherwise stated. No special clothing is required. No pre-registration required. Location: Unitarian Church of All Souls 1157 Lexington Ave (between 79th and 80th Streets)

Visit link:
Upper East Side - Kadampa Meditation Center New York City

Mindfulness Meditation NYC is a collaborative of Mindfulness Based-Stress Reduction (MBSR) teachers offering classes inthe NYC area.

You can learn more about us by reading about our Membership and our Mission Statement.Click on the side-bar to learn more about our teachers, their credentials and experience.

You will find an abundance of class information on this website, as well as updated information on upcoming MBSR cycles open to the public.

NEWS UPDATES

for MBSR graduates

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

at the JCC in Manhattan

Amsterdam Avenue and West 76th Street

Next session:Sunday, November 15th, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 pm

As our population ages, many of us find ourselves in the position of caring for elderly parents and other relatives. Mindfulness may provide some help for our elderly, and for their caregivers.

The Mindful Revolution, by Kate Pickert

Special Report in TIME Magazine

Be sure to also check the teacher pages individually and the Alumni page: they contain information about a number of other special programs members of our Collaborative are offering in the months to come, in addition to the cycles listed below.

October 2015

Instructor: Cheryl Kurash

Thursdays Evenings

5:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Starts October 1st

in Long Island (Stony Brook)

Instructor: Katherine Crum

Sunday afternoons

4:30 pm - 6:45 pm Starts October 4th

in Millbrook, NY

Instructor: Katherine Crum

Tuesday afternoons

5:30 pm - 7:45 pm StartsOctober 6th

in Kent, CT

Instructor: Jayne Gumpel

Tuesday Evenings 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm StartsOctober 8th

in Manhattan (Harlem)

Instructor: Emily Herzlin

Friday Afternoons

3:00 pm-5:30 pm

Starts October 9th

in Manhattan (Bowery)

Instructor: Emily Herzlin

Sunday Afternoons

1:00 pm-3:30 pm

StartsOctober 11th

in Manhattan (LES)

Monday Evenings 7:15 pm - 9:45 pm Starts October 12th

in New Jersey (Paramus)

Instructor: Elaine Retholtz

Wednesdays Evenings

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Starts October 14th

in Manhattan (UWS)

Instructor: Laurence Magro

WednesdayEvenings

7:00 pm - 9:15 pm

StartsOctober 14th

in Westchester (White Plains)

Instructor: Elaine Retholtz

Wednesdays Evenings

9:30 pm - 12 pm

Starts October 15th

in Manhattan (UWS)

Instructor: Laurence Magro

Thursday Mornings

19:00 am - 12:30 pm

StartsOctober 15th

in Westchester (Larchmont)

Instructor: Ken A. Verni

Monday Evenings

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

StartsOctober 19th

in New Jersey (Highland Park)

November 2015

Instructor: Ellen Schwartz

Monday Afternoons

4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

StartsNovember 2nd

in New Jersey (Teaneck)

January 2016

Instructor: Jon Aaron

Tuesday Mornings

9:30 am - 12:00 pm

StartsJanuary 12th

in Manhattan (Chelsea)

Instructor: Jon Aaron

Thursday Evenings

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

StartsJanuary 14th

in Manhattan (Chelsea)

Instructor: Jon Aaron

Monday Mornings

10:00 am - 12:30 pm

StartsJanuary 25th

in New Jersey (Ridgewood)

Instructor: Pat Vroom

Monday Evenings

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

StartsJanuary 25th

in New Jersey (Princeton)

See original here:
Mindfulness Meditation New York Collaborative

You are invited to a special introductory talk on the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique in NYC. Admission is free. You can reserve a seat for your chosen date using the calendar on the left, or call (212) 779-9933 or (646) 450-4654.

The TM technique has been learned by over 6 million people, and over 380 published studies have found it highly effective for stress, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, and more.

Imagine trying to learn a natural golf swing or the violin. You know how valuable it is for a good teacher to show you the proper technique.

The TM technique is easy to learn, but requires personalized interactive guidance. For this reason, its taught only through one-on-one instruction by a certified TM teacher.

There is no other way to learn the authentic TM technique and there is no evidence that anything else provides the full range of benefits documented in the published research on the TM technique.

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island .

Its a simple, natural technique practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.

The TM technique is easy to learn and enjoyable to practice, and is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. Over six million people have learned it people of all ages, cultures, and religions.

The TM technique allows your mind to easily settle inward, through quieter levels of thought, until you experience the most silent and peaceful level of your own awareness pure consciousness.

This introductory video provides a clear description of what happens during TM practice.

No problem. Unlike other forms of meditation, TM practice involves no concentration, no control of the mind, no contemplation, no monitoring of thoughts.

Anyone can do it even children with ADHD and soldiers with PTSD.

The TM techniques effectiveness is the same whether you believe it will work or are completely skeptical. Thats because it automatically and effortlessly allows your active thinking mind to settle down to a state of deep inner calm.

Continue reading here:
TM New York City (USA) - Transcendental Meditation

Meditation is a natural state of the human mindat rest, open, alert. The practice of meditation has been taught for over 2,500 years as a vehicle for realizing the beauty and magic of the ordinary world without aggression or manipulation.

The teachings of Shambhala Buddhism emphasize the potential for enlightenment inherent in every situation or state of mind. Through discipline, gentleness and a sense of humor, the practitioner is invited to let go of conflicting emotions and wake up on the spot.

Mindfulness/awareness meditation is the foundation of all that we do at the Shambhala Meditation Center.This ancient practice of self-discovery is rooted in the simple but revolutionary premise that every human being has the ability to cultivate the minds inherent stability, clarity and strength in order to be more awake and to develop the compassion and insight necessary to care for oneself and the world genuinely.

Meditation instruction is available to anyone, free of charge. We offer introductory instruction to newcomers and follow-up instruction to other practitioners on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, as part of our Open House program, and at other times by appointment. Not just for new meditators, instruction is also recommended as part of our ongoing practice. You are always welcome to come in and speak to an instructor about your regular practice and you may even ask to form a working relationship with the instructor of your choice.

Depending on a students interest and experience, meditation instruction might include:

Introducing the practice of meditation Introductory meditation instruction presents the basic meditation techniques taught in the Shambhala community.

Clarifying the view of meditation In our tradition, meditation instruction involves more than the communication of a technique; it is, at heart, about the transmission of the revolutionary view that unconditional wisdom and compassion are the very ground of our being, and that by learning to relax more and more fully, we allow this fundamental nature to flower.

Instruction on working with obstacles to meditation Common obstacles to meditation include disheartenment, resistance, procrastination, discursiveness and spacing out. The obstacles are well documented in the Shambhala Buddhist teachingsand so are their antidotes.

Guidance on the path of practice and study Shambhala presents many opportunities for students to deepen their practice and studypublic meditation sessions, weeknight classes, weekend programs, retreats and seminaries, to name a few. A meditation instructor can help you decide what to do next and when to do it.

Guidance on joining meditation and daily life The workaday world is where the rubber meets the road. Getting the tools to meet lifes ups and downs with a strong and pliable mind and an open heart is another potential benefit of working with a meditation instructor.

Public Sitting & Chants Thursdays & Fridays: 6:00 7:00 pm Sundays: 9 am 11:45 am

INTRODUCTORY MEDITATION INSTRUCTION Learn to Meditate $10 suggested donation Wednesdays: 6 7 pm Sundays: 12 noon 1 pm

Weekly Dharma Gathering Tuesdays at 7 pm | $5-10 suggested donation

Visit link:
Meditation - Shambhala Meditation Center of New YorkShambhala ...

(Photo: Carina Salvi)

Integral Yoga Institute, New York 227 West 13th Street (212-929-0586; integralyogaofnewyork.org) Cost: $13 per class. The Scene: Self-help types sit Indian-style on the carpeted floor discussing their thoughts and concerns as a trained guru leads them through the various forms of meditation. Pros: No question goes unanswered. The room is sunny and comfortable. Cons: The earnestly interactive formatstudents are expected to sharemay make curious skeptics uncomfortable; the schools focus on the teachings of its founder, Satchidananda, can feel limiting. Rating: 3

Tibet House U.S. 22 West 15th Street (212-807-0563; tibethouse.org) Cost: Free. The Scene: Sophisticated yoga grads and Buddhist converts listen as a seasoned teacher discusses the history of meditation and leads them in a simple group meditation. Pros: Relaxed and nonthreatening; the instructor doesnt take herself too seriously. Cons: The packed house means latecomers are relegated to chairs or cushionless seats on the floor. Rating: 4

Olive Leaf Wholeness Center 145 East 23rd Street (212-477-0405; oliveleafwholenesscenter.com) Cost: Free. The Scene: Frazzled midtown types sit on hard black chairs in an unadorned room as a psychologist leads them in group meditation. Pros: The small class size encourages interaction between students and the fawning instructor. Cons: Its hard to concentrate in a setting this uncomfortable. Rating: 2

Shambhala Meditation Center of New York 118 West 22nd Street, 6th floor (212-675-6544; ny.shambhala.org) Cost: Suggested donation of $10. The Scene: Curious neophytes surrender their shoes and sit cross-legged in a brightly decorated, clean room as a teacher lectures. Pros: Clean and comfortable. Cons: Its billed as a Learn to Meditate class, but the teachers spend only ten minutes on technique, using the rest of the hour to plug their real classes and seminars. Rating: 1

Now Yoga 377 Park Avenue South, 2nd floor (212-447-9642; now-yoga.com) Cost: $150 for six sessions. The Scene: Serious students (just four of them on my visit) sit in quiet contemplation on the floor of a yoga studio as a relaxed, studied instructor clad all in white teaches techniques and fields questions. Pros: Rigorous but calming. The soft-lit space is relaxing and comfortable and seems perfectly suited for meditation study. Cons: Expensive. Rating: 5

Taoist Arts Center 342 East 9th Street (212-477-7055; taoist-arts.com) Cost: $20; $90 for eight sessions. the scene: In the cozy basement of a Tai Chi studio, students learn about breathing methods from slipper-clad New Age types. Pros: The soothing atmosphere and nonjudgmental instructors make beginners feel comfortable. Cons: The emphasis is on relaxation more than meditation, and the space is a little shabby. Rating: 4

Insider Advice Linda Tilton, director of wellness at the New York Open Center, on how to make the most of your meditation training.

1. Dont settle on just any class. When youre working on something so personal, the specific class you choose is very important. If the belief system or instructor doesnt resonate with you, trust that feeling.

2. Experiment with different types of meditation. The three general focusing tools are mantra, breathing, and guided visualization. Not all will work for everyone, so figure out whats most effective for you.

3. Five to ten minutes of practice a day is enough. Sometimes you do something for five minutes and it feels like an hour; other times, you take an hour and it feels like five minutes has passed. Meditation should be like the formerit should have the impact of an hour.

4. Create a ritual for yourself. Have a symbol for your routine that works even when youre traveling, whether its lighting a candle or incense, or drinking tea. Whats important is that it be quick and easy.

5. Dont be discouraged if it doesnt work at once. Its like learning to walk: It may be a while before you get it down, but once you do, it can take you on some great journeys.

Read more here:
Best and Worst Meditation Classes - Tibet House, Integral ...

Click below to attend the free 1 hour Introduction to Meditation Talk. Emily will explain the benefits and application of this powerful technique. If you are not in NYC or LA you can learn from home with the first online meditation training ever, zivaMIND! http://www.zivaMIND.com

attend now ->

There are an increasing number of articles being published on the benefits of Meditation, they report conclusive evidence that meditation improves performance, brainfunction, immune system, sleep patterns, and quality of life. Publications include: National Geographic, NY Times, Business Week, Wired Magazine, Time Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

Vedic Meditation is a very simple, easy to learn technique that was developed for people with busy lives. It is done twice a day for 15- 20 minutes. Meditation delivers deep rest to the body, which reduces stress in the nervous system. Reduction of stress allows you to perform at your best more of the time and oh yeah, helps you enjoy this thing called life.

why meditate ->

Read the rest here:
Ziva MeditationZiva Meditation | Learn Meditation in NYC or LA

To study the Way is to study the self.

To study the self is to forget the self.

To forget the self is to allow the ten thousand things to flow.

Zen Master Dogen, from the Genjkan

The heart of our work at New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care is based onthe practice of meditation, contemplation, and Zen precepts. To care for the world, we care for ourselves. In caring for ourselves, we care for the whole world.

Meditation has been clinically proven to benefit oneshealth and well-being. This often is theinitial motivation to begin practice. The promise of a continuous meditation practice is freedom from suffering caused by the manylayers of conditioning we foster,in our attempt tomaintain afixed sense of self. The practice of meditation allows us to experience theease and joy of being: we are fresh and new in each moment.

Meditation is a practice that we do everyday; we gather together ascommunity insupport of one another. Our community is made up of Jewish, Catholic, Episcopal, Tibetan and ZenBuddhists and those who dont identify with any particular tradition.

All are welcome, from those curious about meditation to those who have been meditating for decades. Chairs and cushions are available.

Below are our current offerings for meditation and Zen practice. They are also listed on ourUpcoming Eventspage.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO EVENING SIT ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, DUE TO OUR COMMUNITY POT LUCK DINNER. PLEASE COME JOIN US.

10:00 am: Zazen

10:30 am: Kinhin

10:40 am: Zazen

11:10 am: Kinhin

11:20 am: Zazen

11:30 am: Dharma Talk

12:00 pm: The Four Vows

ALSO: We now have Karuna Sangha every Sunday at 7pm. Pleaseclick hereto read more!

12:30 pm- 1:00 pm

6:00 pm: Zazen

6:30 pm: Dharma Talk

6:50 pm: Discussion

7:15 pm: Chant The Four Vows

6:00 pm: Zazen

6:30 pm: Kinhin

6:35 pm: Zazen

7:05 pm:Chant The Four Vows

See original here:
Meditation - New York Zen Center For Contemplative Care

NYC Meditation Centers

Finding the right community in which to learn and practice meditation can be difficult. So, periodically, we invite our intrepid interns to visit various meditation centers in NYC and share their experiences. Often, they have little or no familiarity with meditation or mindfulness, so their reflections are representative of what newcomers might experience when going to these places.

In 2013, Ms. Susanna Johansson, a psychology student from Stockholm University, visited centers throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. In 2010, Ms. Alyssa Barba, a psychology student at SUNY Stonybrook, made the rounds. Theirmission? To participate mindfully in the meditation instruction provided and describe their experiences. Collectively, they attended meditation classes at the following centers:

Because most centers vary in their explicit incorporation of Buddhism, we have adopted a rating system to describe their orientation, ranging from

(Secular) to (Better know Tibetan!)

In addition, we described the clarity and extent of explicit meditation instruction, ranging from

(Self-guided) to(Personalized instruction)

Disclosure Statement:We dont receive any money, goods, or services in exchange for these reviews. They are provided here for the purpose of description, not evaluation. We recognize that different people want different things, so we have provided descriptions of what the sittings are like in order to help newcomers decide where to visit.

Review by Susanna Johansson

Attendance: There were 10 new practitioners that listened to the beginners instruction on Saturday morning. The more experienced participants were approximately 30 persons. The participants were seated on cushions in rows facing the walls or windows.

The Space: Brooklyn Zen Center is located in a large space divided in three rooms; a kitchen/community area, a library/office and a sitting hall. The three rooms represent the Buddhist concept of the sangha, the dharma and the Buddha, and are equally important on the path to enlightenment.

Structure and Content of Meditation: On Saturdays Brooklyn Zen Center welcomes beginners to meditation. The new-comers are introduced to the space and to Zen customs, such as how to bow when entering a room and how to fold hands and walk in the meditation hall. The introduction also includes a talk on posture and how to focus on the breath in meditation. In the Zen tradition meditation is practiced with eyes open to cherish the intention to stay in the present moment (it is also a way to avoid sleepiness during long meditation sessions). After the introductory session new-comers are invited to meditate together with the experienced participants. The meditation is held in silence with no guidance for about 40 minutes. The participants are encouraged to try to sit still for this time but are given a moment to adjust or change posture in the middle of the sitting if needed. After the sitting the participants recite prayers and chant together. A ritual of bows is conducted followed by a dharma talk. This Saturday the head dharma teacher and Zen Buddhist priest Teah Strozer talked about emptiness and form and how to understand these concepts as intertwined. Teah Strozer also talked about the illusion of the self as constant and encouraged the participants to let go of held beliefs about one self and embrace a changing perception of the self. The participants listen in quiet to the talk. The Saturday morning session ends by cleaning the space together in a Zen way. This means bringing awareness and mindfulness into everyday actions such as sweeping or dusting. Afterwards practitioners are invited to stay and enjoy a meal that has been mindfully prepared by Brooklyn Zen members (10 dollar donation is encouraged).

Background/Mission/Religiosity: Brooklyn Zen Center is a Soto Zen Community (founder Shunryu Suzuki) that offers a place to study Buddhist ethics and practice as well as a space for sitting together in meditation. Brooklyn Zen Center wishes to embody and carry on the compassion, wisdom and community of the Buddha. The Buddhist practice at the center is based upon the belief that all beings are Buddha. On Brooklyn Zen Centers website you can read about Zen center practice and customs and listen to recorded dharma talks.

Where/When: Beginners and new comers to the center are asked to join for an introductory zazen (meditation) instruction on one Saturday before coming to other sittings. After the introduction the center offers meditation on a regularly basis in mornings and evenings, see website for schedule.

Fees:Saturday sitting is drop-in based and registration is not needed. The fee is by donation. 10 dollars is recommended. An additional 10 dollars is encouraged if the participant stays for lunch at the Center.

Ratings:

Overall:Brooklyn Zen Center offers a supportive community of dedicated practitioners that wish to deepen their meditation practice and learn more about the teachings of Buddha. The meditation is held in silence but outside the sitting room practitioners may speak to teachers to receive further guidance.

Website: http://www.brooklynzen.org

Class/Date: Saturday morning session, 9.00 am- 12.30 pm, 3/30/13.

322 8thAve, Suite 502 (Enter @ 26thStreet), Manhattan

Review by Alyssa Barba

Attendance: The daily lunchtime meditation classes are small and personal. The two other attendees present were young adults.

The Space:The space is influenced by Buddhism. It is a large, well lit, white room containing several religious statues of Buddha. Although the statues are present, it is not a space that should be to overwhelming for persons of other religious backgrounds.

Structure and Content of Meditation:The whole 45 minute lunchtime session is spent on the actual practice of mediation. Practitioners have the option of open or closed eyed meditation. During the session the teacher often speaks softly in order to subtly guide the meditation.

Background/Mission/Religiosity:This center is a Buddhist Center of the New Kadampa Tradition. The New Kadampa Tradition is a Western Buddhist order based on the teachings of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gelug school is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It has spread to many countries through the work of Buddhist monk Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The academic degree title Geshe translates to spiritual friend.

Where/When:Lunchtime meditation sessions are held Monday through Thursday from 12:00-12:45 pm. Other classes such as day retreats, Dharma talks and chanted prayer sessions are also offered throughout the month. The classes are based in New York Citys Chelsea at 322 8thAve, Suite 502. See website for details about other classes and branch locations.

Fees:Lunchtime meditation works on a drop-in basis. It is $5 per class and free for cardholding members. A membership at the center costs $80 per month with a time commitment of one year. A membership includes access to basically everything going on in the center for that month including events, dharma talks and special classes.

Ratings:

Overall:Overall, Id say that lunchtime meditation at this center is best suited for those who have practiced meditation before and are interested in sitting for the whole session. Practice is more of a priority in this class than instruction.

Website:Chakrasambara NYC(Facebook Page)

Teacher/Class/Date:Grace Glebowska,Monday Lunchtime Meditation, June 2010

302 Bowery, 3rd Floor, Manhattan

Review by Alyssa Barba

Attendance:The weekly Tuesday Night Meditation + Dharma gathering was swarming with over 60 ambitious attendees. Most of the attendants that were present were youthful.

The Space:Dharma Punx holds its meditation classes in the same neutral yoga studio as the Interdependence Project. The space is a large room with wood floors.

Structure and Content of Meditation:Tuesday Night Meditation at Dharma Punx is a drop-in class that lasts for about an hour and a half. The first 30 minutes of the session consisted of a guided meditation led by Josh Korda. Following the meditation practice, Josh deeply engaged the class into a Dharma talk with his vibrant and youthful spirit. During the Dharma talk we discussed many psychological concepts relatable to our 21stcentury modern society such as the arising of conflicts in our daily lives. The Dharma talk portion at Dharma Punx is great for anyone who is seeking advice into the nature of their problems. By the end of the talk I felt as though I had just left a donation based session with a therapist or an Intro to psych class where tuition was generously based on contributions. Josh showed his knowledge of Buddhism by reveling in Buddhist parables. He also showed his knowledge of Psychology by making references to Mary Ainsworth when discussing the psychological concepts of secure attachments. After the Dharma talk there was a question and answer portion of the class where students could ask any questions related or unrelated to the talk. The class concluded with a final meditation of about 5 minutes.

Background/Mission/Religiosity:The background and foundation of Dharma Punx gears itself to a youthful environment fueled by dissatisfaction with the material based culture we live in. Dharma Punx describe themselves as a community of alternative Buddhist meditation practitioners who work to infuse the Buddhas teachings with the ideology of punk rock. The community was started by author Noah Levine and is based on the Theravaden tradition of Buddhism which was founded in India and is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. Noahs book Dharma Punx has received a lot of positive attention. Noah seems to be another innovator of Buddhism in the West and I am excited to see where his journey takes him and those who follow him and his teachings.

Where/When:Dharma Punx offers drop-in classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The Tuesday night class that was discussed in this review goes from 7:00-8:30ish. The Thursday night class goes from 7:00-8:00 and consists of 40 minutes of meditation with a short sharing session afterwards. There is no dharma teaching on Thursday nights. Classes are ongoing and are located at the Lila Wellness Center in New York Citys East Village (302 Bowery, 3rdFloor).

Fees:Classes at Dharma Punx are donation based.

Ratings:

Overall:Overall I really enjoyed the sangha at Dharma Punx. The outstanding number of attendees present at the class proves the community is highly efficient in their teaching and overall presence. I think Dharma Punx is a great response to the yearning for Buddhism in the west.

Website/Facebook Page:Dharma Punx(Facebook)

Teacher/Class/Date:Josh Korda,Tuesday Night Meditation,8/24/10

500 State Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Review by Susanna Johansson

Attendance: Beginners are welcome to the Sunday Meditation Session before entering other meditations at the Zen center. There are about 15 new-comers this Sunday and 40 experienced practitioners.

The Space: The meditation is held in a beautiful house in Brooklyn. The house functions as a monastery and a temple where both lay practitioners and advanced practitioners can share practice. The rooms have Buddha statues and the practitioners are seated in chairs or cushions.

Structure and Content of Meditation: The Sunday session recommended for beginners are 3 hours long. The session starts with chanting prayers together. We are told that the function of the chanting, bowing and praying is not to worship Buddha but rather to celebrate the identity and unity of Buddha and all humans. The chanting is followed by an introduction held for the beginners. The teacher talks about the concept of Zen Meditation and lets us try different seating postures, finding the one that suits us. Zen Meditation (called Zazen) is practiced with open eyes and lowered gaze, stillness is emphasized and participants are asked to not move during meditation. This is to relearn our habitual response to instantly move to avoid pain and difficulties. The beginners are invited to a short walking meditation and then a 30-minute, silent (without guidance) seated meditation. Afterwards beginners and more experienced practitioners listen to a one hour long Dharma talk held by one of the monks. The talk this Sunday is about searching for spiritual qualities in life and finding the path to enlightenment. The talk is also about looking truly to the essence of things being and all things interdependence. The talk is quite abstract and difficult to understand as a beginner, but the teacher uses stories and metaphors that make it a little bit easier. Questions about meditation are welcomed after the Dharma talk when also some refreshments are offered.

Background/Mission/Religiosity: The Zen Center of New York, Fire Lotus temple, is a branch of the Zen Mountain Monastery. The order was founded in 1980 to be an organization of practice centers and sitting groups in the US and abroad. The Center offers residential Buddhist training in the midst of Brooklyn. The residential are engaged in a schedule of liturgy, meditation and community work, making all daily activities a part of awareness training. The Zen Center often offers retreats outside of the city.

Where/When:Sunday morning session 9.30 am-12.30 pm is open for beginners. When you have joined one Sunday morning session you are welcome to the Zen Centers other sittings that are held everyday mornings and evenings (please look at website for schedule).

Fees: The sitting is drop-in and registration is not needed. The fee is by donation, 5 dollars is recommended as a minimum.

Ratings:

Overall:The Zen Center offers an opportunity to be a part of a community of dedicated Buddhist meditation practitioners where one can earn a lot about the Buddha teaching and deepen ones practice. The instruction of seating postures was very exact and helpful although there where no guidance during meditation which some beginners might find difficult.

Website: http://www.mro.org/firelotus/

Class/Date: Sunday morning sitting 9:30 am-12.30 pm, 3/17/13

302 Bowery, 3rdFloor, Manhattan, NY

Review by Susanna Johansson

Attendance: There were approximately 10 participants at the Sunday sitting. The instructor said that this were fewer than usually attend. The attendees were seated on cushions in a wide circle formation. There are chairs available if needed.

The Space: The interdependence project share space with a yoga studio and Dharma Punx (another meditation center). The space is light and has varied pictures of Buddha but also secular decorations.

Structure and Content of Meditation: The instructor emphasized that the practitioners should take time to introduce themselves and to get to know each other. The Sunday session at the Interdependence project is intended to teach the basics of meditation. The instructor started with guiding us into our meditation posture with our eyes open and with a comfortable and straight spine. The instructor invited us to lay down and participate in a guided body scan to settle into our bodies and relaxing. The body scan was about focusing our attention to different body parts and letting go of tensions there. After the body scan we where invited to an awareness of breath meditation for 10 minutes. The participants should focus on the natural feeling of their breath and gently lead wandering minds back to the breath. The meditation was held in silence. Afterwards, the participants shared their experiences of the meditation and asked questions in order to get further guidance from the instructor. The session ended with a talk about what is precious in our lives. Participants identified specific areas of values in their lives, which facilitated a dialogue between the instructor and learners.

Background/Mission/Religiosity: The Interdependence Project is a secular Buddhist center, which means offering Buddhist teachings and practices that are free from rituals that are included in more traditional Buddhist practices. The Interdependence Project wants to bridge the gap between the individuals personal development and the collective engagement in the world/community through combining mindfulness with outreach programs, ecology, activism and arts. The Interdependence Project offers both drop in meditation and weekly classes and study groups.

Where/When: Introduction to Meditation Beginners Mind is held every Sunday at 3:00 - 5:00 pm.

Fees:Sunday sittings are drop-in and registration is not needed. The fee is by donation, 5- 10 dollars are recommended.

Ratings:

Overall: The Interdependence project offers a space where to practice secular Buddhism. Participants are encouraged to get to know each other, ask questions, share and contribute to the sessions with their experiences. The practice is well instructed and suitable for beginners.

Website: http://www.theidproject.org/

Class/Date: The Sunday session's Introduction to Meditation Beginners Mind, 3/31/13, 3:00 - 5:00 pm.

Review by Alyssa Barba

Attendance:The Introduction to Meditation class consisted primarily of people who were new to meditation. The class is small and personal. The majority present are young adults.

The Space:The space is a very neutral yoga studio. It is a large space with wood floors.

Structure and Content of Meditation:The whole hour and 15 minute Intro to Meditation session was broken down equally between a teaching portion and the actual meditating practice. Ellen Scordato the instructor was awesome! She gave us each individual attention and was excited to answer any questions that the class had. We would meditate in progressions from 5 to 10 minutes. In-between we took short breaks to discuss what we experienced and how we felt. One specific teaching that stuck out to me was a technique specific for beginners with wandering minds. Ellen taught that by mindfully counting from 1 to 10 we can tame our wandering minds. While meditating, if we notice that we have counted beyond 10, it is a subtle reminder that we have lost focus. Practitioners have the option of open or closed eyed meditation.

Background/Mission/Religiosity:The Interdependence Project (I.D. Project, a.k.a. IDP) is an educational non-profit organization started by Shambhala Buddhist teacher Ethan Nichtern who has proven to be an incredibly intelligent innovator of Buddhism in the west. The I.D. Project provides asangha(community) to anyone interested in practicing meditation as a way of dealing with our complex 21stcentury lives. The communitys mission includes committing to the practice of sitting meditation, mindfulness, loving kindness, building a compassionate community and participating in responsible consumption. IDP is based on informal meditation and nonsectarian Buddhist teachings.

Where/When:IDP offers several different classes and events to get involved with throughout each month. Buddhist Studies and Meditation Classes (a.k.a.DharmaTalks) are offered every Monday and Wednesday from 7:00-9:00pm & Saturdays from 4:30-6:30pm. These classes consist of both Dharma teachings and meditation. The Intro to Meditation class discussed in this review is offered every Sunday from 3:00-4:15pm. Unguided Open Sitting & Walking Meditation is also offered every Monday from 6:00-6:45pm and Saturday from 2:00-4:00pm. IDP usually has 2-4 guest lecturers per month. The classes are based in New York Citys East Village on the 3rdfloor of 302 Bowery. For entry, ring the middle buzzer. IDP has more groups in Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas. See the website for more details.

Fees:Classes at IDP run on a drop-in basis. The suggested donation for the Intro to Meditation class and Open Sitting and Walking Meditation class is $5. The Buddhist Studies Classes (a.k.a.DharmaTalks)which are grouped in series of different topicscost $10-15 per class depending on the class. See website for details about the topics of upcoming Buddhist Studies Classes.

IDP has several different levels of membership. A full membership is $25 month and $15 month for full-time students. A full membership includes 1/3 off most classes and retreats. It also includes free admission to salons, members events, select art workshops, and more! See the website for more details regarding the various types of memberships.

Ratings:

Overall:Overall I found the beginner meditation at IDP to be a perfect balance between teaching and actual meditation practice. It was also incredibly clear and fun! IDP is the perfect place to bring friends who might be new to meditation and are looking for asangha(community) to comfortably get started in. Also, IDP website offers useful blog posts and podcasts and is an awesome resource for those interested in studying the integration of Buddhism and Psychology.

Website/Facebook Page:The Interdependence Project(Facebook)

Teacher/Class/Date:Ellen Scordato,Sunday Intro to Meditation,7/11/10

(Disclosure: I (Jonathan Kaplan) have given talks at IDP, and I did not influence Alyssas review. I am, however, in agreement that IDP is a wonderful Buddhist community in NYC: why else would I be giving talks there?)

334 Amsterdam Avenue at West 76th Street, Manhattan, NYC

Review by Susanna Johansson

Attendance: There were about 10-15 practitioners seated on chairs in a circle formation. (Cushions are also available).

The Space: The meditation is held in a white painted oval room with a small window overlooking the rooftops on Upper West Side. There are no religious symbols present.

Structure and Content of Meditation: All teachers at MAKOM offer some kind of guidance, although the degree of the instructions varies. This Monday evening, we were invited to begin with focusing on their breath and relax their body. The teacher asked us to exhale and let go of difficulties, then inhale peace and tranquility. We were then encouraged to enter deeper into meditation and follow our own meditation path, observing arising thoughts and emotions. A couple of times during meditation, the teacher offered guidance to practice loving-kindness and gratitude in order to expand our hearts around difficult subjects.

Loving-kindness could be understood as to practice the ability to experience and feel friendliness and warmth to all beings on earth, starting with oneself. It can grow out of the knowledge that we are interdependent and more similar than different. Through understanding of this basic concept, we can be more compassionate and empathic towards oneself and others. After the meditation, there was time for questions and sharing experiences of the recent meditation. This evening, the participants discussed the degree to which the teachers instructions during the meditation were helpful or distracting. Most people in this group preferred to look at the instructions as suggestions that they may or may not follow.

Background/Mission/Religiosity: The Jewish Community Centers mission is to cultivate an inclusive and engaged community based on Jewish values. They embrace diversity and welcomes all. The JCC offers Jewish learning, arts programs, urban retreats and wellness activities. MAKOM is JCCs department of spirituality, mindfulness and meditation and welcome beginners and advanced participants that want to explore the self through meditation.

Where/When: Gently guided sitting meditation with time for Q&A is held every weekday morning 7:30 - 8:30 am and Monday- Thursday afternoons at 5:45 - 6:45 pm.

Fees:Sittings are drop-in and registration is not needed. Donation is encouraged.

Ratings:

Overall: The JCC MAKOM offers meditation on a regular day basis for those who want to make meditation a daily morning or evening habit. The meditation is gently guided and space is left for independent practice. The meditation focuses on awareness of breath, body, emotions and thoughts as well as the practice of loving-kindness. When I visited the MAKOM, the meditation was secular.

Website: http://www.jccmanhattan.org

Class/Date: Monday, 3/18/13, 5:45-6:45 pm.

505 Carroll St, between 3rd& 4thAves, Brooklyn, NY

Review by Alyssa Barba

Attendance:The weekly Monday Night Meditation Sitting was a full sized class (about 20 people) consisting mostly of attendees who appeared to be regulars at the Jewish Meditation Center.

View original post here:
Urban Mindfulness - Reviews

Learn Vedic Meditation and access your full potential.

Vedic Meditation is simple, enjoyable and delivers positive change immediately. It allows your mind to quiet down and enables your body to get the deep rest required to release stress and stay healthy.

Anyone at any age can learn to meditate. Even if your mind is very busy you can easily learn to meditate and enjoy the benefits.

How to Learn

Step 1: Attend a free Introductory Talk

Step 2: Join the Basic Meditation Course

In this one-hour talk you will learn about a natural, effortless technique of meditation that brings about a unique state of restful alertness so within minutes the mind and body are resting more deeply than sleep.

All meditation courses take place in central Manhattan. Full address details will be sent with your confirmation.

Upcoming dates:

Wednesday October 21st, 7:00pm Tuesday December 1st, 7:00pm

Let us know which session you would like to attend. If you cant make the above dates, please sign up below and well let you know about future talks.

Continue reading here:
New York Meditation Center Learn Meditation