Kadampa Meditation Center New York City (KMC-NYC) was established to provide people in the New York area with the opportunity to learn about and practice Buddha’s teachings. To fulfill this aim we have created a peaceful city sanctuary located in the heart of Chelsea. Based on the books of the modern day Buddhist teacher, Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, we present Buddha’s teachings in an accessible manner that can easily be integrated into our modern lives.

Established nearly twenty years ago, hundreds of New Yorkers currently participate in our programs at the main center and throughout the city. The Center is run by volunteers who themselves are dedicated practitioners, and we have a warm and welcoming community. Please feel free to drop in for a visit. During opening hours there is always someone at hand who can answer your questions. In addition to the beautiful meditation room, you can also check out our bookstore and gift shop, or just spend time in our comfortable sitting and reading area. (Reference materials are available.)

If you wish to participate in the activities at the center, we recommend that you begin with one of our General Program classes. The evening classes on Mondays and Thursdays, and the Sunday morning and afternoon classes, are suitable for newcomers. We also have a monthly Saturday introductory class called Awakening the Heart, as well as regular day and weekend workshops and retreats.

Altogether, we have three different levels of programs, all based on the books of Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso: the General Program which is open to everyone, the Foundation Program (FP), for those who wish to study systematically, and the Teacher Training Program (TTP), for those who wish to train to become Buddhist meditation teachers themselves. Senior students on the TTP now teach at Branch Centers throughout the NYC Boroughs and New Jersey. An additional new weekend study program will be announced soon.

You are also welcome to attend the chanted prayers and meditations that are held at the Main Center daily. See the calendar for times.

For those who wish it is easy to get involved with our community. We have many different volunteer opportunities where it’s easy to make new friends, learn new things, and help spread peace throughout our great city. In these hectic and distracted times, it is wonderful to be part of a spiritual community dedicated to following the bodhisattva ideal of improving oneself and benefiting others.

Kadampa Meditation Center New York City is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). The NKT is an International Union of Kadampa Buddhist Centers. There are currently over 1000 Centers worldwide. In the New York area, we have centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester, Upstate, and New Jersey. From time to time we gather as a family at the Kadampa Meditation Center, Glen Spey, NY, home of our National Temple, for festivals, special courses, and retreats.

If you have any questions visit our FAQ’s page, the classes for beginners page and the what to expect at a class page and, as always, feel free to contact us.

History