We are Kadampa Meditation Center New York City
Kadampa Meditation Center New York City exists to provide everybody 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, Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, we present Buddha’s teachings in an accessible manner that can easily be integrated into busy modern life.
In 1994 Kadampa Buddhist teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso established Chakrasambara Center in New York City and requested one of his senior students, Kadam Morten, to become the principal teacher. The Center started off in a small graffiti covered dance studio near the Bowery, and by 2001 classes were being held in a rented commercial space in Chelsea. With an unprecedented volume of people seeking these teachings and meditations each week, we faced an immediate need to expand. In late 2011 we located and were able to purchase a streetfront space only two blocks away from our longtime location. After an extensive build-out and the installation of numerous newly cast Buddha statues, in October 2012 we opened the doors to the future of Kadampa Buddhism in New York City.
KMC NYC is Part of the New Kadampa Tradition
New Kadampa Buddhism is a special presentation of Buddha's teachings designed especially for the people of the modern world. All the practices come from Buddha Shakyamuni and have been preserved over the centuries by an unbroken lineage of fully realized Teachers. Venerable Geshe-la’s presentation retains all the meanings and insights of Buddha’s original teachings, while offering them in a fashion that is accessible and suitable for modern-day practitioners. Through this great kindness everyone – regardless of nationality, culture, age or gender – now has the opportunity to follow practice scientifically proven methods for solving the problems of daily life that ultimately lead to true and lasting happiness.
Founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
The New Kadampa Tradition was founded by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso after he moved to the West in 1977 on the request of students in England seeking pure Buddhist teachings.
KMC NYC is one of 1,400 locations worldwide
The New Kadampa Tradition started at Manjushri Centre in England and is now taught in more than 1400 locations throughout the world, in many different languages.
Giving everyone a way to live to their potential
Since his arrival in the West, Geshe Kelsang has written 24 books which explain Modern Buddhism, his special presentation of Buddha's teachings suitable for the modern world.
We offer more than 20 classes each week at our main center in Chelsea
Drop-in classes are available every day of the week at KMC NYC. Classes include guided meditation combined with Dharma teachings.
If you've never meditated before, lunchtime or after-work meditations are a great place to start. Our general program classes are also suitable for beginners.
By practicing Buddha's teachings, we can all discover the wisdom needed to solve all of our daily life problems, and reach our highest potential - a state of permanent happiness, free from all suffering.
Everyone is welcome.