6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
New York (In-Person)
No experience needed
Dāna offerings welcome
No booking required
Devotion, Teaching & Community
Our Saturday evening program is the heartbeat of our weekly community. It brings together the ancient practice of Buddha Vandanawa — paying homage to the Triple Gem — with live Dhamma talks delivered by our resident monk.
The session opens with communal chanting and offering of flowers, incense, and light at the shrine. This act of reverence is not mere ritual — it is a training of the heart in gratitude, humility, and devotion.
The Dhamma sermon that follows draws from the original Pali Canon and is delivered in plain, accessible language. Topics range from foundational teachings on the nature of mind to practical guidance for daily life. All are delivered with warmth, clarity, and depth.
Session Flow
Each Saturday evening follows the same structure — welcoming, predictable, and deeply nourishing.
Doors Open
Arrive early to settle in, light incense, and enjoy the calm of the shrine room before the formal program begins. Regulars and newcomers mingle warmly.
Buddha Vandanawa
The evening opens with communal chanting of traditional Pali verses paying homage to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. Flowers, incense, and light are offered at the shrine in a simple and beautiful ceremony.
Guided Meditation
A short guided sitting meditation led by our resident monk, bringing the mind to stillness and readying it to receive the teaching that follows.
Dhamma Sermon
The main teaching of the evening. Our monk delivers a sermon drawn from the original Pali Canon — illuminating the Buddha's teachings with clarity, humour, and practical relevance to everyday life.
Q&A
Questions from the community are warmly invited. No question is too basic or too advanced. Genuine curiosity is the spirit of the Dhamma.
Sharing of Merit
The evening closes with the sharing of merit — a traditional dedication of the wholesome kamma generated by the evening's practice to all beings.
Community Time
After the formal close, many community members stay to connect over tea. A warm and unhurried space to get to know others on the path.
What to Know Before You Come
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Loose, relaxed clothing is ideal. We sit on cushions on the floor — but chairs are always available if you prefer or need them.
Remove Your Shoes
Following the tradition of the monastery, shoes are removed at the entrance. We have a clean, welcoming space for this.
Arrive a Few Minutes Early
There is no late entry once the meditation begins, out of respect for those already sitting. Arriving 5–10 minutes early is encouraged.
Silence Your Phone
We ask that phones be switched to silent before the session begins. Photography is not permitted during the meditation.
Tea Offered Afterwards
After the formal session, we share tea and light refreshments. It's a lovely way to meet other community members.
No Special Beliefs Required
You do not need to be Buddhist, believe in anything, or have meditated before. All that is needed is an open and curious mind.
About This Session
No booking is required. Simply arrive at around 8:15 AM on the 4th Sunday of the month. We welcome walk-ins — no reservation needed.
Absolutely. The program is specifically designed to be fully accessible to complete beginners. The monk will guide you through every step. Many of our most regular community members attended their very first meditation session here.
The session is rooted in the Buddhist tradition, but it is not a formal religious ceremony. Non-Buddhists — including Christians, Muslims, atheists, and people of no particular faith — attend every week and find real benefit. Meditation is first and foremost a mental training.
Yes, and we encourage it. First-timers often find it easier to attend with someone they know. There is no limit on how many people you bring.
All teaching and guidance is in English. Some short traditional Pali chants may be recited, but these will always be explained beforehand.
Street parking is available on the surrounding streets. We recommend allowing extra time on Sundays. Please see the contact page for full directions.
"The mind is the forerunner of all actions. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that never departs."— Dhammapada 1
Join us this Saturday
No registration needed — doors open at 5:45 PM every Saturday. We look forward to welcoming you.