2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
New York (In-Person)
All ages welcome
Dāna offerings welcome
Contact us for new students
Roots, Values & Language
The Kids Program gives children growing up in New York the gift of two inheritances: the timeless values of the Buddha's teaching, and the living language of their heritage. The afternoon is split into two streams. The Dhamma portion uses stories, discussion, and simple activities to help children understand core Buddhist values — kindness, honesty, generosity, and mindfulness — in language they can relate to and apply in their daily lives at school and at home. The Sinhala language class is taught by community volunteers experienced in language instruction. Lessons are engaging and age-appropriate, building reading, writing, and conversational ability over time. Children who have never spoken Sinhala and children who speak it at home are both warmly accommodated.
Afternoon Structure
A carefully paced afternoon that blends learning, creativity, and connection.
Arrival & Welcome
Children and parents arrive. The room is set up for learning. Volunteers greet each family and make newcomers feel at home. Parents are welcome to stay or return at 5:00 PM.
Dhamma Story & Discussion
The session opens with a Dhamma story — drawn from the Jataka Tales or the life of the Buddha — told in vivid, accessible language. Children discuss what the story means and how it relates to their own lives.
Dhamma Activity
A hands-on activity reinforcing the lesson — crafts, drawing, short role-plays, or group games built around Buddhist values like generosity, patience, and kindness.
Short Break & Snack
A short break with light refreshments. Children stretch, play, and socialise — building friendships within the community.
Sinhala Language Class
Structured Sinhala language instruction, divided by ability level. Covers reading, writing, and speaking. Teachers are patient, experienced, and passionate about keeping the language alive in the next generation.
Closing & Merit Sharing
The afternoon closes with a short group chanting and the sharing of merit. Children learn that the good they do — learning, helping, being kind — creates genuine benefit for themselves and others.
Pickup
Parents return. Teachers are available to share updates on their child's progress. Many families stay to connect with other community members.
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.
"Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, man cannot live without a spiritual life."— The Buddha
Bring your child along
First visit? Drop us a message and we'll make sure everything is ready. After that — just show up on the 1st Sunday.