Youth Program
When
3rd Sunday of the month
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center
New York (In-Person)
New York (In-Person)
Who
Teens & young adults
Roughly ages 13–30
Roughly ages 13–30
Cost
Completely free
Dāna offerings welcome
Dāna offerings welcome
Registration
Walk-ins welcome
No booking required
No booking required
About This Program
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life
The Youth Program is built on a single conviction: the Buddha's teachings are as relevant to the pressures of modern young adult life as they were 2,500 years ago — perhaps more so. Each session takes a real theme from the lives of young people — stress, relationships, social media, identity, meaning, career anxiety — and examines it honestly through the lens of the Dhamma. No jargon. No pretence. Just clear, thoughtful inquiry into how to live well. The program includes a short guided meditation, open discussion, and a segment where participants can raise anything on their mind. The atmosphere is informal, honest, and often surprisingly funny. Young people leave feeling genuinely less alone — and more equipped to navigate their world.
What Happens
Session Structure
Each session is two hours — focused, energetic, and surprisingly deep.
8:15 AM
Doors Open
Arrive early to settle in, remove shoes, take a cushion or chair, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the session begins.
8:30 AM
Guided Meditation
The program opens with a period of guided sitting meditation. The guidance is gentle and clear — suitable for those sitting for the very first time.
9:30 AM
Dhamma Teaching
A teaching from the original Pali Canon led by our resident monk. Topics vary each month.
10:30 AM
Q&A & Discussion
Open questions and discussion. No question is too simple or too advanced.
11:00 AM
Close
The program closes with a short chanting of the Three Jewels and the sharing of merit.
Past Sessions
Topics We've Explored
Each month brings a different theme — honest, relevant, and always grounded in the Dhamma.
Social Media & the Comparing Mind
How the Buddha's teaching on the roots of suffering maps directly onto the anxiety loop of likes, followers, and comparison culture.
Meaning, Work & Ambition
What does Right Livelihood really mean for a young person trying to make their way in New York? A frank conversation about purpose and money.
Relationships & Attachment
The Dhamma's clear-eyed analysis of love, loss, and attachment — and what it actually means to love without clinging.
Anxiety & the Restless Mind
Why anxiety is not a character flaw — and what Buddhist practice offers that a productivity app never can.
Climate, Uncertainty & Equanimity
How do you cultivate peace in a world that feels like it's on fire? The Dhamma's answer might surprise you.
Identity — Who Are You, Really?
Buddhism's radical answer to the question of selfhood — and why the answer is deeply liberating rather than nihilistic.
Common Questions
About This Program
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
Come along this Sunday
No registration needed. Doors open at 3:50 PM on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Bring a friend.
Monthly Sil Program
When
2nd Sunday of the month
6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center
New York (In-Person)
New York (In-Person)
Who
All welcome
Prior attendance helpful
Prior attendance helpful
Cost
Completely free
Dāna offerings welcome
Dāna offerings welcome
Registration
Contact us for first visit
Walk-ins welcome thereafter
Walk-ins welcome thereafter
About This Program
A Day of Sīla, Samādhi & Paññā
The Monthly Sil Program is one of the most profound offerings of our center — a full day of practice rooted in the three pillars of the Buddha's path: ethical conduct (sīla), mental cultivation (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā). Participants undertake the Atthasil — the Eight Precepts — for the day. These include abstaining from taking life, from false speech, from intoxicants, and from eating after noon. Far from being restrictions, the precepts are experienced as a liberation: a release from the habitual pulls of the senses and a deepening of inner stillness. The day weaves together guided meditation, communal chanting, Dhamma teaching, shared vegetarian meals offered by the community, and periods of noble silence. It is an extraordinary container — rare to find in the heart of New York City.
The Full Day
Day Schedule
A carefully balanced day that deepens with each passing hour.
8:15 AM
Doors Open
Arrive early to settle in, remove shoes, take a cushion or chair, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the session begins.
8:30 AM
Guided Meditation
The program opens with a period of guided sitting meditation. The guidance is gentle and clear — suitable for those sitting for the very first time.
9:30 AM
Dhamma Teaching
A teaching from the original Pali Canon led by our resident monk. Topics vary each month.
10:30 AM
Q&A & Discussion
Open questions and discussion. No question is too simple or too advanced.
11:00 AM
Close
The program closes with a short chanting of the Three Jewels and the sharing of merit.
Practical Details
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.
Common Questions
About the Sil Program
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
Join us for the next Sil Day
First time? Send us a message before you come — we'll make sure you're fully prepared. Doors open at 5:45 AM on the 2nd Sunday.
Kids Program & Sinhala Class
When
1st Sunday of the month
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center
New York (In-Person)
New York (In-Person)
Who
Children & families
All ages welcome
All ages welcome
Cost
Completely free
Dāna offerings welcome
Dāna offerings welcome
Registration
Walk-ins welcome
Contact us for new students
Contact us for new students
About This Program
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.
What Happens
Afternoon Structure
A carefully paced afternoon that blends learning, creativity, and connection.
1:45 PM
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.
2:00 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.
2:45 PM
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.
3:15 PM
Short Break & Snack
A short break with light refreshments. Children stretch, play, and socialise — building friendships within the community.
3:30 PM
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.
4:45 PM
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.
5:00 PM
Pickup
Parents return. Teachers are available to share updates on their child's progress. Many families stay to connect with other community members.
Practical Details
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.
Common Questions
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.
Buddha Vandanawa & Dhamma Sermons
When
Every Saturday
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center
New York (In-Person)
New York (In-Person)
Who
All levels welcome
No experience needed
No experience needed
Cost
Completely free
Dāna offerings welcome
Dāna offerings welcome
Registration
Walk-ins welcome
No booking required
No booking required
About This Program
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.
What Happens
Session Flow
Each Saturday evening follows the same structure — welcoming, predictable, and deeply nourishing.
5:45 PM
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.
6:00 PM
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.
6:30 PM
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.
6:50 PM
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.
7:50 PM
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.
8:20 PM
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.
8:30 PM
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.
Practical Details
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.
Common Questions
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.