Buddhism for Beginners

Curious about Buddhism? This weekly class presents basic teachings that you can immediately use to improve your work and relationships, cultivate inner peace and increase your enjoyment of daily life. Each hour-long class includes a meditation, a teaching, and time for discussion. 

Everyone is welcome!

Free for members / $10 non-members

Art Appreciation Month: The Wheel Of Life Diagram

Buddha says, “Even if we contemplate deeply the most sublime paintings and works of art, we cannot gain benefits that compare with the benefits of contemplating and meditating on the diagram of the Wheel of Life because this diagram reveals the complete path to liberation and full enlightenment.”

In this class we’ll explore this mesmerizing diagram in all its detail. Is it more valuable than all the works of art at The Met, MoMA and the Brooklyn Museum? Find out for yourself!

This online-only class is available only to members. Please join using the Center’s member link. Zoom link will be sent to all members via email. Attendance is free and no registration is required. If you don’t get the email by the first of the month, please contact epc@brooklynmeditation.org

Meditate in Community

When we meditate and look inward, we paradoxically discover a natural feeling of warmth toward others. This is because the deeper we go within, the more interconnected we are. This indicates that our meditation practice isn't meant to be a solitary journey.

By meditating with others, we can experience the inspirational energy that arises from practicing in a group, deepen our understanding of the dharma through discussion, and cultivate a community based on deep and meaningful commonalities that will help you sustain your practice.

Each class will include two meditations, a dharma talk, and a facilitated discussion designed to deepen our understanding of the teachings and foster connection with others.

This month’s topic: The sheer number of problems and difficulties in our life can be overwhelming. In this class, we will learn about the root delusion of “self-grasping”. By overcoming this one misconception, we can undercut all of our other delusions and find lasting peace.

Free for members / $12 non-members / Optional Discussion after class 8:15-845pm!

Friday Night In

We are always looking to go “out”, but happiness is to be found “within”. When we realize this truth, we can relax, knowing we can find inner peace whenever we want.

Spend time with us every Friday evening through the winter for an alternative getaway. Each night we will offer a simple short teaching and meditation. Afterwards, we can relax and hang out at the center with snacks. Everyone is welcome!

Free for members and non-members

Meditation Toolkit

Meditation gives rise to peace of mind, and when our minds are peaceful, we are happy. We will find relief from stress, anxiety and difficult relationships.

This program has been carefully designed to support those who wish to develop and sustain an enduring meditation practice. In particular, we will study the “Lamrim,” a time-tested system of 21 meditations that help you, step-by-step, become a wiser, more compassionate person. Discover the joy of meditation, and become a life-long meditator.

Free for members / $10 non-members

Meditation and the Creative Power of Intention

Instead of making new resolutions, learn how to harness new intentions and strengthen them through meditation. If we do this, our actions will improve naturally and we won't need to force it!

Buddhists have two main intentions: to improve our minds and to benefit others. These basic objectives inform our life. By harnessing these two intentions, our behavior and life will change, bringing us deeper happiness, more meaningful relationships and a growing ability to benefit others. Everyone is welcome!

Free for members / $15 non-members