Buddhism for Beginners

Curious about Buddhism? This weekly class presents basic teachings that we can immediately use to improve our work and relationships, cultivate inner peace and increase our 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

A Clear Path to Happiness

In this class, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners, we will focus on some of Buddha's essential teachings that can help us let go of painful emotions and develop peaceful, positive states of mind. We will emphasize creating an enjoyable meditation practice and discuss how to bring the teachings into our daily lives in a practical way to support a more relaxed, happy, and meaningful life.

Please note, Sharon Guskin will be alternating with teacher Doug Cuomo.

Free for members / $10 non-members

Choosing Our Dharma Wardrobe For The Season

Buddha said, “The object of our self-cherishing mind is always changing. When we are young, the object of our self-cherishing is a young girl or boy, but later it changes to a teenager, then to a middle-aged person and finally to an old person.”

Since this is true, we can see we are not “fixed,” which means we can set aside our ordinary self and start connecting with so much more. “A Mighty Bodhisattva,” “A Dedicated Sangha Friend,” “A Great Yogi,”  “The kindest Person On the Block,”

In this class, get ready to explore a variety of virtuous outfits we might try on—and leave our ordinary outfit on the bathroom floor!

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

Buddhist Book Club

Looking for a deeper understanding of Buddha's teachings that will powerfully touch your heart?  On Wednesdays we will be studying the book Mirror of Dharma.  Each week will be a stand-alone class focusing on one section, so feel free to join at any time. It’s helpful to come consistently, however, so that you can get a comprehensive understanding of the book.

Mirror of Dharma is Geshe Kelsang's final publication making it a very special text representing the refinement of his decades of practice. It covers the entire Lamrim, a series of meditations that constitute the stages of the path  to enlightenment along with essential practices such as how to meditate and connect with Buddha's teachings on compassion. By engaging in deep study of a text we can profoundly improve our meditation practice and daily life.

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 can only be found “within.” When we realize this truth, we can relax, knowing we can enjoy inner peace whenever we want. 

Spend time with us on Friday evenings for an alternative getaway. Each night we will offer a simple, short teaching and meditation. Afterwards, we can relax and hang out with snacks. Everyone is welcome!

Free for members / $5 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 us, step-by-step, become wiser, more compassionate people. Discover the joy of meditation, and become a lifelong meditator.

Free for members / $10 non-members

Craving, Addiction, and Contentment

The quest for stimulation and excitement can be frustrating and tiring. Searching for ever more complicated, expensive, and even dangerous solutions to dispel our discontent leaves us feeling like we never have enough. We can develop cravings and addictions that disrupt our life, relationships and destroy our well-being.

The solution isn’t to stop having fun or reject what we enjoy. Instead, we can learn how to be deeply satisfied with who we are, what we have, and where we are in life. The art of contentment involves letting go of unrealistic expectations, practicing kindness towards ourselves, and learning to find happiness within.

Everyone is welcome!

 Please note: Feb 15 will be Meet the Love Panel! Exploring Love, Desire and Attachment

Free for members / $15 non-members