About Our Center

Kadampa Meditation Center Brooklyn offers Modern Buddhism and meditation classes designed tobenefit everyone, regardless of their beliefs. Most of our classes and workshops are open to students at any level, and typically include a talk, guided meditation and discussion. We are a friendly, volunteer-run, non-profit community of meditation students. We are here to support your meditation practice. All are welcome!

Our center was established in 2005, as Vajradhara Meditation Center, in a rented townhouse in Fort Greene. It next moved to a second-story venue in Prospect Heights and then to our current storefront on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill. Our space has a small bookstore, lounge, meditation room and backyard patio.

Most of our classes, day retreats and workshops — which typically include a talk, guided meditation and time for discussion — are open to students at any level, including those with no prior meditation experience. Our Foundation Program and Teacher Training Program are designed for more advanced practitioners.

Students may attend single classes or sign up for a membership, which offers unlimited classes for $50 a month. Most of our regular students volunteer as class assistants, help with marketing and administration or just pitch in to keep the center clean, welcoming and stocked with snacks.

The center is one of hundreds of New Kadampa Tradition meditation centers and temples worldwide — a global Mahayana Buddhist association founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang, a Tibetian meditation master who launched the non-profit organization after moving to England in the 1970s.

We don’t just offer classes — we offer a friendly community of practitioners who are here to support your meditation practice. If you have questions or would like to chat with someone about the center, please contact epc@brooklynmeditation.org.

Meet Our Meditators and Volunteers!

We're fortunate to have a diverse community of Brooklynites. We've got scientists and researchers, writers and journalists, artists and designers, teachers and parents. We welcome kids. Our community events include walks, art nights, potluck meals and BBQs. There’s always snacks, tea and conversation to enjoy before and after classes. Come join us!

Our class attendees listening to a teaching on Modern Buddhism.

“It is challenging to explain how Buddha’s teachings and meditation upon them have benefitted my life. Through study, patience and the gifts of the Center and other teachers, I find each day becoming more joyful than the last. It is possible. People are doing it every day and I’m so grateful to be a part of this community.” — Emma M.

Our long-time member and his baby daughter before class.
Two of our members cleaning up the backyard before our Annual Summer Potluck.

“Meditation and my friends at the Center have brought remarkable joy and meaning to my otherwise stressful, busy life. With the Center’s programs and opportunities for community building, I have found true purpose and passion that I can use to benefit everyone in my life.” — Adriana Y.

Meditation in the Park: a photo from our free summer meditation gatherings on Friday Evenings in Prospect Park.
Our Center members enjoying our annual Halloween event — an inspired walk and talk through Green-wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.

“Meditation helped me uncover a space in my mind, in between my thoughts. In finding this space, I no longer feel I must act out of impulse, but have a short moment to decide what action I would like to take. I also use meditation to rest and recharge throughout the day by connecting to this space in between my thoughts. This Center has been the most amazing addition to my life. It is a magical place that provides all of the necessary conditions to cultivate and strengthen the best part of you.“ — Will D.

Covid-time member meeting at the Center.
One of our longtime members, Adriana, and her son who has attended with her since before he was born.

“This place has become an oasis for me. The people have become like my family and provide with such utmost love and support. It’s comforting to know that everyone at this center wants to be happy and have a peaceful mind. I can be myself and I know that I will be accepted and not judged. I still have my depression and anxiety, and I still have bad days… the difference is that I now have more tools to control them. I am so grateful for this Center.” — Alexis T.

Exploring the meaning of life and death during our annual October stroll through Green-wood Cemetary.
Our Teacher Training Program students enjoying a chat before class.

“Meditation is like taking your own good advice. It helps keep me more grounded and gives me a little extra room to find the ease in my life. The best side effect is definitely the increasing sense of compassion and community.” — Caitlin H.