Do I need to have experience in meditation or Buddhism to attend the classes?

No. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life.



How should I dress for class?

There is no special dress needed for these meditation classes. (You can sit comfortably on a chair or on a cushion.)


What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a major world religion that arose from the inspiration and teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, who lived and taught in India some two and a half thousand years ago. Buddhism teaches us how to overcome our problems and difficulties by understanding and preventing their causes. Whereas we usually look to find the causes of our problems in external conditions, Buddha taught us to solve our human problems by changing our mind. He showed how our feelings of dissatisfaction arise from negative states of mind- primarily anger, attachment, and confusion- and offered methods to eliminate these by developing generosity, patience, compassion, wisdom, and other positive states of mind. Through cultivating these qualities we can gradually and systematically transform our mind from its present state of suffering into the state of enlightenment, or permanent happiness.

Who do Buddhists worship, and why?

Buddhists regard all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as perfect guides and role models, and as such naturally develop faith in them and rely upon them as Spiritual Guides. As a meditator approaches, and eventually attains, enlightenment he or she develops extraordinary mental powers. These include the ability to bless receptive minds with powerful transforming energy that greatly accelerates the process of mental development. For this reason, Buddhists try through meditation, prayer, and various ritual practices to communicate with enlightened beings and receive their transforming blessings.


Is the NKT part of Tibetan Buddhism?

No. The New Kadampa Tradition is global Buddhism. Just as the Tibetans faithfully adopted the practices taught to them by the great Indian masters and adapted them to their own culture, so Geshe Kelsang encourages people from all ethnic backgrounds to adopt the wisdom and compassion of Buddha and put it into practice in a way that suits their particular culture.


Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?

No. You can attend only one class or the whole series. Come to as many classes as you wish. No previous knowledge is necessary. Attending the entire series of classes is highly beneficial because each class builds on the next. However, each class is taught in such a way that if you only attend one class, you will derive great meaning from it.

What does it cost?

Dipamkara Meditation Center is a non-profit organization. It exists to benefit the residents of Long Island.. The Center is legally and financially independent and relies completely upon donations. The Center has an inclusive policy; our programs are open to everyone regardless of ability to pay.

General Program (GP) classes: $15
Free ~ Kadampa Friends ~ please bring your card



Do I need to pre-register for the General Program (GP) classes?

No pre-registration is required.


Do I need to pre-register for the workshops, retreats, empowerments and other special events?

It is helpful to the event coordinators if you pre-register. However, you can still attend these events without pre-registering, unless the event specifies that pre-registration is required.