Dipamkara Meditation Center

meh… this is Buddhism for the Masses… which the Buddha’s teaching wasn’t and isn’t. I’m all for people doing what floats their boats as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody, but i wish they’d find another name for all the stuff they currently call «Buddhism» that would have made the Buddha shake his head gently in dismay.

What’s for Lunch? Soup & Serenity Massapequa
At our New South Shore Branch
with Ann and Dennis Kane
Here’s something new! The perfect way to let the stress and pressure of life melt away so you can return from your lunch hour feeling refreshed and nourished.
12:00 — 12:30pm Deep relaxation and breathing meditation followed by a Dharma teaching and a second meditation.
12:30 — 1:00pm Delicious homemade vegetarian soup. Everyone welcome, regardless of background or experience.
In Massapequa on Wednesdays
Address: 516 Broadway,
Massapequa NY 11 758
Phone: (516) 900‑1111
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Time: 12:00 — 1:00pm
Teacher: Ann and Dennis Kane
Cost: $ 5 per class (free for members)

This meditation center in Huntington Village has saved my life. In 2012 I faced one of the greatest challenges of my life. Without going into private details, I was in a dark place, faced some deep internal struggles, and did not know how to get out of that dark place. It felt like I had a demon inside, and that he was in full control. I could not quiet my monkey mind. I am not a religious person though I am very spiritual. I don’t associate myself with any particular religion, but I was raised Catholic. I have studied the Kabbalah, read about Buddhism, and although I don’t like to label myself as anything in particular I can say that regardless of your religion or lack thereof this center is a serene place. It is a place where you will not feel judged, you will not feel watched, you will not have to follow the leader, it’s not dogmatic, it is just a place to go sit down and meditate with guidance (at specific hours) or without, or go listen to different classes. It is unlike any church or temple. On Wednesday afternoons at lunchtime they have a lunchtime meditation followed by soup where you get to sit and talk to the other people who attended the session. It is only five dollars to cover the cost of the soup, and it is a wonderful experience. Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon they have a lunchtime meditation not followed by soup that is absolutely free. On the weekends they have paid events and sometimes free events, and the money goes to help support the center which obviously costs money to maintain. Donations are appreciated and no one is ever turned down for lack of funds. If you do have the funds and wish to become a member, your membership fee will cover all events so you’ll never have to pay for them. There is plenty of street parking, and a free parking lot right across the street that is often available for parking unless it’s the summer when it’s extremely crowded in Huntington Village. No one ever asks me questions, I never have to repeat after anybody, I feel so at peace and feel free to be myself at this place. It gives me a sense of community. Through the center you can also go on retreat upstate to a much larger temple, but I have never done that so I can’t comment on it. I’m sure it’s great. Overall this place is amazing, I hope it’s always there. I am eternally grateful for the center and it’s volunteers who have changed my life.

Great vibe. Nice space.
Lots of classes and meditation sessions to choose from.
Totally solid. I’ll be back!

Totally dig this place. Life is loud and fast moving – Dipamkara provides a sanctuary (even if it’s only for a little) from that clamor. The classes are always interesting; but more than that I’m always so impressed by the people attending the classes!
Every time I’ve been there thus far, I’d say the people that go are hardcore meditators for the most part. No challenges, discussions, egoic banter, attention seeking, or shallowness… everyone goes, listens, stays still and quiet during the meditations (no one falls asleep either! Or if they have, they’re awfully quiet about it), and then leaves.
It’s… amazing. Really.

Great place. Very accessible. Practical classes. I highly recommend it. Something for every level of interest.