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The Chakrasambara Kadampa Meditation Center of New York has brought a new branch to Washington Heights where local residents will now have an opportunity to delve into the mystic practice and learn about the ancient tradition of mind strengthening, meditation, and self control.
Alexandra Bonano, a Washington Heights native, teaches the five-week-long sessions, which include themes and topics from Buddhist teachings established over 2,500 years ago. “I’m excited to be bringing this to this community, I think it’s something that locals could really benefit from,” said Bonano.
The Washington Heights branch operates under the Chakrasambara Kadampa Meditation Center of New York, which has been teaching the branch of Kadampa Buddhism in centers across the city. Kadampa Budhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by Indian Buddhist Master Atisha which focuses on following the “stages of the path to enlightenment.” But don’t let this intimidate you; the classes are very much an outlet for conversation where new practices and schools of thought are explained in an effort to help to expand our mind and understanding of the world around us.
During her first run, which started in early January, Bonano held classes that focused on “Learning to Let go of Bad Habits,” when students learned about behaviors we all engage in that are considered unhealthy and entrapping. “By being able to understand our mind and having the tools to understand how and why we create compulsive patterns of behavior, we can let go of the bad habits to create a meaningful life,” said Bonano.
Bonano, who was introduced to Buddhism at the young age of ten, said that more Latinos are attending the classes and becoming curious about the practice. However she also explained that learning to meditate and learning Buddhist teachings was for anyone who simply has an interest in it.
The classes also focus on learning how to meditate to use it as a tool for strengthening the mind and letting go of bad habits. “There is a misconception that your mind must be blank and there should be total silence when we meditate. That’s not true,” said Bonano. The approach here is to transform different states of mind to learn that life is rare and meaningful, while learning to cherish others and training a happy mind.
“Meditation is a constant training and it can be both formal and informal,” she added.
The program is midway through its series focusing on “Buddha’s Guide to a Healthy Life.” Attendants are welcome to drop in on a class by class basis. Classes are suitable for both beginners and more advanced meditation practitioners, where there will be an emphasis on how to meditate and practice in our urban environment.
The next session will be on March 2, called “Kindness in Action, followed March 9 with training in concentration. The classes are held every Wednesday at Our Saviour’s Atonement Lutheran Church and Cornerstone Center located at 178 Bennett Avenue at W. 189th Street. Classes begin at 7:00 p.m. and cost $10 per class. For more information call 212- 924-6706.
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