Archive for November, 2009

Join us for these special events- Thanksgiving Dinner and the Empowerment of Buddha Manjushri at Kadampa Meditation Center New York

Manjushri is the embodiment of the wisdom of all Buddhas. By receiving his blessings in this empowerment ceremony and then relying upon him with faith, we will naturally increase our wisdom. When we have wisdom we do not feel confused or unhappy, our mind is peaceful, and we understand things clearly and easily. With eyes of wisdom we will always know what is best to do. Gen Samten, resident teacher of KMC NY, will grant the empowerment and give the teachings on Manjushri. Empowerment Weekend – $90 Friday only, $10 Saturday only, $65 Sunday only, $25 If you can not attend the whole weekend you are welcome to attend just the empowerment on Saturday. Thanksgiving Dinner and Meditation Come early and join us for a fun and festive Thanksgiving feast – vegetarian style!   Guided Meditation on Gratitude – 3:30pm Thanksgiving Buffet – 5:00pm $20 for Thanksgiving Event Limited seating available, so please reserve early! On-site accommodations are available. To register for either event, please visit www.KadampaNewYork.org or call 845-856-9000. Empowerment Weekend Schedule Friday, Nov 27            8pm                Introduction Saturday, Nov 28            8-9am             Meditation            10am-12pm    Empowerment            3-4:30             Teaching            5:30-6:30        Meditation            8:30-9:30pm  Wishfulfilling Jewel with tsog Sunday, Nov 29            8:30-10am      Commentary            11am-12:15     Prayers for World Peace

Thursday Nights

 

Healing the Past, Liberating the Present
Purification and Learning to Live Joyfully in the Moment

with Kadam Morten

Chakrasambara Buddhist Center, 322 8th Ave. Suite 502
7:00 – 9:00 pm ($15 per class/free for cardholders)

Often we feel trapped by the experiences we have had in the past. Our old hurts, feelings of betrayal, and resentments condition our present relationships and ways of acting. We find ourselves stuck in unhelpful, even hurtful, patterns of behavior. Instead of freeing ourselves from the past, we set ourselves up for further problems in the future. But our past is not fixed, and there is no need for us to feel stuck. Using Buddha’s teachings on karma and purification, Kadam Morten will show us how we can heal the wounds of the past, enabling us to live joyfully and creatively in the present, truly making the most of our lives.

Nov 19              Healing the Past, Liberating the Present
Nov 26              No Class – Thanksgiving
Dec 3                Karma and Purification
Dec 10              Living in the Moment
Dec 17              Creating the Future You Want

Followed by two Thursday evening special events:

Dec 24              Christmas Eve Special: Healing the World – a guided meditation on the      Purification Buddha, Vajrasattva

Dec 31               New Year’s Eve Special: Meditation on the Buddha of Compassion

Monday Nights

 

Transforming Fear into Courage

 with Kadam Morten

 New York New Church, 114 East 35th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues
7:00 – 9:00pm $15 per class/ free for cardholders

We fear so many things: rejection, failure, sickness, being hurt, death.  In short, we fear taking full advantage of our life! These fears hold us back, emotionally, socially, professionally, but above all spiritually. However, by practicing the special sequence of Buddha’s teachings known as lam rim, or the stages of the path, we can transform our fear into a powerful encouragement to make the most of our human lives. By taking Buddha’s teachings to heart in meditation we let go of our irrational fears and replace them with a confident, solution-oriented approach based on an authentic understanding of reality. We begin to experience our life as a joyful path to enlightenment.

Nov 23              Transforming Fear into Courage
Nov 30              The Value and Joy of Life
Dec 7                Facing Death, Waking Up to Life
Dec 14              Transforming Insecurity into Confidence
Dec 21              Holiday Special: Refuge for the Heart

 Special Event at Chakrasambara Buddhist Center

 

 Pure Mind, Joyful Heart
Vajrasattava Empowerment

 with Kadam Morten

Click here for on-line registration

Saturday, December 5
Empowerment: 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Commentary to practice* 7:30 – 9:30pm
at the New York New Church

Sunday, December 6
Further commentary and practice*
9:30 – 12:30pm
at Chakrasambara Center 322 8th Ave. Suite 502 (entrance on 26th St.)

Buddha Vajrasattva is the embodiment of the pure mind of all the Buddhas. The empowerment is a blessing ritual and guided meditation through which we make a deep connection with Buddha Vajrasattva and create the cause to actualize Vajrasattva’s enlightened state for ourselves. During the commentary Kadam Morten will teach the purification practice of Vajrasattva. This skillful and creative practice allows us to connect with the natural potential in our mind, to heal the wounds of the past, and to free ourselves from old and painful habits of thinking and acting. Consequently through purifying our mind we free ourselves to live a life based on wisdom and love. We begin to experience a truly joyful heart and feel ourselves becoming the person we really wish to be.

Everyone Welcome!

*Must have received empowerment to attend commentaries
Price $45 ($22.50 for monthly cardholders).

 Click here to make a donation

 
Your Contribution Matters!

Help us reach our goal of raising $40,000 by December 31st. A gift of any size makes an impact!
 

Please make your donation by December 31, 2009.

 
Your gift will directly support our 2010 operating costs as well as our effort to acquire a permanent home in New York City. 
 

 Save the Date! 

 

 Our Good Karma Holiday Party

At Judson Memorial Church
Tuesday December 15, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
(free)
Join us for our annual Holiday party, which this year will be held at the Judson Memorial Church by Washington Sq. Park to ensure that we can comfortably fit everyone in.  Enjoy the companionship of your Sangha community with food, drinks, entertainments and an all new inspiring musical performance on The Birth of Buddha Tara, the Rescuer.

Everyone welcome.

 New Year’s Eve Special

At Chakrasambara Buddhist Center
Wednesday December 31, 9:30pm – midnight,
$10 (free for cardholders)

Our annual New Year’s eve event. From 9:30 to 10:45pm there will be snacks. Then at 10:45 through to midnight there will be a brief introduction followed by Compassion Buddha practice with guided meditation, with plenty of time to develop heartfelt resolutions for the new year. Start the new year in the way you wish to continue it … with a peaceful, compassionate mind, dedicating for the welfare of the whole world. Followed by a non-alcoholic New Year’s toast.

9:30PM – 10:45PM : Snacks  ·  10:45PM – Midnight : Compassion Buddha practice and meditation.

 

 

 

 

 

The Yoga Room offers classes for all levels, from the absolute beginner to the expert yoga practitioner. They have a highly qualified staff that can easily assist those who are new to the practice of yoga and help to put even the most nervous student at ease.  The studio is a calm and relaxing space that lends to a peaceful and enjoyable yoga experience.  The Yoga Room offers a variety of yoga classes including mommy and me and prenatal classes as well as traditional Pilates.  They have two convenient locations in Queens, New York, one in Astoria at 38-01 35th Avenue and another in Long Island City at 10-14 47 Road. 

Regular Pricing

Single Class	$18
5 Classes (valid for 6 months)	$85 ($17/class)
10 Classes (valid for 6 months)	$155 ($15.50/class)
25 Classes (valid for 6 months)	$350 ($14/class)
50 Classes (valid for 1 year)	$600 ($12/class)
1 Month Unlimited	$160
3 Months Unlimited	$425
6 Months Unlimited	$750
Yearly Unlimited	$1400

Best Buy: Auto Pay Membership

Do more yoga for less $$$

Would you like to be able to automatically renew your yoga package each month? Now you can! Sign up for Auto Pay Membership at any of our studios. We will automatically deduct your monthly payment from your credit/debit card or checking account at no hassle to you. Six months minimum commitment! After six months 30 day notice to cancel. 

The Yoga Room Auto Pay	$130/mo
The Yoga Room Discounted Auto Pay (if you qualify for discount)	$115/mo

 

Yogaspanda: DJs and Downdogs

with Anya Porter & DJ Scribe
8:30-10:30pm
$25 if paid for by Monday of event
$30 Otherwise

Span-da \ ‘span-duh\ [sanskrit]: from Kashmir Shaivism, nothing exists without movement, vibration.
 
A class that unites downtempo, hip-hop, house, soul and funk with a breath-centered, vinyasa flow; complete with morsels of alignment and bits of soul food for thought.  All levels welcome.  Come sweat the funk out!

Lululemon on 67th and 3rd Ave has named Earth Yoga as their “Studio of the Month” for the month of October 2009.  Congratulations!

Earth Yoga is a hot power vinyasa yoga studio located at 206 East 63rd street (3rd floor) in New York City.  Vinyasa literally means “the intelligent putting together of things”, or “uninterrupted flow”- the coordination of breath and movement.  At Earth Yoga, our room is heated to approximately 95 degrees. Almost all classes are experienced in a heated environment. They are renowned for being the top in their field in Hot Yoga, but a word for beginners.  If you are interested in practicing with Earth Yoga I suggest calling ahead to make an appointment for a private session with one of their yoga instructors before you try to attend one of their high intensity classes.  This is also recommended by Earth Yoga themselves, so that a real beginner will not go into class feeling overwhelmed and try to keep up with everyone and possibly injure themselves.  This is not to discourage hot yoga beginners, but just to inform you to take the appropriate precautions.

Styles you will experience at Earth Yoga include:

Power Vinyasa Yoga - best described as asanas linked together while synchronizing one’s breath with movement. The transitions of the yoga poses are done at a steady, deliberate pace, and depending on the style of the teacher this pace can be slow or more vigorous.

A Baptiste – influenced Power Vinyasa Yoga - a combination of deep breathing and specifically sequenced sets of flowing yoga postures developed by Baron Baptiste. This style of yoga has the ability to build strength, increase endurance, release tension, and create more flexibility in the entire body.

Ki Power Vinyasa Yoga - a challenging vinyasa-based yoga practice and Isauro’s signature class. It is fused with martial arts, meditation and Thai yoga massage. Classes flow to rock-n-roll and world music.

Class Prices

Single class – $25

Introductory 7 day unlimited – $30 (for first-timers only)

5 class pass - $100 (30 day expiration)

10 class pass – $190 (45 day expiration)

Monthly unlimited – $215 (31 day expiration) includes mat and skid less cleaning and storage

3 Month Unlimited – $ 480 ($ 160 per month) includes mat and skid less cleaning and storage
(Students with Monthly Unlimited memberships may upgrade to 3 Month Unlimited memberships before the last day of August)

*After September 1st 2009, mat rental will be $2 and skid less rental will be $1. Towels will remain complimentary.

*for Those students with 5 & 10 class passes requiring mat and skid less storage, an additional $10 will be charged per month.

*Private classes are $150 per hour. Please call reception at least a week before your intended class to ensure you get your desired time slot and the teacher of your choice.

* We offer a 15 % discount to the following yogis on presentation of relevant ID: students, teachers, police, fire, nurses and seniors.

I have enjoyed practicing yoga for the last decade of my life, but I have also gone through periods of deep depression where the last thing I wanted to do was show up for yoga class.  I wanted to find out if there was any research out there on the correlation between yoga and depression.  Could the continued practice of a yoga routine through those dark depressing times in my life actually help me to get better and to conquer this beast I have been living with for so long?  I decided to experiment on my own and made the decision that no matter how I felt I would not miss a single class, easier said then done.  I was able to push through the depression a little bit and attended about 50% more classes during my “down period” than I normally would have so in me eyes the experiment was a success. Here is some information from The American Yoga Association that I came across while researching the depression/yoga connection:

Everyone feels “blue” from time to time, but when depression deepens or persists for a long time, it can suppress your energy for living and make you more vulnerable to disease by dampening the immune system. Depression is sometimes a warning that may help you to protect your mental and physical health. It can be viewed as a signpost, signaling “It’s time for a change.”

The first thing a depressed person stops doing is moving. Regular exercise becomes intolerable. But Yoga exercise, starting with as few as three poses a day in just a few minutes’ time, coupled with correct breath patterns, can become so pleasant to you that soon you will want to do more and more. The heavy, unmoving feeling of depression will be on the run! Yoga exercises put pressure on glands and organs, helping them to produce the soothing, healing chemical balance that is needed to feel well and be well. Yoga exercises improve circulation, sending invigorating oxygen to your brain and all your muscles. The stretching and strengthening movements flush toxins from the body as well.

Often depression sneaks in slowly, as breathing patterns change from too much sitting at a desk, stress, age, or illness. The deep, invigorating breath techniques of Yoga bring large amounts of fresh oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. Like a spring wind, it blows through the system bringing new light and strength to the unused parts of the body and mind where depression hides.

Complete relaxation and meditation practice show you how to access the strength and power of your inner self for a support system that keeps you going through all the ups and downs of your life.

Regular practice of Yoga will protect you from depression and help you stay bright-minded, while recognizing the signals that depression is giving you. To begin with, choose three exercises that appeal to you, and do them every day. Then, as you get more comfortable, expand your routine to give yourself more of a challenge and increase the beneficial effects.

The World Yoga Center located in New York City is a registered Teacher Training school with the Yoga Alliance. The Immersions and Teacher Trainings are for both aspiring yoga teachers and committed students who want to take their practices to a deeper level. Enter these programs to discover the authentic heart of Yoga and the power of the inner practices that move your life forward.
The Immersion Programs are open to all students, whether you are new, seasoned or an aspiring yoga teacher. Through immersion weekends, regular Hatha Yoga classes, meditations, inspired readings, and the ongoing guidance of the trainers, the Immersion creates sustained contact with the essence of Yoga. The radical, life-affirming philosophy of Anusara Yoga facilitates new levels of awareness and openings of the heart. A total of 108 immersion hours, part I, II and III, are required if you are considering entering the Teacher Training Program. There are no prerequisites for the immersions.

 DESIGNING YOUR NEW FOUNDATION –from the ground up

 Optimum Alignment:

Lower Body Therapeutics Workshop 

With Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher Marjorie Nass

Sunday, November 22nd, 1:00 – 4:00pm

$50, ($60 drop in rate applies within 48hrs of workshop)

Do you wake up with pain in your lower back, hips or knees?  Do you experience problems with your ankles, feet or sciatic pain?  Does an achy back trouble you while you’re sitting, driving or sleeping?  Learn to alleviate your discomfort and relieve your pain using the Anusara Yoga Universal principles of Alignment.

Experience a freedom in your back and relief from pain through the principles.  Even if you’re not suffering from an injury, you’ll learn to enhance your yoga practice, and open your hips and lower body like never before.

This workshop is appropriate for everyone and all levels are welcome!

Marjorie Nass, Certified Anusara Yoga teacher invites you to feel more at home in your body through the transformative practice of yoga. Through her inspiring guidance and keen observation, you will access a deeper awareness of your body’s messages, learn to open the stuck places and enjoy a newfound freedom and vitality. Marjorie teaches classes and workshops in and around New York City.

Restorative Yoga

Fridays 1:15-2:15pm with Chris Loebsack

Restorative yoga is a delicious surrender into quiet, supported postures on bolsters and blankets. This class will journey deep into supported postures and pranayama techniques, gentle stretching, and meditation. Restorative yoga is a wonderful complement to any level of practice. No experience in yoga is needed to join this class! Come and enjoy nurturing hands-on assists that move you towards a peaceful replenishment of body and spirit. You will return to your day refreshed and renewed.

Yoga fight club

You never have to keep your inner warrior (one, two and three) inside again! In a fusion of yoga asana, cardiovascular training, strength conditioning, and the age-old human instinct to fight, this class is a fun place to sweat, stretch, and explore new ways to move your body and release all your cosmopolitan frustrations. Using boxing gloves, mitts, and kick pads, students can safely explore different fight techniques while moving through full body conditioning and vinyasa yoga circuits. This is an intense workout for the body and a great way to blow off some steam. All levels welcome.

Yoga at om factory

Yoga at Om Factory is rooted in the vinyasa tradition. Vinyasa is a spirited style of practice in which breath and movement are linked in a seamless flow, generating heat, vitality, flexibility, strength, awareness, and insight. Open Level classes are welcoming to beginners and offer challenges for all levels! They offer classes for yogis of all levels – from the beginner to the advanced practitioner.

What is AntiGravity Yoga?
AntiGravity Yoga is a fitness regime designed to increase one’s overall health and physical agility while having fun and creating beauty. AntiGravity is an acrobatic performance company whose daily workout utilizes the AntiGravity Hammock. The technique was created by gymnasts for the sake of exploring the air and has been modified and enhanced to fit into the yoga mold and to cater to the everyday athlete. By adding additional techniques from dance, pilates and calisthenics, AntiGravity has created a complete workout that is certain to get you in shape while realigning you from the compression of gravity. AntiGravity Yoga takes into consideration both meanings of the word — working to manipulate physics while staying lighthearted.

What is AntiGravity?
AntiGravity is an acrobatic performance troupe that was founded in NYC in 1990 by Christopher Harrison. From the Olympics to Broadway to MTV, they are the most prominent American based company in the rapidly emerging field of Aerial Arts. The company is best known for their performances which incorporate AntiGravity Boots, Dancing Bungees and the AntiGravity Hammock.

What is the AntiGravity Hammock?
The AntiGravity Hammock is a structural fabric that is connected from two overhead points. It acts like a swing or soft trapeze. The AntiGravity Hammock is utilized to change one’s dynamic relationship to the ground, allowing the participant to better understand their body and its relationship to physics.

AntiGravity Yoga is proud to announce its new alliance with Center in New York City. Om Factory Yoga Center will be the centre for AntiGravity Yoga and AntiGravity’s New York instructor training facility. All AntiGravity Yoga classes are $17 [including 60 min. classes] Students are asked to practice in long pants and shirts with sleeves that cover under arms [highly recommended for comfort ability]. Yoga experience is helpful- though not required to join the classes. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as class sizes are limited and fill quickly. Pre-registered students must check in with the front desk at least 4 min before class begins. Late check in/arrival will result in pre-reservation spots being given to wait listed student. Please note our 48 hour cancellation/refund policy.

ANTIGRAVITY YOGA SCHEDULE

Mondays: 7:45-9am, 2-3:15pm [begins 10/5]
Tuesdays: 1:15-2:15pm [begins 10/6], 7-8:15pm
Wednesdays: 7:45-9am, 2-3:15pm [begins 10/7]
Thursdays: 1:15-2:15pm [begins 10/1], 7-8:15pm
Fridays: 2-3:15pm [begins 10/2], 7-8:15pm
Om Factory Yoga Center
265 West 37th Street 17 Fl
New York, NY 10018
+1 212 616 8662

There are some amazing upcoming classes taking place at The A.R.E of New York Edgar Cayce Center located at 241 West 30th Street.  A Meditation Practice Group meets Tuesday evenings from 6–7 p.m in the A.R.E. of New York Center. The group will meditate together primarily using the methods described within the Cayce readings. Please note that they will begin promptly at 6pm.  Admission is Free.  Here is what the A.R.E. Center says about their meditation group on their website:

Meditation Practice So many of us struggle to have greater depth and discipline in our experience with meditation. Oftentimes having group instruction once a week helps to keep our intention fresh and our practice consistent. The Edgar Cayce readings clearly present meditation as a foundation for spiritual growth and it is in fact the subject of the first chapter in the Search for God books upon which all the material following is built. The group will meditate together primarily using the methods described within the Cayce readings. This will be followed with a short session during which particular issues and individual problems associated with meditation can be brought forth and discussed. We will also look at other diverse meditation methods that could be of assistance to particular individuals.

 

WEEKLY KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS

The yoga of awareness and transformation
Weekly Class and Special Workshops with Monica Pineda
Thursdays, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm

This ancient practice seeks to open the natural flow of life energy through the system of chakras.
Learn the basics of breath, posture, meditation, movement and mantra as they are woven together in ancient kriyas (sets) that invigorate muscular, glandular and nervous systems. Each week, Monica leads a kriya to benefit a specific system of the body, such as the immune system, heart, liver, etc. This ongoing class is an excellent way to practice Kundalini Yoga as brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan.

Single class: $15, Center Members $12,
10-Class Card: $135 Center Members $100

On November 6th and 7th, the ID Project will be hosting our largest fundraiser to date in the form of a 24- hour Meditation Marathon in the window displays of ABC Carpet & Home.  We are aiming to raise funds for the organization to develop as a true community center, develop a radio show, and develop our activism projects in the coming year.  We also need additional support in order to raise funds for the organization to continue providing great classes, events and projects for the upcoming year, and expand the scope of our transformative community.

On November 6th ABC Home and Carpet will be hosting the 24 hour meditation marathon in New York City.  There is expected to be over 100 participating in the silent meditation that will begin at 7am Friday and continue until Saturday.  Their mission is to raise money for the Interdependence Project so be nice and try not to distract them from their goal.  Technically speaking, marathoners won’t be sitting for 24-hours straight; they plan to meditate in 40-minute intervals, and take 10-minute “walking meditation” breaks around the block. Normally, these are extremely slow, silent walks in which meditators focus on the precise movements of their body—much like yoga.

Location