FAQs
“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.”
- Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
What to Expect
Meditation classes do not require any special clothing or equipment. When attending in person classes it is asked that you remove your shoes in the foyer area before entering the meditation space. You may choose to sit on a chair or on a meditation cushion. Classes include a brief introduction, a guided breathing meditation, and then a brief teaching on Buddhist thought and practice. Finally, there is a concluding meditation to internalize the teaching. You are welcome to remain after class to ask the teacher questions and/or socialize with other students and browse our bookstore. Everyone is welcome. No meditation experience is necessary. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions below or contact us.
FAQs
Do I have to be Buddhist to attend classes?
No. Everyone is welcome, and everyone can benefit from meditation. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith or to none.
Do I need to have experience of meditation or Buddhism to attend?
No. Classes are suitable for beginners and experienced meditators, everyone is welcome. Membership options are available for those who wish to join one of our study programs or to support the center, but anyone can attend classes, even if they are not a member.
What do I need to bring to class?
If you wish to take notes, please bring a pen and notepad or a tablet.
What is the cost of the classes?
General Program classes are $15 each (costs vary for other events) or $50.00 per month for unlimited General Program classes. Monthly membership offers substantial savings over pay as you go pricing and helps support the center and branches with dependable monthly income. We are a 501 c3 non-profit organization run by volunteers.
How should I dress for class?
No special clothing is required. Come as you are.
Do I need to register for classes in advance?
For in person classes, just drop by ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the class to sign in and pay. You can also pre-register online if you wish.
What if I arrive late for class?
The entrance to the meditation center is located on Cuthbert St. The registration area doors will be locked five minutes after the scheduled class time. Because our registration area is down the hall from the meditation space, we are not able to offer late seating after that time - the class assistant will be occupied in the meditation hall.
What else do I need to know?
It is customary to remove one’s shoes before entering the meditation room. There are benches in the hallway before the meditation space where you can remove your shoes and place them underneath. To help keep the meditation space clean, we ask that students avoid bringing food and drinks into the meditation room. Snacks and beverages can be consumed in the lounge area.
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What are the center's hours of operation? Why is it often closed when I pass by during the day?
KMC Philadelphia is open when classes or events are taking place, typically on weeknight evenings and at varying times on weekends. We are operated by an all-volunteer staff, so are not generally able to offer "open hours" on weekdays.
Is the NKT Tibetan Buddhism?
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 those to their own culture, so Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, 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.