Where in NYC can I practice Tibetan Buddhism as in Pema Chodron?

July 5, 2018 11:43 AM

I have her books already. I seek community.
posted by DMelanogaster to Religion & Philosophy (7 answers total)

Ani Pema is in the Shambala tradition. They have a center in NYC.
posted by Riverine at 11:52 AM on July 5, 2018 [1 favorite]

I’ve done some things with the nyc shambhala center. It’s a good bunch of folks and yes follows that tradition. They have a summer in-city “retreat” that is fun to do coming up in August that can be a nice albeit intensive intro.
posted by ch1x0r at 1:54 PM on July 5, 2018

I would warn you strongly against Shambhala. Under the current leadership, it is really no more than a shell of Tibetan Buddhism, they exploit the teachings as a pyramid scheme for expensive classes that lead nowhere, and the head of Shambhala is under investigations for sexual abuse. Pema Chodron has, over many years, mostly withdrawn from the organization. I would recommend that if you want to know who/where she recommends that you go for Tibetan Buddhist teachings, that you get in touch with her foundation.
posted by nanook at 6:17 PM on July 5, 2018 [4 favorites]

I would also suggest staying away from Shambhala. Aside from their legal issues, they have always given off a "cult" vibe to me.
posted by Hanuman1960 at 6:25 AM on July 6, 2018

This is a pretty roundabout answer, but Namgyai Monastery in Ithaca is the Dalai Lama's seat in North America. They host a number of retreats themselves that might interest you, but I also think you could just reach out to them for recommendations about local options. Unsurprisingly, much of the crowd they draw for events is from NYC, and I expect they have community ties there.
posted by veery at 6:43 AM on July 6, 2018

Check out Tibet House!
posted by Mystical Listicle at 12:16 PM on July 6, 2018

Here to second Nanook, lots of Tibetan stuff to look into while avoiding Shambhala.
posted by nixon's meatloaf at 11:34 AM on August 13, 2018