Meditation retreats in New Jersey offer a range of choices, from the more mainstream types to those geared towards deepening your practice. Here are a few to help you decide.
If you've been searching for meditation retreats in New Jersey, you may have come across Kadampa Meditation Center. This non-profit retreat center offers both in-depth classes and workshops, as well as personal retreats. Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, you can find a retreat that's right for you.
A meditation retreat is a great way to disconnect from everyday life and focus on your inner self. Typically, meditation retreats are multi-day programs. They may offer activities outside of the meditation sessions, such as guided hikes or massages.
Many retreats also provide meals and accommodations. Depending on your needs, you can opt for spartan lodgings or luxurious amenities. The majority of retreats combine workshops led by the retreat leader with meditation sessions.
For more than a decade, IMS has hosted experienced meditators at its Forest Refuge retreat. The program is designed to enhance your vipassana practice by encouraging sustained longer-term retreats.
A typical retreat lasts from seven nights to a year. It is an immersive experience, blending community and solitude. If you are interested in learning more about the process, check out the Forest Refuge website. They have a plethora of information on the process and how to apply.
Applicants should look for signs of interest in meditation and the benefits of practicing it. This may include attending dharma talks and undergoing traditional Buddhist precepts. Taking part in the dharma can be a life-changing experience.
Won Dharma Center is a refuge for those who seek a spiritual path of renewal. The center's 426-acre property is nestled in the wooded foothills of the Hudson Valley, and offers a peaceful and secluded retreat.
This retreat center features eco-friendly buildings, as well as modern accommodations. It was awarded the 2010 Design Award by the International Forum of Religious Architectural Association (IFRAA). Among the facilities offered at the retreat center are the Timeless Zen House, the Placeless Zen House, and the inner courtyards.
The Retreat Center offers daily meditation instruction. In addition, it hosts 150 events each year. These include group dialogues, meditations, and lectures. There is also an opportunity to offer donations to the teachers for their efforts.
If you are looking for a place to do Vipassana (Insight Meditation) or mindfulness meditation, you may want to consider the Westcoast Dharma Society. This community offers retreats, classes, and fellowship. They are also open to all levels of meditators.
The Insight Meditation Society's location is on 240 acres of secluded forest. It has a program that combines daily meditation with study, practice, and interviews with teachers.
Retreats can be done on a regular basis, or on a one-time basis. All types of accommodations are available, from single rooms to private cabins. Guests can also take advantage of the food served, including buffet style meals featuring organic vegetarian dishes.
If you are interested in a Vipassana meditation retreat, you can find many options in New Jersey and New York. The Buddhadasa Bhikkhu founded the Suan Mokkh forest monastery in Thailand in 1932.
A Vipassana insight meditation course lasts for 10 days, but there are shorter courses, as well. Each course includes dharma talks, silent and mindful meditation, and mindfulness classes. You can also join a weekly study group or a peer-led group.
The Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC is a community of teachers who hold weeklong and weekend retreats. They also offer classes, and teacher interviews. Another community, the Northwest Vipassana Center in Ruckersville, Alabama, offers courses in vipassana meditation in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
Common Ground is a retreat center in Minneapolis, Minnesota that is dedicated to providing a safe place for people to learn meditation and grow their spiritual awareness. Their mission is to help people develop a pure heart and a balanced mind. They have a number of events and retreats, including guided meditations.
The Mindfulness Outreach Initiative (MOI) is a non-profit organization that provides Insight Meditation instruction and study groups. Based on early Buddhist teachings, the MOI works to make comprehensive meditation instruction accessible to all.
Menla, a nonprofit retreat center, is dedicated to bringing the Tibetan mind-body healing arts to the West. The Center is spearheaded by Robert Thurman. Its guest accommodations include single and double rooms, as well as tents and ashram facilities. A yoga teacher training course is also offered.
