FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about KMC NY
General Questions
Are you open to the public and for people who aren’t Buddhist?
Yes – Everyone is welcome to KMC New York and the US World Peace Temple. No one is excluded, whatever their background or faith. The methods and practices taught here are suitable for every level of interest and experience, from beginner to advanced. Modern Kadampa Buddhism offers practical, powerful tools that can help everyone resolve the stresses and difficulties of modern life, and it is our joy and our privilege to share these 365 days each year to everyone who is interested.
Is there a class you would recommend for someone who is not familiar with Buddhism?
Yes – We have many introductory level classes that you would enjoy and benefit from. These include Prayers for World Peace, our Sunday service at 11am, Rx for a Happy Life Free Meditation Workshop, Peace of Mind Retreat Weekend, Food for Thought (Meditation plus Meal), and Introductory teachings on Wednesday nights. Check our website calendar for dates and times.
Do I have to wear special clothes in the Temple?
No – Please come as you are, the Temple environment is church-like, but generally casual. It is traditional to remove your shoes outside the sanctuary (meditation room) and enter in your socks or with bare feet, however if this is uncomfortable or difficult for you, you may leave your shoes on. In the winter, you might like to have an extra layer with you, such as a sweater, scarf or shawl.
Do I have to sit on the floor?
No – We have some floor seating on meditation cushions available in the Temple for those who wish to use them, but the majority of people prefer to sit in our comfortable padded chairs.
Do all Buddhists shave their heads?
No – Ordained practitioners, both monks (men) and nuns (women), cut their hair at that time of ordination and keep it very short. This symbolizes their renunciation – including abandoning their concern with outer appearance to focus on the inner qualities of love, compassion and wisdom.
Do I need to ordain if I become a Buddhist?
No – The great majority of Buddhists worldwide are lay practitioners – regular people with partners, children, jobs, etc. Ordination is a personal spiritual decision made by those who feel compelled to devote themselves completely to the spiritual path for their entire life by abandoning certain things and vowing to practice certain things. Ordained Buddhists are called monks and nuns.
Do I have to bow/prostrate?
No – Prostration is a traditional Buddhist practice dating back 2500 years to the time of Buddha Shakyamuni. Attending a prayer service or class at the Temple, you may see someone paying respect to the Buddhas or the teachings by bowing their head, pressing the palms of their hands together at their heart, or kneeling and touching their forehead to the floor. But using our body to show respect through prostrating is not something that is familiar to Western people, and the choice to prostrate or not is entirely up to you.
Do you offer yoga classes at the Temple?
Yes, but – The yoga that is practiced here is a mental yoga; we do not offer classes in physical yoga at KMC NY. In Kadampa Buddhism, ‘yoga’ is a term used for spiritual practices that entail maintaining a special positive view during an activity, such as Guru Yoga, or the yogas of eating, sleeping, rising, and so forth.
Can I take photos inside the Temple?
Yes – Feel free to take photographs of the grounds and the Temple when prayers and teachings are not underway.
Can I take notes on my laptop during the teachings?
No – We have found that our guests can be disturbed by the sound of typing on a keyboard, so we request that people do not use computers in the Temple during teachings.
Is the Temple and facilities accessible by wheelchair?
Yes – We have handicap parking, disabled rest facilities and ramp access into the Temple.
Is it true we can join the community for meals?
Yes – Each day the residents each lunch and dinner together in the community dining room, and guests may join us for $5/person. Please call in advance to let us know you are coming so that we might prepare enough food.
Do you offer childcare?
No – However, during Prayers for World Peace on Sunday we also hold a children’s class called Dharma for Kids in the Main House. It is recommended for ages 4-10. We do not yet have a program for toddlers.
Your First Class or Retreat
Do I need meditation experience to participate?
No – Many people who come to classes and retreats do not have much (if any) experience of Buddhist meditation. And don’t worry if you have tried meditation before without feeling much success. Almost everyone finds it challenging in the beginning because our minds are naturally very busy. The World Peace Temple is a perfect place to gain this inner experience.
How many people do you expect?
It varies – Class size varies depending upon season and the class itself. Most often our introductory classes are between 25-100 people, larger national events may have as many as 700. Fall 2011 we will host an international Festival and expect 2000 or more to attend.
Will I be the only single person there?
No – Definitely not. People come to KMC NY alone, with friends, with partners, as part of a family. Everyone is welcomed here under the umbrella of Buddhism, and all are seen as friends of the community.
Can I bring my pet?
No – Unless there is a special circumstance that warrants it, out of consideration for our guests with pet allergies and the wildlife that shares this property with us, we generally ask that overnight visitors leave pets at home. Dogs are welcome to walk with their owners on the trails and roads here if they remain on a leash.
Will I have time to spend time on my own?
Yes – We build ample free time into all our courses and retreats, so our guests can enjoy either quiet, contemplative solitude or the company of new or old friends. The choice is up to you.
Can I meet with a teacher?
Yes – If that is something that you wish, our Resident Teacher, course teacher or another lay and ordained senior student would be very happy to meet with you to share Buddha’s advice for life.
Do you offer hearing assistance?
Yes – Please let us know if you might have difficulty hearing the Teacher during a class and we will make hearing assistance equipment available to you.
