I am a seasoned meditator, who can't go to sangha night in my home sangha because I work. Our…read moresangha is small and as yet has not reached it's full potential. So there's little programed on the weekends either. I've been looking around for another sangha that I can join in with to meditate with others. I'm also a little curious. I'm pretty committed to the Triratana Buddhist Community, but I'm also curious about other sanghas. So on Yelp there are 10 places listed in Queens. I chose to visit two today. I went to Lin Yan Shan Buddhist Temple of New York first. I talked with a monk coming out a door. He was talking to me until some Chinese people walked by and felt he had to open the door for them, and walked away abruptly from our conversation. He'd said that was a Pure Land outfit. I like to chant and all, but this place felt too ethnic for me, and while it seemed like a lovely place, I didn't see anyone who wasn't Chinese. And while the monk was pleasant and nice, he was surprised I knew that he chanted to Amitabha, which I felt was a bit condescending. Yes, westerners can know something about Buddhism, it's not just something of the east. So it's on to the next one. I ended up at the Ch'an Meditation Center in a very interesting neighborhood in Elmhurst. I was scared to walk in, but was warmly greeted by a Hispanic woman, who introduced me to an African American gentleman. I talked a little while with two women monks, with monk outfits and shaven heads, and the three dots on their heads where I speculate candles burnt down in a ritual, but that's just speculation. Then I talked to Dr. Rikki Asher, who seemed very down to earth and encouraging. I think I'm going to go back sometime--I will update if I do. I googled Rikki Asher and she's a professor at Queens college, and does silk art. Reading reviews on Rate My Professor, seems like it's a site for disgruntled students to vent negativity, though there were many that were positive. It's weird I know these things about her now, because I was writing this review, and wanted to know more about her. Her silk screens are pretty cool. My experience of her was that she was warm and open. They have a very active schedule with movie night, beginners night, Dharma classes, one day meditation retreats and Tai Ji Quan (gentle and relaxing Chinese therapeutic exercise). They are connected to a retreat center upstate in Pine Bush. They had free books, I took one on the Bodhisattva vow. Two thirds of the books are in Chinese and the place does have a distinctive Chinese flavor. They have a quarterly magazine. So I walked out of there with a lot of information and their website, and a desire to go back in. A diverse and welcoming place which I hope to go back to.

My parents are two devoted Buddhists at Chan Meditation Center. You would often see them there on…read moreSundays and Mondays. My husband and I only started going to Chan Mediation Center two years. I enjoy going there on Sundays too, but I guess Monday Buddha Name Chanting is one of my favorites. At the end of chanting, you sit and meditate after a busy working Monday. It feels very tranquil...

A Hidden Gem for Mind-Body Healing…read more I found Body & Brain while searching for a place to help with my back and neck pain--and it's been such a positive experience. The instructors are warm, knowledgeable, and offer a unique mix of yoga and qigong that helps me release tension and feel more balanced. The studio is clean, spacious, and welcoming, with a cheerful energy that makes every class enjoyable. Even though my pain isn't fully gone yet, I feel a noticeable difference in how my body and mind feel overall. They also offer monthly special classes, which keep things fresh and engaging. Whether you're dealing with physical discomfort or just want to feel more grounded, I highly recommend giving this place a try!

The name is a bit of a misnomer, because this place does not do traditional yoga, you're not doing…read morethose poses. It's more geared towards stretching, breathing, and making your body more flexible and healthy. It teaches you to be "mindful" and destress. It's an easygoing class where you can go at your own pace. You don't need a yoga mat for the exercises here, although you are free to bring and use one. The place is clean, well kept and calming to be in. They also offer online classes, but I have not taken those since I'd be watching from the couch eating popcorn instead of actually practicing. The attendees usually range from 30s-70s, I'd say most of them leaning towards the elderly side and female. There are a few guys in each class. Class size ranges from around 8-20 people, depending on the class and time, usually on the lower end. I feel better physically and mentally after each class, and I feel the improvement. The teachers are all competent and have a very positive, welcoming attitude. The classes are not cheap, but it's worth it for the health benefit (and they're also not prohibitively expensive). If you attend the classes, it's a reasonable rate. I would recommend trying their friends and family classes where it's free, they have those a few times a year. Then they offer different rates for 10 classes (you have 3 months to use them), 1 month, 3 months or 1 year. I always walked by this place and never went in. Wish I had joined years earlier. Overall I'd say it's been a very good experience.

I have the biggest issue with shutting my mind off. This is throughout the day and even before bed…read more After hearing that meditation may help this problem, I want an intro into this new endeavor. I found that Bayside Meditation offered online intro classes and I knew this was a great place to start. It was super easy to sign up for this introductory course, and the communication/correspondence was super clear and straightforward. They also have flexibility with times and days as well. I booked my initial class for the following morning and it was easy as that. I made sure I was in a quiet place in my house set up my computer with my AirPods and opened the zoom at my appointment time. Anna was there to greet me promptly and we shortly began our session. She was kind, patient, and a joy to speak to. She also took the time to explain the process to me and how meditation can affect our every day lives. Her session was relaxing and comforting. Is there a membership in my cards? I'm not sure. But I did feel at peace after speaking with her and would try to do a session in person soon! Any tips for meditation would be greatly appreciated!!

I was lucky enough to join in on a meditation class for yelp elite. The overall experience was…read morepretty relaxing. This is my first ever experience with a meditation class but I found it pretty relaxing. They brought up some interesting thoughts in the class. If you are open to it definitely give it a try!

I don't think most people outside of the neighborhood know this place exists. But real talk, the…read moreHan Ma Um Zen Center is one of the coolest things in NYC and of course, it happens to be smack dab in Flushing, Queens. One doesn't have to be buddhist to appreciate the gorgeous architecture and it's a destination that could certainly use more recognition. Founded in over 30 years ago, the temple is belongs to the largest buddhist order in South Korean, the Jogye order. There are only a few branches in the United States and it's only fitting to have something like this near the 2nd largest Korean community in the United States (#1). They're open each day from 10AM to 9PM. If entry is not available (#2), then consider walking around the grounds for a beautiful photo on a sunny day. It is about a 25 minute walk from the Main Street subway and residential street parking is available. ______________ (#1) Second only to Los Angeles. (#2) COVID is still happening.

Beautiful building. It is one of those sites that you don't realize you're in a neighborhood as…read moreopposed out in a rural area. A gem of a place hidden to locals. Check it out

I'm hooked--this studio feels like home!…read more I took my first class at Living Yoga in May 2025 and haven't stopped coming since! From day one, I was completely drawn in by the positive energy, welcoming community, and incredible variety of classes. Whether you're looking for a powerful Hot Yoga session, a gentle restorative class, or something in between, they truly offer something for everyone. The teachers are phenomenal--each brings their own unique style, passion, and heart to their teaching. I also love the workshops and special events they host. This past New Year's Eve, I had the amazing experience of welcoming 2026 with a midnight yoga and meditation class. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the year--centered, peaceful, and intentional. On January 1st, I took Merlin's class and was blown away. She greeted us with flowers, a note that read "I am love," and the most uplifting energy. Every class since has been a profound journey inward, helping me connect to myself in ways I can hardly put into words. I am so grateful to all the teachers at Living Yoga for sharing their gifts with such dedication. If you're looking for a studio that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit--this is it. Highly recommend!

I have been going to this studio on and off for about 3 years now. It's always been a great…read moreexperience for me. They offer all sorts of classes for anyone's needs. My favorite class I have been going to recently has been a Flow & Restore class Wednesday mornings with Merlin. It's a perfect blend of breathwork, stretches along with spirituality and Yoga foundations. Merlin is amazing. Great energy and she has a very healing, relaxed vibe to her. HIGHLY recommend this class, as well as any other class this studio offers. The other instructors I have taken classes with are also amazing. Denise, Mi Han and Sabrina to name a few. All of them are very welcoming and loving. Go check it out!

Wow! I just keep getting amazed but this place! I have come here for almost a year now and have…read morefelt like i found my official meditation spot. Sydney is amazing and her light like a feather energy really makes a difference on your experience here. Ive done a hand full of sound baths with her and each one has different focuses but a similar style which I really enjoy. It feels like little family since theres a ton of regulars that go and are clearly committed to the journey we're taking. I just did a coaching session with Sydney as well and of course, no surprise there, it was sooo insightful. She really breaks everything down for you and opens up the conversation for you to really get a better understanding of what she's couching you through. Theres not a lot of places like this, especially in Astoria/Long Island City and I'm genuinely happy I found it!

What a beautiful experience, I can't thank you all enough for the beautiful space you provide and…read moreenergy you facilitate. I can't wait to come back

Mimi's classes all have their unique style and essence with Mimi's personal touch of wisdom,…read moreconsciousness, creativity and novelty while keeping within the parameters of ageless Yoga and Pilates technical movements and safety measures for Yogis and Pilates practitioners of all levels. The classes are a very enjoyable and sacred way to maintain a healthy and disciplined mind/body connection while acquiring a toned, slim, flexible and energetic physique. She also has absolutely beautiful and soulful items for sale in her lovely boutique! Very highly recommended!

I have just returned from a trip to Europe with Mimi Borda, proprietor of Mimi for Me Yoga, Mind…read moreand Body Wellness. Mimi organized and executed a wonderful and memorable trip for eleven travelers. She handled the thirteen day trip to three European countries with care and professionalism. Airline and hotel reservations were done carefully and we had no problems at check-in times at the airlines and hotels. At certain hotels, she managed to have us checked in before check-in time. She handled reservations for all our exciting and fun filled tours. When one of the travelers wallet and phone were stolen in Barcelona, she went above board in helping her with all that needed to be done. This took alot of time and energy on her part. It was fun to travel with her and this group that she thoughtfully named the Eurocrew. There are not enough words of Thanks to express my appreciation to Mimi for taking us through this adventure from Spain, to France and to Italy. I look forward to traveling with Mimi for Me Yoga again!!!

Best meditation place you can go to I moved about a year ago…read moreto Jackson Heights. Since my life was in a huge transition, I had lots of stress and anxiety. I was looking for the meditation place since I have been heard that meditation helps greatly to reduce stress and anxiety level. While I was looking for the meditation place near me, Jackson Heights meditation popped up. I made an appointment for introduction. I loved the idea to let go of all the baggage from the past. From the moment I signed up, my life has never been happier. My anxiety and stress level dramatically reduced. On top of it, now I know what the true purpose of my life. Of course during the process, I had lots of up and down and sometimes got resistence and impatience since we are so used to with quick fix. However I knew that for me to truly change, it would take some time. To be honest, it didn't take too long for me to change. After a month or two, I started to see the improvement of my way of thinking which was much more positive and hopeful. Now I am so confident whatever I do and I am not afraid of any difficulties and hardships in life cause I know that's the lesson I should learn. About a year ago, I wasn't sure I would change this much from inside out. I'm so grateful for Jackson Heights Meditation center and all the ppl who helped me along the way. PS. I totally forgot to mention this part. All the staffs work here are AMAZING. They are super kind, loving and real. They are not just simply nice to you. You will be able to feel that they are really want for you to be happy by giving you the right direction. Thank you everybody who were listening to me and helped me along the way. I do really hope you guys experience the same

Im so lucky to be a part of this meditation center, thanks to this method i am able to maintain a…read morevery confortable and happy mind, i learned to discard the countless false thoughts in my mind, now i get to enjoy life truly, blessed.

After 8 years of productive meditation, they threw me under the bus. They virtually forced me…read moreto take this "video education" which was located in their basement. It had LED lights, fluorescent lights, several computers and a huge TV screen. I complained about too much radiation and asked for a refund of the $1000 I paid. After 8 years of being a devoted meditator, they said the fee was "non refundable".

"I don't need meditation. I totally got this." -My mind…read more "Send help!!!!" -My heart "Something's missing...." -My spirit "Meditate or I'm outta here" -My body When you're ready, Flushing Meditation will be waiting ‍

So fun! New to me style of yoga which has a strong focus on core energy, tension release, movement,…read morehip opening and ... happiness . I loved that this yoga practice doesn't take itself quite as serious ' as Indian style, where my type A personality strives to perfect a pose. Probably a me thing You will feel energized and tingly after a class. They make room for all levels (it's not that kind of competition- was yoga supposed to be?; likely me again .). Thé practitioners are warm and welcoming, even focusing on making you feel comfortable with a very Personal and personable touch. Shoot I got a hug! Just what we all need in current times!

I brought a groupon for a 20-class pass to various yoga locations around NYC, with a few locations…read morein long island. This location is closest to me so I tried it out. This was the worst, most awkward "fitness/workout" experience of my life. First of all, it is not by any means Yoga. I don't consider myself a yoga nut...I've been to somewhere around 10 classes and I generally know some of the poses. I really enjoy yoga because it gives me a chance to clear my mind, stretch a lot, and work out any tense areas in my neck and back. I also do kickboxing and pilates. Anyway, the instructor (who looked like a mess by the way) definitely didn't have any official training in yoga. His instructions were sloppy and unorganized. Their version of a warmup is slapping various parts of the body (i'd assume to increase bloodflow...but it looks and feels ridiculous). Just imagine being told "raise your arms above your head. Slap your left armpit with your right hand. Now say, 'I love my armpits!'" Swear to god, that's how they do it there. At this point I was ready to leave but I wanted to see how crazy it could get. Next, the instructor had us doing awkward movements that don't in any way resemble yoga. Then everyone had to run around the room kind of free-dancing flailing arms around to songs like "It's Raining Men"...?????? Eventually this died down and the instructor brought out tea for the old korean women in the class. I'm not sure why it was just for them, but regardless the entire place is a scam. I left the place feeling very tense and upset. It did the opposite of what yoga is supposed to do. I felt bad for the older women all dressed in their lululemon attire looking for yoga and being subjected to this. If you want yoga, DEFINITELY make sure it's really yoga. I'm not sure what this place is trying to do but they should take "yoga" out of the name.