This is real Buddhism - based on the Buddha's original teachings, as far as it's possible for us…read moredenizens of the 21st century to tell, and passed along by real Sri Lankan-born and -raised and -educated monks. Buddhism has undergone countless alterations in its travels over the course of its 2,600-year history; each successive culture it's come into contact with has imparted to Buddhism bits and pieces of its own pre-existing religious background, history, and cultural influence, to the point that two people who say the word "Buddhism" today can mean vastly different and even fundamentally opposite things (my last girlfriend and I found this out the hard way). Theravada Buddhism strives for purity: we adhere as closely as we know how to the words and teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha and his closest disciples, and don't admit in much else in our efforts to live by the heart and core of the original teachings. It's not an easy path to tread, and is not calculated to appeal to the sensibilities of the population at large. "The Buddha...reveals that the very things we identify with and hold to as the basis for happiness, rightly seen, are the basis for the suffering that we dread," writes Bhikkhu Bodhi, one of the most learned and highly-regarded scholar-monks we're fortunate to have among us today. The truth of this is a tough pill for most people acclimated to life in the modern world to look at, let alone swallow. The Theravada tradition is about striving to attain this right view, which is why Theravada is less popular today than Northern Buddhism (sometimes referred to as "Mahayana"), the school that encompasses such sects as Pure Land and Zen. While many Northern Buddhist teachings - at least as promulgated in the West - seem to essentially allow the practitioner to go on with their lives as before, living them more mindfully but with their fundamental worldviews largely unchanged, Theravada challenges the practitioner to see the world, the universe, all existence, and most importantly, themselves, in an entirely different way; it requires a complete reworking of one's concept of what is and is not real and of value, the result of which - and indeed, the *intended* result of which - is an alienation from the world as we saw it before. This is deep and difficult work (and can be lonely too, because of that alienation factor: to really get into Theravada is to swim against the stream you've been a part of and have probably taken for granted as constituting reality all your life), and it involves a lot more introspection and intellectual activity than most people are inclined to engage in...with the result that many less-demanding forms of Buddhism have subsequently arisen to allow the masses to feel like they're riding on the same oxcart when in fact their carts are built from pieces and parts produced all over the globe, the origins of only some of which can actually be traced back to the Buddha's teachings. (And I don't mean to convey that if it can't be traced back to the Buddha himself and his immediate disciples, it's of no value by definition - that's just not true (I can be too hard-line sometimes). It just bothers me that there are people out there - and there are whole schools of them - who call themselves Buddhists while openly scoffing at the Buddha's teachings, putting words in his mouth by making up new "discourses of the Buddha" to make it look like he taught what *they* think, and engaging in stunning and bewildering displays of logical acrobatics in their attempts to twist around what he actually did say to make themselves and others believe that he meant...the exact opposite of what he meant. It can be simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking to see.) What we study and discuss at the Long Island Buddhist Meditation Center is the real deal: the Buddha's teachings (and subsequent valid illuminations thereof), pure and simple - though not always easy. If this sounds like your kind of Buddhism, come join us! You'll be very welcome.

This is a kind, engaged, intelligent sangha. A typical evening begins with chanting, followed by…read moreloving kindness mediation, followed by breath meditation. Then a book of scriptures is passed around, and each person reads a few paragraphs. The monks then enterntain questions concerning the readings. The monks are knowledgeable and authoratative, so you can be assured that their answers and explanations are well grounded. The Q & A is in lieu of a dhamma talk and, in many ways, I feel it's a better way of ensuring that those present understand buddhist thought. Chanting ends the session. Then there is socializing in the dining room as someone usually brings food. The sangha is an especially friendly and open group. You will feel welcome. The house is right next to the railroad track in Port Jeff... so expect a train to go by! Leave your shoes by the door.

Charyl is amazing and the Healing Arts Center has wonderful classes and great people. Every time I…read morego I am to the Inner Healing Arts, I leave relaxed and refreshed. Thank you Charyl

Inner healing arts has helped me incredibly. I have seen Charyl, most recently, for the breathing…read moreconnection to help expand my chest and breathing capability. In the past I have seen her for reiki treatments and EFT, Tapping, and every time I leave I feel at peace and calmer. She is an incredibly gifted healer and just a very generous individual. I also enjoy participating in her reiki circle. It is a welcoming experience that allows me to practice reiki on others as well as receive a treatment. It is always a peaceful experience. Her guided meditation in the beginning and at the end, bookend the experience perfectly. I highly recommend Charyl and Inner Healing Arts.

I discovered the amazing services at Essential Holistics about three years ago and RIta has greatly…read moreguided my spiritual journey. I frequent for meditation and chant classes, Reiki certifications, guided breath workshops, chakra classes, angel workshops, and an ascension workshop and I highly recommend all of those services and anything else Rita has to offer. The work Rita does is truly transformative and she offers a very knowledgeable, comfortable atmosphere. I found her ad in Creations Magazine and I am so thankful to have her guidance!

From the owner: We provide an cozy oasis for healing and self-growth through individual sessions, workshops and…read moreclasses that focus on Reiki, meditation, and breath. Many workshops and sessions are facilitated by Rita Wild, Reiki Master, certified Transformational Facilitator and Spiritual Counselor. Other workshops are facilitated by guest healers and partitioners. In addition to Reiki, Rita offers chakra healing and chakra classes. Unique high-quality meditation tools, crystals, crystal jewelry, and books are also available. Our center is easily accessed via car, rail and Hampton Jitney. Sessions and workshops may also be booked at locations on western Long Island and the greater New York area.

The inner chatter in my head has been on another level lately so the timing for tonight's free zoom…read moremeditation session that Long Island Meditation hosted was beyond perfect. At it's peak, there were 150+ fellow viewers. I loved every moment... the wonderful instructor was extremely calming, motivating, down to earth and genuinely positive. I wish I could make him the voice of my alarm clock each morning. Thank you again for hosting this. I've done a few guided meditation sessions before and this one was amongst the most well run. In fact, I almost forgot that this was being done over Zoom... it felt like the class was literally happening within my living room. At times like these, it was such an honor to be surrounded (even if virtually) by hundreds of like-minded and positive individuals. That group dance sess at the end was the icing on the cake!

What a wonderful experience. I attended the post Thanksgiving meditation Yelp Event. This guided…read moreexercise was so needed right now. It is Thanksgiving during a pandemic and many forget how fortunate they are and that they truly have stuff to be grateful for. With work and other outside demands, we need to let stuff go so that we can live in the moment and be happy. This helps to be more focused, energetic, and appreciative. I feel that anyone with a stressful lifestyle could benefit from this center's services. They offer on line classes or online one on one sessions. They are open every day- so there is no excuse to not be able to get some stress relief! Their hours are Monday- Saturday 10 am-10 pm and Sunday 10 am- 3 pm! I learned how to count my blessings today!

Dr. Ozkarahan gives you a holistic approach to your mental health by being super attentive to…read moredetail and helping us recognizing behavioral and thought patterns. She is an excellent coach who shows up for you by giving you the skills and knowledge to succeed at a high level and in everyday life. I highly recommend the reader to book and session with her. Everyone should have a Dr. Ozkarahan in their life.

Dr. Ozkarahan's REFLECT meditation program was exactly what I needed! With so many changes to my…read morelife in 2020 it was Dr. Ozkarahan's meditations that helped me find the balance and relaxation I needed. Her voice integrates perfectly with the soothing background music and vocals, the 15 minute duration is perfect for my busy schedule, and the messaging is on point. I highly recommend this series for anyone who could benefit from meditation and self-reflection.

Parita is the best Reiki teacher & practitioner!! I worked with Parita virtually, here is her…read morewebsite to book sessions or certification course: Paritashahhealing.com To anyone that is unsure of their experience - reiki requires the recipient to be open. Recipient receives as much healing as is required at the moment, and can take multiple sessions. Don't give up on yourself! Parita is just a conduit for the energy. Love love love Parita. Her energy is so pure and beautiful. She is welcoming and listens. She takes the time to teach you about Reiki. Find her online or in person in NY. I just finished my Reiki 2 certification with her and plan to continue to level 3! Her office space is clean and brings you to a place of stillness and peace. Unexplainable and wonderful things are unfolding for me since my course. Highly highly recommend

I slept very well after the session for several nights and I also noticed an improvement in my…read moremood. Parita is very approachable. I look forward to doing my reiki 1 training with her!

Five stars, for being one-of-a-kind and also for being a well-stocked place with a lot of hard to…read morefind things -- as well as stuff you don't know you wanted or needed. Very helpful staff, knowledgeable about the various questions you might ask, and things are affordable. With specific items like incense, candles, and things of that nature, there's also mainly every possible option you could be seeking, which is also great. I couldn't imagine a scenario where you'd go with a list of things and not be able to find some version of everything on it. Basically every scent, color, and tradition are represented in the stocked items.

Been going here for years. Always been treated very well. My questions have always been answered.read more

I am so happy I joined! The instructions are so helpful and the others in the class are very…read morewelcoming. I have tried all 4 types of the classes and am getting to know the teachers. I enjoy it here so much! Organized and clean!

Great new studio! Jesse and her mom are girl bosses who are…read moreso kind. The store front is new, shiny, and beautiful. They have a ton of retail space filled with Pure Barre, Spiritual Gangster, Lululemon, Beyond Yoga, and more. There is even a cute changing room! As far as workout studio, all their equipment is new and in great condition. The studio is long and equipped with mirrors and a good speaker system. I highly suggest supporting them as local owners and for a seat kicking workout!