Welcome
Begin Here
We are glad you have found your way here. There is nothing to prepare and nothing to know beforehand: come to a Wednesday evening or a Saturday morning sitting, and we will show you the rest when you arrive. Whatever brings you, you are welcome.
Your first visit
Wednesdays · 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM · Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)
Saturdays · 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM · Chanting, Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)
- Cost
- Dana (giving offered from the heart) is warmly welcome, never expected.
- Registration
- No need to register. Simply walk in.
- Arrival
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.
- Parking
- Plenty of parking is available on-site.
Before You Arrive
For those joining our weekly practice at the Bul Kwang Zen Center, please keep the following in mind.
Wear comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, abdomen, and knees. You must wear socks when entering the Main Hall.
Common questions
Do I need meditation experience to attend?
- No experience is needed. Bodhicitta Sangha welcomes first-time visitors and longtime practitioners alike, whatever your background.
When does Bodhicitta Sangha meet?
- Wednesdays, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)); Saturdays, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Chanting, Meditation, Dharma Talk (Q&A)). All gatherings are in English.
Where is Bodhicitta Sangha located?
- At the Bul Kwang Zen Center, 104 NY-303, Tappan, NY 10983, in Rockland County, New York.
Who leads the sangha?
- Venerable SooSeong, a Bhikkhu (ordained monk) of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the Buddhist Chaplain at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
What happens during a gathering?
- You arrive about ten minutes early and leave your shoes at the entrance, so bring or wear socks for the Main Hall. Someone will meet you and show you where to sit; there are cushions on the floor and chairs at the back, and either is completely fine. We sit together in silence, and a bell begins and ends the sitting. If your legs ache, shift. If you need to step out, step out quietly. On Saturdays we chant before sitting, and the words are provided, so you can follow along or simply listen. Venerable SooSeong then gives a Dharma talk, and afterward anyone may ask a question, or not. We finish on time, and people usually stay a few minutes to talk. There is nothing you need to know beforehand.
How much does it cost to attend?
- Dana (giving offered from the heart) is warmly welcome, never expected.
Do I need to register before coming?
- No need to register. Simply walk in.
When should I arrive?
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.
What should I wear and bring?
- Wear comfortable clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, abdomen, and knees. You must wear socks when entering the Main Hall.
Is parking available?
- Plenty of parking is available on-site.
Come as you are, on the day that suits you. If something is unclear before you visit, please write to us.