Business Details
17 Years
experience
Buddhist Meditation and Study Programs in Westchester, NY
Westchester Meditation Center was founded in 2009 to share the authentic teachings and meditation practices of Tibetan master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche with Westchester County and online communities. Our center emphasizes experiential Buddhism applied to daily life, welcoming practitioners of all experience levels. We offer structured paths of study and practice, including mindfulness meditation instruction, text-based courses, and community events. Our leadership team includes Jane and Derek Kolleeny and Gene Bobker, supported by trained teachers continuing this tradition. We maintain physical locations in Irvington, Bedford Hills, and Katonah, NY, while also providing online access through Zoom.Our programs follow a progressive curriculum based on Trungpa Rinpoche's teachings, spanning foundational meditation to advanced Vajrayana practices. We prioritize making teachings accessible through flexible participation options and affordable pricing. Our community includes volunteers who support weekly meetings and special events, reflecting our commitment to shared spiritual growth. We offer structured training for meditation instructors and dharma teachers to ensure quality transmission of practices. Our center continues Trungpa Rinpoche's legacy of making complex Buddhist concepts accessible to modern audiences.
Services
Meditation Instruction
Buddhist Study Programs
Online Meditation Sessions
Community Events
Teacher Training
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer structured Buddhist study paths based on Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's complete teachings
- Our experienced teachers have over 10 years of practice in this tradition
- We provide both in-person and online meditation options for accessibility
- Our community includes trained meditation instructors and assistant dharma teachers
- We maintain affordable pricing for all programs regardless of participant background
Services
Meditation Instruction
Our meditation instruction provides foundational training in mindfulness-awareness practice. We teach proper posture, breath awareness, and techniques for developing mental stability. Students learn to cultivate patience and gentleness in their practice while working with thoughts and emotions that arise during meditation sessions.
Buddhist Study Programs
Our structured study programs follow Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's complete presentation of the Buddhist path. Courses cover foundational concepts through advanced teachings in three progressive stages. Students engage with traditional texts while exploring practical applications for modern life through weekly classes and reading groups.
Online Meditation Sessions
We offer online meditation sessions through Zoom for those unable to attend in person. These virtual sessions maintain the same structure and guidance as our in-person gatherings. Participants can join regular meditation times and special events from any location with internet access.
Community Events
Our community events include public dharma talks, special workshops, and visiting teacher sessions. These gatherings provide opportunities for shared practice and discussion. Events feature both local instructors and internationally recognized Buddhist teachers from various traditions.
Teacher Training
We provide formal training for meditation instructors and assistant dharma teachers. The program requires three years of personal practice and completion of advanced study materials. Training includes weekend workshops and mentorship opportunities with experienced teachers in the tradition.
People
Jane Kolleeny
Co-Leader
Jane Kolleeny co-leads Westchester Meditation Center with over 20 years of experience in this tradition. She teaches introductory meditation courses and provides guidance to new practitioners.
Derek Kolleeny
Co-Leader
Derek Kolleeny shares leadership responsibilities at WMC. He focuses on community development and supports the center's outreach initiatives while maintaining regular teaching commitments.
Gene Bobker
Senior Teacher
Gene Bobker serves as a senior teacher with extensive experience in advanced Buddhist studies. He leads intermediate and advanced courses, specializing in Mahayana and Vajrayana teachings.
Questions
How do I start meditation practice with WMC?
Begin with our Sunday Open House or weekday morning meditation sessions. No prior experience is needed for our introductory programs.
Are online meditation options available?
Yes, we offer Zoom access for most programs including weekly meditation and courses.
What are the costs for meditation classes?
Programs have suggested donations ranging from $120-$130 for courses, with meditation sessions offered freely.
Can I become a meditation instructor through WMC?
Our teacher training program requires three years of practice and advanced study completion.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes, our community events depend on volunteer support for weekly meetings and special programs.
