In compiling this list, Ridgewood’s hidden diversity has become apparent in the number of private meditation groups that offer oases of peace–from Centering Prayer to Vedanta and Zen/Buddhist teachings to Yoga meditations. These are quietly welcoming communities that practice, and keep alive, the ancient traditions of meditation in a contemporary society. Some do not charge anything.
These are the groups I am aware of–please get in touch with me if there are other groups in Ridgewood so they can be included on this list.
Arya Samaj of New Jersey
105 Cottage Place
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
The mission of Arya Samaj is to bring harmony to the community through Vedanta teachings. The group meets every Sunday and offers yoga classes from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. It is followed by Havan (fire ritual) and 15 minutes of meditation.
Contact: Sanjeev Kumar 201-527-5700.
Centering Prayer
Westside Presbyterian Church (Gathering Room)
6 S Monroe Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Centering Prayer is a form of Christian silent meditation that has been practiced for many years. It is a form of “resting in God” and letting go of anxieties and fears—as well as any emotions that keep the Love of Christ from flowing through us. This class meets regularly at 9:25 am, ending at 9:50 in time for participants to gather upstairs for the 10:00 am service. Please direct any questions to Susan McBrayer at susanmcb4@gmail.com or Heidi Ahlborn at heidi.ahlborn@gmail.com. We welcome you to join us as we celebrate the loving, compassionate, forgiving, non-judgmental and inclusive Spirit of God.
Heart Circle Sangha
451 Hillcrest Road
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
877-442-7936
Heart Circle Sangha fosters the practice and study of Buddhism through meditation, study, services, retreats and workshops. Our purpose is to awaken the spirit of living in the present moment and appreciating our life just as it is. We are committed to serving our communities and the world. Our practice schedule is as follows: Sunday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday 7:00 am to 8:00 am. For beginning instruction come on Sunday at 9:00 am.
WWW.HEARTCIRCLESANGHA.ORG
Mahasri Yoga
The extensive website, founded by Meena Modi, a longtime Ridgewood resident, yoga and meditation teacher, is committed to serving the local as well as global community—peace begins with each one of us. The website is a free resource for numerous Yoga Nidra and other meditation tracks, book reviews, and articles on Yoga and Yoga-based meditations. The accompanying blog informs on research.
Currently, Mahasri Yoga conducts free Happy Circle meditations through Parks and Recreation, The Village Hall, Ridgewood.
Contact: Meena Modi info@mahasriyoga.com
www.mahasriyoga.com and www.yogamedblog.wordpress.com
New Moon Zendo
The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood
113 Cottage Place, Fellowship Room
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
The Zen group New Moon Zendo is led by Carl Viggiani, Sensei, on Mondays from 8 pm to 9:30 pm. New arrivals must call ahead and come at 7:30 pm for instructions. The contact person is Marcia Spitz at 201-652-0313, phone contact preferred (email mbpianopots@aol.com) or Ralph Pleasic at pleasic@optonline.net.
Ridgewood Meditation and Buddhism
Christ Episcopal Church
105 Cottage Place
Ridgewood NJ 07450
Classes held on Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, $15, no registration. Ridgewood meditation and Buddhism classes are offered by the Dharmachakra Buddhist Center, and are suitable for both beginners and more advanced meditation practitioners. These classes offer meditation techniques and teachings on the fundamentals of Buddhism, with an emphasis on their practical application in everyday life. The center also offers classes through the Ridgewood Community School on certain Tuesdays. Please call the Community School for those details.
Contact: contact@meditatenj.org phone: 973-847-5421
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