Meditation Center Helps Us Live a Better Life

Tucked away on Main Street in Hampton Bays there's a quiet, little place some might not know exists. The Vajravarahi Meditation Center sits just off the main strip at 40 West Montauk Highway.

This non-profit, founded by internationally renowned Buddhist teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, has centers in Hampton Bays, Manhattan, Huntington and Port Jefferson.  Classes are $10 and donations are always accepted.

Elizabeth Muzyka teaches Sunday morning classes at the center. "The opportunity to study and teach Kadampa Buddhism is a precious gift," she said. "It has inspired a deep appreciation for the meaning of this life and it's activities. Teaching has energized my study, practice and integration of Buddha's teachings for peace and happiness in an ever changing, busy world."

Muzyka said he sees teaching meditation as her calling. "My motivation for teaching Dharma meditation classes is to help Dharma flourish so that everyone will learn how to actualize their potential for inner peace and lasting happiness.  That really is the heart of my teaching," she said.

The meditation center is Buddhist, according to treasurer Richard Settducati.  Classes begin with a Buddhist prayer and participants sing Buddhist songs during sessions. However, all denominations are welcome at the center.

"Nobody gives up their religion to come here," Settducati said.  "They don't try to convert you. Buddhism is a philosophy.  The main thing is to teach you to live a better life."

"There's a religion at the center but it's certainly not required that people convert.  It's a practical approach to improving your life," said Charlene Kagel, the center's administrative director. "We conduct classes for people who just want to come in and lower their blood pressure to people who really want to learn the religion. We are a full service meditation center."

Each center is managed by an overseer, said Settducati.  Every three months someone comes in to give a talk about meditation. Settducati said the Hampton Bays center has struggled in the past. "There was a time when we thought we were going to have to close because we didn't have enough people," he said, adding that business has picked up since with the changing economy and higher levels of stress. "They obviously come here for the reason that things are not in their life, the way they want them to be," he said.

Settducati said meditation should be tried by everyone. "When you meditate, you make your life better," he said. "But it takes a while before you get to relax."

Some people find it difficult to meditate, according to Settducati. "If you're a very tense person, it's not going to happen overnight.  It's something you really have to stick with."

The Vajravarahi Meditation Center is open on Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. and on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.  For more information, call (631) 728-5700 or visit www.hamptonsmeditation.com.