New to Meditation

One Breath at a Time

BEGINNERS PROGRAMS

The teachings of the Buddha have an experiential emphasis. It is not a question of believing that practicing meditation is beneficial, but of actually trying it out and experiencing the results for oneself.

NYI offers meditation classes in NYC for those new to meditation as well as experienced meditators. We have weekly orientations and regularly scheduled courses and workshops that provide fundamental instruction in Insight Meditation. For beginners, emphasis is placed on the practices of sitting and walking meditation and developing mindfulness in daily life.

Upcoming Beginners’ Courses:

All current NYIMC programs appropriate or geared towards beginners.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses

 

Suggested Activities:
Attend an In-Person Community Meditation Gathering every Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm. See below for registration.
Sign up for NYI’s email updates
Attend ongoing sitting groups (see list here)
Begin a home meditation practice

Recommended Readings:
A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana

Upcoming Programs for Beginners

In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering

with Lani Miller
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
 
New York Insight offers this series of in-person and online community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more

In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering

with Elaine Retholtz
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
 
New York Insight offers this series of in-person and online community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more

In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering

with Brian Simmons
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
 
New York Insight offers this series of in-person and online community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more

In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering

with Lin Wang Gordon
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
 
New York Insight offers this series of in-person and online community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more

In-Person and Online: Community Meditation Gathering

with Leslie Booker
Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET
 
New York Insight offers this series of in-person and online community gatherings consisting of guided meditation, a talk by one of our teachers, followed by group discussion, and opportunities to socialize and connect with like-minded practitioners. All are welcome. Find out more

Online: 31 Days of Practice with New York Insight

with Joseph Goldstein, Mark Epstein, JoAnna Hardy, Jeff Warren, Dawn Mauricio, Martin Aylward, Narayan Helen Liebenson, Devin Berry, Fleet Maull, Yong Oh, Shanté Paradigm Smalls, Tenku Ruff, David Nichtern, Rashid Hughes, nico hase, Cara Lai, Leslie Booker, and many more!
Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 31st, 2026
 
Join us for a full month of inspiration, growth, and community through daily practice videos and weekly live sessions with renowned meditation teachers. Find out more