The Interdependence Project

I love the Interdependence Project — it combines great classes from a wealth of dharma teachers of diverse lineages, a warm and welcoming sangha, the wisdom and vision of its leadership with a strong focus on social change, justice and compassion for all sentient beings. I am honored to be amongst the 2015 class in the yearlong meditation immersion training and feel grateful to have found this place to call my sangha.

Wonderful place for meditation! You can learn different techniques, without getting worried of it all being too religious or philosophical (although you can find it here too, if you’re interested in it). I am really happy to have got to know this place and be a member.

I was so excited when I found out about IDP. This organization is the only one I have come across that is committed to teaching in the multiple ways that most accessibly mine the very core of Buddhism. Free from commitment to any one school or method, IDP is also free to teach in the most helpful and direct way, in a way that is immediately relevant to the realities of a busy modern life. Attending just one class will open your eyes. Don’t be intimidated if you have no experience with Buddhism; the kind and accessible teachers will guide you along. If there’s any place to begin if you are overwhelmed by the number of options, it’s here. What you learn here can and will change your life.

Wonderful and unique meditation center; represents many Buddhist lineages and provides useful and helpful practices and psychological tools for real life. Monday and Wednesday night teachers are informed and friendly, and the community are inclusive and open. Highly recommend!

I’ve been all over the world (KATHMANDU:WHAAAT) for Buddhist teachings — and not to knock anything I’ve done b4 — but Ethan Nichtern’s tantra talk was off the hook. No problem pre-​emptively 5-star’ing this one.
This secular Buddhist thing is tough to find and OFF THE HOOK YOU GUYS. Not quite anything like it — thus far…
Check the ID project out for meditation, yoga, whatever cool talk they are doing: especially if you’re new to meditation and Buddhism. There’s nothing fluffy or pointlessly devotional about here. It’s VERY compelling, and practical.

New Year, New You. Isn’t that what all the ads say? So when a dear friend suggested I join her for an intro to meditation class at IDP to kick off the beginning of her proposed Year Of Wellness, I said no. No! I’ve tried meditation before, and it totally doesn’t work for me. I’m too thinky, too fidgety, and dammit my knee hurts and I can’t sit in half, let alone full, lotus right now. She pointed out the «Learn to Meditate» section on their website and I was immediately struck by the accessibility and simplicity of their description on why and how meditation might benefit a person as well as the fact that, holy crap, they pretty much say exactly what I was thinking right on there about not being able to do it myself.
It seemed to say «try it, bubby, you’ll like it!» and so after work, donning my unintentionally ironic St Marks Special street scarf with Ohms and the Buddha printed all over it, we went to «What’s the Deal with Meditation? Bring Your Friend Night». And I’m so glad we did! The space, which they share with Dharma Punks and a yoga studio, was pleasant, simple and clean with comfortable pillows to sit on. They now also have a Sunday mediation in Williamsburg, if you’re liable to be in that area more. The employees were all very nice, helpful, and willing to answer questions. It was a two hour class, mostly discussion, with a short meditation session in the middle. Patrick, the night’s leader, was amazingly understanding and helped even the negative nellies (that’s including me. Hi.) through the meditation itself. Hey, stop right there — you know what that means? I meditated. I did it! And I wouldn’t have been able to without such an inviting place to help me into it. They did get a little deeper into Buddhism and activism later in the class, but as my goal was to try meditation for a third time, I mostly concentrated on that. I’d definitely consider going back and recommend that you check out their calendar to find when their next open beginner’s meditation is to do the same… You know, if you were curious about that sort of thing. You hippy.

They’re secular Buddhist dharma group with involvement in community activism. They offer regular classes most Mondays and Wednesdays evenings (a sample available via podcast) and other events.
Introduction to meditation classes every Sunday.
They also share the space with Lila Yoga and Dharma Punx.

I have only been once, thus only the 4 stars (though I could easily see this jumping up to 5). From their website «The I.D. Project offers various weekly and monthly Buddhist-​inspired classes and meditation gatherings in NYC’s East Village». Along with other activist items (a Say no to Plastic Bags campaign for ex)
I attended the Wed night ‘drop-​in’ meditation (no reservations or prior req. necessary) and it was inspiring. I really enjoyed the style of the teacher (and program Director), Ethan, who obviously knew his stuff but also has an ability to relate to the crowd. I left the ‘class’/meditation feeling better and wanting to come back. (which I will be doing tonight).
For any of those just beginning (or seasoned practitioners as well) I believe this is a great space to deepen your practice