Pennsylvania Meditation Center
Pennsylvania Meditation Center is a place of tranquility for all who would like to live a more peaceful life through mindfulness, meditation and the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings. Located in south central Pennsylvania, it was incorporated in 2004 as International Buddhist Society of Pennsylvania.
“Wisdom springs from meditation; without meditation wisdom wanes. Having known these two paths of progress and decline, let a person so conduct himself that his wisdom may increase.”
-The Buddha
Decrease Stress
Improve Mood
Improve Concentration
Cope Better with Difficulties
Love Each Other
Re-Collect Life
Reviews
“Classes help me stay focused for the week on my goals of taking care of my mind, body, spirit, and actions. They have been especially helpful in my journey to overcome significant health struggles and stressors of daily life. Bhante has a special way of teaching, and the class discussions are thought-provoking, inspiring, and supportive. What a nice feeling to be part of such a kind and conscientious group!.”
– Shelly H., Bedford, PA
“Meditation and learning the Dhamma are life-changing. For me, these teachings have shown me great truths. I understand that suffering is part of what it means to be human, but through meditation and the Dhamma I discovered that my wrong perceptions were only increasing my suffering. As I am beginning to understand the concept of impermanence and non-self, I am free to enjoy this life even more because illusions are no longer clouding my vision.”
– Patricia H., Orbisonia, PA
“I love having the opportunity to meditate with the PA Meditation Center. I have found that meditation helps with calming my brain chatter, reducing my stress, releasing any anxiety and especially helping to support my community with kind thoughts and loving expressions. Keep up the great work!!”
– Bridgit M., McConnellsburg, PA
“I found these meditation sessions when I was struggling mentally and physically. I wasn’t showing up for myself, or my friends and family, in a healthy way. It was as if I was living my life from my head, instead of from my heart… But that has changed because of these sessions. Peace is growing in and around me because of the teachings and the practice of meditation. And I can hear my heart again.”
– Beth K, Blue Bell
“The pandemic was full of surprises for me. If you told me that I could participate in a meditation class from my spare bedroom a year ago, I would have been puzzled. But through zoom and the PA Meditation Center along with its helpful participants this is now possible. I had always wanted to learn about meditation and this has been a great way to “get your toes in the water” and try to learn more. Meditation has been a process of engagement, and I find with the group, I am able to stick to it longer. The overall practice has been helpful in reducing anxiety, and has retaught me to be a good listener at home and work.”
– Jet W., Mercersburg PA
“I have been practicing meditation and learning about Buddhist philosophy for the last 2.5 years with the PA Meditation Center. Being more mindful of the present moment, and aware of my mind’s ever-changing thoughts and feelings is just one of the benefits that these teachings have brought to my life since I began this practice. With this meditation practice, it provides a resource of also being more mindful of how we perceive our experiences and recenter by coming back to our breath. This is useful not just when quietly sitting, but when it is hard to sleep, the body is under stress, or before quickly reacting to circumstances around us. Buddhist philosophy and learning the Dhamma has granted me a better understanding and acceptance of impermanent nature of my human experience, my mind, and the world around me. The Dhamma has supported me to cultivate more compassion, patience, tolerance, and generosity. Also, I have met a wonderful group of people in our weekly meditation and Dhamma talks, and through the PA Meditation Center. It has been a truly nourishing, fascinating, and inspiring journey and I am so grateful for the experience with the Dhamma!”
– Maria T., Chambersburg PA.
“I was fairly new to Buddhism and was seeking help in my meditation practice to have a better life. I gradually found that making meditation a daily practice brought peacefulness to my relationships with myself and loved ones. I received such meaningful and life changing teachings. The Dhamma became clearer to my understanding even though its beauty is most often mysterious and difficult to grasp. Most importantly, I’ve observed that my suffering, discontentment and anger have diminished and mostly disappeared. By following Dhamma my life has a quality of calm and happiness, unknown to me heretofore. The four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and several loving kindness chants occupy my mind most of the time. I am a 68-year-old woman who is so glad to experience the emotional, spiritual and physical benefits of the Dhamma teachings. May all those who make these classes available be blessed.”
– Sandra B., Austin, TX
Programs
Relax your mind with
Evening of Meditation and Study
Join Bhante Chandrawansa for an evening of meditation and study, hosted at the Philadelphia Meditation Center in Havertown. We begin with a period of meditation. We then turn to Sutta Study, exploring the Buddha’s discourses with Bhante’s guidance—reading, reflecting, and discussing how these timeless teachings illuminate our practice and daily lives. All levels are welcome, including those new to the suttas.
This is a hybrid gathering—join us in person or via Zoom. Zoom link is below.
Philadelphia Meditation Center, 8 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083
“Be your own refuge.”
Relax your mind with
Evening of Meditation and Study
Join Bhante Chandrawansa for an evening of meditation and study, hosted at the Philadelphia Meditation Center in Havertown. We begin with a period of meditation. We then turn to Sutta Study, exploring the Buddha’s discourses with Bhante’s guidance—reading, reflecting, and discussing how these timeless teachings illuminate our practice and daily lives. All levels are welcome, including those new to the suttas.
This is a hybrid gathering—join us in person or via Zoom. Zoom link is below.
Philadelphia Meditation Center, 8 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083
“Be your own refuge.”
Tuesday Evening Meditation and Damma Talk
Tuesday Evening Meditation and Damma Talk: 6:00pm EST
Join us for an evening of meditation and teaching with Bhante Chandrawansa. We begin with a Guided Meditation—a period of guided and silent meditation welcoming to all, whether you’re an experienced practitioner or sitting for the first time. No experience is needed; simply come as you are.
Following the sit, Bhante Chandrawansa leads a Dhamma Discussion, offering reflections rooted in the Buddha’s teachings and the Theravada tradition. This is a chance to listen, ask questions, and explore how the Dhamma applies to everyday life. Bring your curiosity—whether you have a question on your mind or simply wish to sit and listen, all are welcome.
You’re welcome to join us in person or via Zoom—come for the sit, stay for the discussion, or join us for both.
“Be your own refuge.”
Relax your mind with
Tuesday Evening Meditation and Damma Talk
Tuesday Evening Meditation and Damma Talk: 6:00pm EST
Join us for an evening of meditation and teaching with Bhante Chandrawansa. We begin with a Guided Meditation—a period of guided and silent meditation welcoming to all, whether you’re an experienced practitioner or sitting for the first time. No experience is needed; simply come as you are.
Following the sit, Bhante Chandrawansa leads a Dhamma Discussion, offering reflections rooted in the Buddha’s teachings and the Theravada tradition. This is a chance to listen, ask questions, and explore how the Dhamma applies to everyday life. Bring your curiosity—whether you have a question on your mind or simply wish to sit and listen, all are welcome.
You’re welcome to join us in person or via Zoom—come for the sit, stay for the discussion, or join us for both.
“Be your own refuge.”
Picture Gallery
Events
We hope to soon resume regular Dharma teachings on Saturdays and small group weekend retreats with meditation and Sutta discussion at the temple.