Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center of New Jersey - Monroe Township, New Jersey

Aquila Noxavis

3-Day Retreat - October 3-7, 2024

When I arrived at the designated address for this retreat, I was feeling more than a little apprehensive. This was to be the longest retreat I'd participated in to date and my first time observing the 8 precepts for more than a single day in a row. As it turns out, we were invited to observe 10 precepts, which I accepted with a little additional trepidation because I wasn't sure what the extra two would be.

It soon became clear that we would each be challenged by this in our own individual ways. But it was also clear that we would be thoroughly supported in every regard; first and foremost by Bhante Ransi, but also by each other. This wasn't "Survivor Island", we were embarking on a journey together.

The daily schedule was rigorous, exactly as had been clearly stated, but did not feel like a burden or trial. The point was not for us to feel run through a gauntlet, but rather to create a disciplined environment conducive to focused work within. Much like clearing a workspace of distractions and clutter before beginning a project.

Bhante Ransi was a firm, but kind and compassionate teacher. He was generous with his wisdom, patient with our questions, and attentive to our needs and progress. He checked in with each of us regularly and was readily available for one-on-one guidance. It would have been easy for him to give us an assignment and then retire to another room, like an ivory tower. But he usually chose to remain with us in meditation, allowing us to see that we were, indeed, all walking the same road.

The accommodations were clean and comfortable. Volunteers arrived each day to bring any needed supplies and set out a generous buffet of hot, home-cooked food. Breakfast consisted of a wholesome spread of oatmeal, pastries, yogurt, eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. The location was beautiful and had clearly been carefully selected for its quietness and serenity. I found it difficult to leave and could easily have stayed longer.

I approached this retreat looking to get out of my comfort zone and deepen my practice, and this is most definitely what I got. I was challenged, but in the gentlest and most supportive of ways. I would strongly recommend this retreat to anyone hoping to plumb new depths, or expand an existing practice. Some previous experience with meditation/Buddhist practice is beneficial, but not strictly necessary, so long as you arrive with an open mind.

Linda Malsbury

Vipassana Meditation Retreat October 4-6, 2024

The retreat brought surprises. The building and setting were outstanding for the purpose. A beautiful, well-appointed home with multiple levels offering 6 bedrooms (each sleeping 3), 3.5 baths, expansive common areas, lovely kitchen, decks, all situated in a wooded area with a hypnotic babbling brook.
On arrival, cell phones are handed over. I also submitted my wallet, keys and iPad… my personal gesture of surrendering to the process.
The first day, my body was cranky! It told me I had broken our pact of complacency and comfort. “How dare you wake me at 4:00 AM and offer 2 chances to eat, ending at noon! Keeping me on track for 18 hours a day!” And then it was better. The discomfort was offset by the gift of silence, no reacting to outside stimuli, hours of compulsory meditation and brilliant teachings. Venerable Bhante Ransi is both powerful and gentle. A gifted Buddhist scholar. Each morning, he reviewed the 10 precepts and checked in with how we were managing their adherence. He presented multiple meditation practices, allowing us to express their effects. His availability and openness to questions and discussion was invaluable. I felt my mind expanding to places unknown and the collective input was amazing. The food was donated and lovingly prepared at the Mahamevnawa monastery and delivered to our location. It was delicious. I could taste the love and support behind it, nourishing the soul. His entire support team is extraordinary… some of the most attentive, generous, respectful and loving individuals I’ve ever met.
If you get the opportunity, I encourage you to attend. It’s about hard work… but the most essential work in one’s lifetime.

Umakanth Vavilala

I came across this center on searching for “Vipassana near me” and is a great find due to the proximity from home. Bante Ransi is a good exponent of Theravada Buddhism and you get a first hand experience of various meditation techniques like loving kindness/mettha, Ana pana or breathing , body scan and impermanence. Also participated in a one-day retreat at a very reasonable donation. Try to reach out to Dhamma and it will definitely seek you!

Bade Dilwale

I had the privilege of learning from Monk here, a remarkable monk who guided me on a transformative journey towards happiness and compassion let me tell you i am still new but i know this is the path . His teachings on meditation were profound, enabling me to cultivate a genuine sense of kindness and love towards myself and others. His wisdom and guidance have not only deepened my understanding of mindfulness but have also enriched my daily life. His patient and gentle demeanor created a supportive environment where I felt encouraged to explore and develop these essential qualities. I am immensely grateful for the invaluable lessons I've learned from him, and I wholeheartedly recommend his teachings to anyone seeking to embark on a path of self-discovery and personal growth.

Yolanda Golebiowski

While searching for a medication center, I discovered Mahamevnawa Bhavana in Monroe Township, Which offered a one-day mediation retreat at the Tom's River Medication Center. The guided medication and teaching from that day provided significant insight into our feelings and consciousness, aiding the journey of self-awareness. They helped us understnad the emotions and thoughts that might be blocking our ability to transcend them, enabling us to better understand ourselves and assist others, I thoroughly enjoyed the teachings and am grateful for the work being done to help humanity reach its potential to be compassionate and kind.

UmaDevi

Namo Buddhaya,

"Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center of New Jersey" is definitely my "Life Turning Point". I am sure its "Life Turning" for anyone.

My name is UmaDevi Lokavarapu. I am very blessed that I found this place "Mahamevnawa Buddhist Meditation Center of New Jersey" when I was in search for the "Unknown" and in a state of confusion. I met "Bhante Ransi" over a zoom call and started attending loving and kind meditation, skeleton meditation, walking meditation, Impermanent meditation, Breathing meditation and Sutta classes. Thanks to "Bhante Ransi" for his deep explanation and the time he spent which made my path clear. Now I am filled with inner peace and I am able to see my inner self. Because of all the above said I am now always mind-full, loving, kind, control emotions and handle situations. I have also been attending long day retreat due to that I am able to speak with "Bante Ransi" in person and more effectively gain deep understanding.

I suggest everyone to attend few sessions with "Bante Ransi" and you will see the difference for sure.

Annette Murphy

This was one of the best experiences in my life on my new journey to a happy life. To be in a safe quiet place filled with love and kindness.....priceless! Learned so much from this retreat. Looking forward to the next opportunity.

marianne concepcion

I have a wonderful, transformative experience and with amazing Buddhist teacher. Bhante Ransi is knowledgeable and generous, he is also very accommodating with your schedules too. He taught me different kinds of meditation, which it did manage my stress, improved my emotional health and enhanced my self-awareness. They are very responsive to all your questions and requests. Practice 3x and you will get the wholesome benefits of all his teachings. Thank God I found this place. Thank you Bhante Ransi!