Meditation in Madison

New to Akanishta? Questions? Here are some FAQs and their answers:

Do I have to be a Buddhist to attend classes or visit the Akanishta Buddhist Center?

Definitely not! Almost all of our classes and events are open to the public. Anyone with a desire for peace of mind and a happier life is welcome. Curious about Buddhism? Come on in!

What should I expect to see when I come to the Center?

Akanishta Buddhist Center is a residential Dharma center. The Resident Teacher and two other practitioners live at the Center, but the first floor is public space that includes the gompa (meditation space), a comfortable sitting room, and the bookstore/library. The gompa contains a shrine, teaching throne, meditation cushions, and chairs. You will find all of Geshe Kelsang’s books, plus pictures of Buddhas, malas, and other items for sale in the bookstore.

Should I knock or ring the doorbell when I arrive?

If you are coming for a scheduled practice or event or have called to say you are coming, then no, just come on in, preferably via the back door (especially if you are arriving later than the time the event is scheduled to begin). Just walk in, hang up your coat in the bookstore, and kindly remove your shoes. Sometimes when the weather is very snowy or icy, we will ask people to enter through the front door. The sign on the door will tell you.

What should I wear?

Dress is always casual and comfortable!

Will I have to sit cross-legged on the floor?

Sitting on a meditation cushion is optional. There are comfortable chairs in the gompa, and you can even sit on a cushion at the start to try it and switch to a chair if you get uncomfortable.

I heard that the Center is “fragrance free”—what does that mean?

We have members who are very sensitive to the chemicals that make up perfumes and fragrances in things like shampoos and other personal care products, laundry soap and fabric softeners, paints, cleaning products, incense, candles, etc. In some instances, these individuals have extreme chemical sensitivity and become very ill when exposed. We try hard to do our part in limiting their exposure by refraining from wearing perfume or using scented personal care products (both men and women) before coming to class or to events. We use fragrance free laundry products and fragrance free products to clean and maintain the Center, as well. More information is available upon request.