Meditation Bar in Austin is a sanctuary for mindfulness and relaxation. Located at 8108 Mesa Drive, Suite B-102, this center is known for its unique blend of meditation practices. They offer more than 30 classes each month. This includes distinctive sessions like "Mindful Mornings" and "Deep Relaxation" evenings. Whether you're new to meditation or have practiced for years, Meditation Bar has a class for you.

A standout feature of Meditation Bar is its innovative use of sound therapy. The center's sound baths, involving instruments like gongs and singing bowls, are a highlight. These sessions use sound vibrations to induce relaxation and stress relief. Research indicates that sound therapy can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood. It's an effective approach to mental well-being, making Meditation Bar's offerings quite special.

Meditation Bar's commitment to the community is evident in its welcoming atmosphere. They strive to create a space where everyone feels included. This approach fosters a sense of belonging among attendees. It's not just about individual meditation; it's about growing together in a supportive environment. This community aspect is integral to the meditation experience at Meditation Bar.

The center also extends its services to the corporate world. Meditation Bar offers tailored meditation sessions for businesses. This initiative aims to enhance workplace well-being and productivity. With the growing awareness of meditation's benefits in reducing work-related stress and improving concentration, these corporate sessions are increasingly sought after.

Meditation Bar is more than just a meditation center. It's a place where traditional techniques meet modern approaches and where community and individual growth go hand in hand. The center's focus on sound therapy and its extensive class offerings set it apart in Austin's wellness landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.meditationbar.com/
• Contact:
  • Email: info@meditationbar.com
  • Phone: 512-840-1640
• Location: 9501 N Capital of Texas Hwy UNIT 301, Austin, TX 78759, United States

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Kadampa Meditation Center Austin is a hub for Modern Buddhism in Central Texas. The center was established in 2003 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. To date, it has become an integral part of the global New Kadampa Tradition of Buddhism.

The center is dedicated to imparting Buddha's profound insights into the mind's nature as the source of all happiness and suffering. Through practical meditation teachings, KMC Austin focuses on cultivating authentic happiness. It realizes potential and aids others to do the same.

The center offers a variety of meditation classes several times a week. Each class consists of a teaching and a meditation session, providing attendees with practical advice applicable to their daily lives. This approach helps integrate Buddhist principles into everyday challenges. So, it promotes mental peace and practical solutions for common problems.

KMC Austin also hosts retreats and special events, typically on weekends. These vary from learning-focused teachings to advanced meditation skill development. For example, an upcoming event on December 16 aims to provide insights into the benefits and structure of personal retreats. Additionally, they will organize a unique Holiday Service on December 24. It focuses on nurturing positive states of mind and Buddhist prayers for world peace.

The center's resident teacher, Noreen Flack, has nearly 30 years of experience in Kadam Dharma. The teacher brings a blend of sincerity, humor, and practicality to her teachings. Other notable teachers at KMC Austin include Donovan Acker, who offers relatable insights, and Jamie Childers, the Education Program Coordinator, with over 20 years of experience.

Moreover, Angelina Fadool is known for integrating Buddha's teachings into the tech industry. Additionally, Laura Morrison, originally from Argentina, teaches classes in both Spanish and English. All of them enhance the center's accessibility and inclusivity.

Furthermore, Kathleen Ramos, a long-term student and the Administrative Director, and Michael Wellman, a seasoned practitioner, contribute to the center's diverse and compassionate teachings. They emphasize the integration of Buddha’s teachings into daily life.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://meditationinaustin.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: info@meditationinaustin.org
  • Phone: (512) 916-4444
• Location: 1918 Bissel Lane, Austin, TX, 78745, U.S.

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3rd Eye Lounge & Elixir Bar is a unique wellness center in the heart of Austin. For over six years, it has been a community favorite, with a 4.9 rating from 170 reviews. This wellness center stands out for its high-vibration tonics & elixirs, luxurious massage chairs, and a variety of mindful events. It's a space where you can slow down, meditate, journal, and tune into the mystical magic of inner peace and community connection.

The lounge's approach to wellness is holistic. They believe in the body's healing abilities and aim to empower the community in their health journey. Their offerings include teachings, classes, products, and lifestyle perspectives that honor spirituality and inner alchemy. They specialize in preserving ceremonial-grade cacao. That sources it from sustainable, bio-dynamic, and heirloom farms. This commitment to quality ensures that their cacao retains its medicinal benefits and supports the sustainability of the original species.

3rd Eye is known for its community-centric approach, creating a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging. They emphasize respect for the Earth and its natural gifts. It reflects a deep connection with nature and its power to heal and create balance. This philosophy underpins their entire operation, from the products they offer to the events they host.

Their diverse class schedule offers unique experiences for personal growth and community connection. Some notable classes include the Reiki Infused Sound Bath, which uses sound frequencies to heal and bring balance. Besides, the 'I Am Worthy' workshop focuses on EFT tapping, breathwork, and sound therapy for confidence building. They also host men's guided group forums. They offer a space for discussing philosophies and frameworks pertinent to men's experiences.

The lounge operates from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day. Therefore, it is accessible for people with various schedules. It's about growing together in a supportive environment. Their commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive space is evident in every aspect of their operation.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://3rdeyemeditationlounge.com/
• Contact: +1 (512) 296-7291
• Location: 1701 Toomey Rd, Austin, TX, 78704, United States.

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Austin Shambhala Meditation Center emerges as a beacon of peace and mindfulness in the bustling city. This center is a part of the global Shambhala community, which is dedicated to enriching lives through meditation and studying buddhadharma. The center's vision is anchored in the belief that every individual possesses a fundamental nature of dignity and goodness.

Central to the Austin Center's offerings is mindfulness/awareness meditation, forming the cornerstone of all activities. This practice is rooted in the powerful premise. Here, every person can cultivate the mind's inherent stability, clarity, and strength, thereby becoming more awake and developing personally.

The center's core curriculum, the Way of Shambhala, is an extensive training path in authentic meditation practices. This program includes courses and weekend retreats. It provides an experiential overview of practices, teachings, contemplative arts, and physical disciplines rooted in the ancient traditions of Shambhala and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Additionally, the center supports the study and practice of the three-yana path of Kagyu and Nyingma Tibetan Buddhism. It also offers a range of secular disciplines and activities, such as flower arranging and photography, under its Contemplative Arts program.

The center welcomes everyone. Notable among these are the Sunday Morning Public Meditation, Beginner’s Meditation Instruction, Embodiment Classes, and the Kyudo: Way of the Bow. They also host the Heart of Recovery program, an addiction recovery support group. They also host the Arts Wide Open sessions, further demonstrating their commitment to holistic wellness and community engagement.

Membership at the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center signifies a personal commitment to the path of awakening. While membership is not mandatory to participate in most activities, it is crucial for the center's sustainability. It relies on the community's financial and volunteer support. The center also prides itself on its inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued.

Furthermore, the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center extends its compassion beyond its walls with a volunteer program dedicated to teaching meditation in Texas state prisons. This initiative aims to ease the challenging experiences of inmates by introducing them to basic meditation techniques.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://austin.shambhala.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: austinshambhala@gmail.com
  • Phone: 512.443.3263
• Location: 1702 South Fifth Street, Austin, Texas 78704, United States.

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Sukha Yoga Austin is a sanctuary for body and mind wellness. This family-owned business is dedicated to heart-centered practices. It offers a range of yoga styles, including Vinyasa, Bhakti, and more. They are deeply committed to creating a community-focused environment. Therefore, it welcomes diverse students and fosters a sense of belonging.

Their flexible offerings cater to everyone's needs. You can practice in-studio or live-stream or access their on-demand library. This accessibility is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity. They offer a New Member Special at $65 for the first month and $135 month-to-month thereafter, with a three-month minimum commitment. It is affordable for those new to yoga or those deepening their practice.

Sukha Yoga Austin's class variety is impressive. They offer Sukha Flows, Slow Flows, Kundalini, Yin Yoga, and more. That ensures that every practitioner level finds a class that suits their needs. The option to join in-studio or from home through live-stream classes adds to the convenience and comfort for their students.

The studio also provides deeper learning and practice opportunities through workshops, 200-hour and 300-hour teacher pieces of training, and retreats. These programs are designed for all students, whether new to yoga or aspiring to become yoga teachers. Their workshops, such as Woman’s Naked Yoga, Thai Partner Yoga, and Winter Solstice Yin Practice, are engaging and diverse. They offer a unique experience to participants.

Their teacher training program is comprehensive. It combines the practical application of yogic philosophy with an in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, and the subtle body. The training includes understanding different yoga postures, learning sequencing, and preparing to teach a full yoga practice. They culminated in the opportunity to teach a community class in the studio.

Sukha Yoga Austin also organizes retreats, such as their Mexico Retreat in 2023 and Costa Rica Retreat in May 2024. These retreats offer an immersive experience in serene locations. They allow participants to connect with nature and indulge in yoga, meditation, fresh food, and community activities.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.sukhayogaaustin.com/
• Contact: support@sukhayogaaustin.com
• Location: 2324 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78704, United States

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The Self-Realization Fellowship Austin Meditation Group is a part of the worldwide Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) organization. Founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda, SRF is a non-profit religious organization dedicated to disseminating Kriya Yoga. It’s a scientific meditation technique aimed at attaining the direct personal experience of God. This fellowship seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the universal love that unites all people through their oneness in God.

Paramahansa Yogananda was born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in 1893 in India. The center was driven by a deep desire for God from an early age. He became a disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri at seventeen and spent seven years in his ashrams. After graduating from Calcutta University and taking vows as a monk, he was given the name Yogananda, which means bliss through divine union.

In 1920, Yogananda traveled to America, where he initiated more than 100,000 students in Kriya Yoga. He established the international headquarters of SRF in Los Angeles. His teachings are considered spiritual classics. In particular, notable works are "Autobiography of a Yogi" and interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible. After he died in 1952, his work has continued through disciples and the global presence of SRF.

The Austin Meditation Group serves spiritual seekers from all walks of life in central Texas. It offers regular meditation services that are open to the public. Their teachings are based on the principles and practices laid out by Paramahansa Yogananda. They also combine with the primary goal of knowing God through united concentration and meditation. The group's weekly schedule includes Thursday meditations, Saturday long meditations, and Sunday meditation services.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.srfaustin.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: srf.austin.coordinator@gmail.com
  • Phone: 512-369-8349
• Location: 1820 Garden Street, Austin, TX 78702, United States.

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Mariposa Sangha is an Insight Meditation community practicing Vipassana, a mindfulness technique with roots in Buddhist tradition. The practice focuses on developing "clear seeing," which helps people live with increasing skillfulness and ease.

Starting with attention on the breath, it concentrates and calms the mind. Thus, it allows practitioners to see through the mind’s habits and conditioning and to live more fully in the present moment. This form of meditation is suitable for individuals of any spiritual tradition or none. It caters to both experienced meditators and beginners.

Mariposa Sangha's primary goal is to bring together a community in Austin and Central Texas who practice insight meditation. They support each other in deepening Dharma practice in daily life. The group aims to promote peace and compassion in the world. It believes that the sharing of the Dharma can free themselves and others from suffering.

The Sangha offers a range of activities, including weekly meditations, book discussions, beginner meditation instruction, and Dharma talks. Experienced meditators are available to provide guidance. Collaborating with other Texas Sanghas, they host retreats in Central Texas with visiting teachers from notable meditation centers. The group is inclusive, welcoming people from any or no faith tradition. It emphasizes practices originating from the teachings of Theravada Buddhism.

Mariposa Sangha operates on a peer-led basis, with its council drawn from regular membership. Decisions are made based on consensus, striving for a balance between structure and non-structure. This approach reflects the group's commitment to the “middle way” in organizational decisions.

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Mariposa Sangha operates on the principle of dana, or voluntary generosity. While no donations are required or expected, they support the Sangha's activities. They include covering costs for meeting places and providing scholarships for retreats.

Their weekly meditation schedule includes Thursday night Sangha sessions, both in-person and on Zoom. They consist of guided and silent meditation, a talk on Buddhist topics, and group discussion. Daily silent meditation sessions are also available via Zoom every morning. These sessions start and end with a bell and include a dedication to the goodness created by practicing together.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://mariposasangha.org/.
• Contact:
  • Email: info4mariposa@gmail.com
  • Phone: 415.200.7543
• Location: Trinity Church of Austin, 4001 Speedway, Austin, TX 78751.

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Diamond Way Buddhism Meditation Center is part of the international network of over 600 lay Diamond Way Buddhist centers. These centers are affiliated with the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. They were founded by Lama Ole Nydahl under the spiritual guidance of H.H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje.

Diamond Way Buddhism focuses on realizing the mind's inherent richness using practical and effective methods. With a modern style, it encourages the development of fearlessness and joy. It uses every life situation to its advantage. It's particularly accessible to Westerners, offering a basic introduction for newcomers with guided meditations in English.

The teachings of Diamond Way Buddhism are based on the instructions Buddha gave to those with strong confidence in their own and others' Buddha nature. This approach is known as Vajrayana or Diamond Way. It aims for the complete development of the mind, embodying the spontaneous effortlessness of Mahamudra.

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni provided 84,000 teachings to reach enlightenment. It encompasses meditation, philosophy, psychology, and skillful debate, cultivating a pure view in all situations.

In Buddhism, meditation is defined as "effortlessly remaining in what is." This state can be achieved through calming and holding the mind. It realizes compassion and wisdom or working with the body's energy channels and meditating on the light forms of Buddhas. The teachers of Diamond Way Buddhism include notable figures such as H.H. 16th Karmapa Rigpe Dorje, H.H. 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, and Lama Ole Nydahl.

The regular program at Diamond Way Buddhism Meditation Center includes public meditation sessions with a short introduction and guided meditation. These sessions focus on the Guru Yoga meditation on the 16th Karmapa and are conducted in English. The center hosts these sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 7:45 pm. They also provide parking information for attendees. They offer 2 hours of complimentary parking at the plaza, in the covered garage, and in the nearby neighborhood.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://diamondway.org/austin/events.
• Contact:
  • Email: austin@diamondway.org
  • Phone: 512-284-9081
• Location: 811 W St Johns Ave #2105, Austin, TX 78752.

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Austin Meditation Center, located at Angus Rd, is a unique meditation destination. It offers a holistic approach to mindfulness and personal growth. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, its mission is to guide individuals toward discovering their true nature and achieving lasting peace and happiness.

At the core of the center's philosophy is the "Mind Cleansing Meditation Method." It is a one-of-a-kind approach designed to free individuals from stress, pain, and negativity. This systematic program offers daily guided meditation sessions. It helps participants reach the ultimate goal of meditation: a state of true, lasting happiness.

Austin Meditation Center offers a variety of classes and programs tailored to different needs. These include the Meditation Class for Completion. The program focuses on personal growth and self-realization and specialized classes for addressing anxiety, depression, and stress.

Additionally, the center provides unique offerings like Acupuncture & Meditation and Kids Meditation. It caters to diverse age groups and interests. They also offer Corporate Meditation Classes, emphasizing the benefits of meditation in a professional context.

The center's method is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience with meditation. It features a step-by-step guided practice, which makes it easy for newcomers to start their meditation journey. To accommodate varying schedules and preferences, Austin Meditation Center offers both in-person private sessions for personalized guidance and online live group sessions. That ensures that meditation can be practiced conveniently from home or in a more intimate setting.

The benefits of meditation as promoted by the center, are comprehensive. They range from achieving a peaceful mind and wisdom to fostering positive thinking, confidence, and improved health. Their approach emphasizes the importance of freeing oneself from worry, anxiety, and depression. The center also highlights the significance of gratitude, love, clarity, concentration, and attaining eternal peace and happiness.

Austin Meditation Center extends a warm invitation to anyone interested in beginning or deepening their meditation practice. They offer consultation sessions to help individuals understand how to embark on their meditation journey effectively and realize the potential of their spiritual awakening.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://www.austinmeditation.org/
• Contact:
  • Email: info@austinmeditation.org
  • Phone: 512-585-6987
• Location: 11615 Angus Rd, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78759.

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The Transcendental Meditation (TM) Program in Austin offers a unique and effective approach to meditation. It's a simple, natural mental practice conducted with eyes closed while sitting comfortably. TM focuses on inducing a restful state of mind beyond regular thinking instead of concentrating on breathing or chanting. The technique is designed to be absolutely effortless. Therefore, it’s accessible to everyone, even those who believe they "can't meditate".

Certified TM teachers teach TM one-on-one. During the course, which consists of four sessions, individuals receive a mantra—a sound without an associated meaning—and learn to use it effortlessly and silently. This practice helps participants transcend or go beyond the surface level of their awareness. It reaches a state of deep inner silence not typically accessible through meditation apps or other techniques.

Evidence supports the effectiveness of TM in improving mental and physical health. Studies have shown that TM can alleviate stress, reduce blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and anger, lessen anxiety, cut work stress, lower the risk of heart disease, and reduce cortisol levels. A notable advantage of TM is its quick learning curve. It allows practitioners to see results relatively quickly, sometimes even within days or minutes.

The Maharishi Foundation USA, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization, operates the TM Program. The revenue from course fees fully supports the foundation's educational and charitable initiatives both in the U.S. and globally. As part of its charitable efforts, the organization partners with the David Lynch Foundation and other non-profits. It has provided over a million full TM scholarships to at-risk children, military veterans, domestic violence victims, homeless individuals, and others in need.

Key Takeaways:

• Official Website: https://us.wwv.tm.org/en-us/centers/austin
• Contact:
  • Email: rfarley@tm.org
  • Phone: 888-532-7686
• Location: 108 Royal Way, Austin, TX 78737, United States

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