About PMC
PMC exists primarily to provide a place for Buddhist education, meditation, and dharma-related activities, per its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
A hall in Havertown
PMC is located in a business district of Havertown, and has operated continuously since December 1998. The center consists of a large, comfortable first-floor meditation hall and a second-floor apartment with a library, kitchen, sitting room, and two bedrooms. A public parking lot sits nearby, and the surrounding neighborhood is friendly to walking meditation.
APPROACH
Non-sectarian, non-hierarchical
PMC draws primarily from the mindfulness, Insight, and Vipassana traditions, as well as Dzogchen teachings, with an emphasis on direct experience and personal practice in a non-hierarchical, egalitarian, non-sectarian setting. Zen students should feel comfortable with the silent format.
Regular meditation
Sittings follow a silent format with minimal ritual or formality. Chairs and cushions are both available — arrive on time and plan to stay for the full sitting.
Instruction
PMC has no resident teacher. An experienced meditator gives basic instruction 30 minutes before the monthly Saturday morning sitting.
Meditation Instruction
adelson@rutgers.edu · (215) 219-5296
bethadelson.org
Workshops and retreats
Workshops take a presentation format, sometimes with a psychological slant, or run as day-long or weekend silent retreats. Snacks and beverages are available on-site, and there are food options nearby.
Silent retreats are typically taught by non-resident teachers from the Insight and Dzogchen traditions, and include teaching, instruction, sitting, and outdoor walking meditation. PMC has hosted at least one residential weekend silent retreat and hopes to continue offering them — see the current schedule.
Form of operation
PMC is a registered Pennsylvania non-profit corporation (1998) and a 501(c)(3) public charity (1999, with final retroactive approval in 2002 and final IRS approval in 2005 — PMC was the first charity in the U.S. to file electronically with the IRS). The center is governed by a three-person Board of Directors and a Council of Advisors that meets about six times a year. Donations go to the general fund unless marked as dana for a visiting teacher — see About Dana.