Mary Stancavage has practiced meditation, yoga, and cultivated a spiritual practice for over 30 years and in 2009 was empowered to teach Buddhadharma. Mary is based in the Los Angeles area and teaches classes, retreats and does individual mentoring. She has taught mindfulness at recovery centers, has co-facilitated Year-to-Live groups since 2008, and has had a weekly dharma class for over a decade. She also was director of Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society for ten years. Mary completed the Buddhist Chaplaincy Program at the Sati Center and served as a volunteer chaplain at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. She also served as Executive Director of the Mind Body Awareness Project from 2016 to 2018. In taking the practice off the cushion, Mary is honored to serve on the board of CLUE: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice. Along with teaching she continues to investigate what it means to live with an undefended heart. Fun fact: Mary has a Master’s Degree from UCLA and worked as an archaeologist in the Syria. More info can be found at her website, marystancavage.org
“It’s nature healing, every staff member super kind and making you feel right at home, the food was heavenly good! I’m deeply impressed and recommend anyone to pay a visit when in search of a peace of mind, to recharge and for those who wants to deeply (re)connect with their inner nature. The good spirits of the Catskill mountains are definitely highly active and working their magic on everyone who comes and goes. Went home deeply inspired, recharged and full of love.”
Joren Bruin
“Menla is indeed magical, a place out of time that is rich in presence. The vibrational quality of this sanctuary is palpable as well as the magnificent natural beauty. Healing, peaceful and luminous with Light, a pilgrimage to Menla evokes the proverbial Medicine Mountain, and yet it is so close to NYC. Our Ayurvedic massage and experience at Dewa Spa was transporting, regenerative and deeply nourishing. Looking forward to our next retreat here and sharing this treasure with friends.”
Sarah Drew
“Always a great stay at Menla. Staff very helpful. Programs excellent. I greatly enjoyed seeing Robert Thurman, Sharon Salzberg and Krishna Das together. A truly auspicious place. Visit and find out for yourself.”
Gary Goldberg