Community Resources

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY RESOURCES . Listings are provided as a free service to our hometown community. We include resources relating only to the culture, spirituality, or arts of South and Southeast Asia. If you have a group that might be of interest, or if any information needs to be updated, please contact us. We update resource information approximately once a month. Thank you!

Please note: We list organizations the way they wish to be portrayed and do not endorse any group. We wish you peace and vision on your search; it is up to you to explore further.

Aabla Raqs Belly Dance is a dance company that provides education and entertainment through traditional Middle Eastern dance. Enjoy and become involved in dance through various classes and through their Children's Theater performances. Contact Ann Mracek at 314.569.2202 or visit their website at www.aablaraqs.com.

Aalim Middle Eastern Folk & Belly Dancing offers weekly classes in Middle Eastern folk dancing and the ancient art of belly dancing. It's a fun way to exercise and benefits both body and mind. For information about classes, workshops or shows contact Salwa at 314.961.3790 or go to their website at www.aalimdanceco.com

Belly Dance Mirage is both a school of belly dancing as well as a group of dancers who perform for events and parties. For more information phone 314.995.2646 or go to their website at www.bellydancemirage.com

Big Bend Yoga Center, at 88 N. Gore (at Kirkham) in Webster Groves, offers a full schedule of yoga classes in various traditions. For more information phone 314.918.9642 or go to their website at www.bigbendyoga.com

The Center for International Studies at the University of Missouri, St. Louis, works to promote research in international studies, improve the methods of teaching international studies and increase interest in international affairs on campus and in the St Louis community. They sponsor a number of international cultural events, from performing arts to lectures on political and economic issues. For information contact the Center Staff at 314.516.5753 or visit their website at www.cfis-umsl.com

Dances of India offers classes that teach the exotic, beautiful dances of India as well as the culture and customs. Various Indian folk dances are taught, as well as two forms of classical Indian dance, Bharat Natyam and Kuchi-Pudi. All ages are welcome, and classes range from beginner to advanced. Private lessons are also available. Classes are held at the Dimensions Dance Studio on 9612 Olive near Lindbergh. For more information please call Asha Prem at 314.997.0911.

Do-Ngak Choling Tibetan Buddhist Center is made up of students practicing in the Nyingma Tradition under the guidance of the venerable Lama Rinchen Phuntsok. They meet every Thrusday at 8 pm at 7528 Gannon Ave. in University City. For information call Shaaron at 314.862.3117 or visit their website at www.dongakcholing.org

Global Foods Market, at 421 N. Kirkwood, just north of I-44, offers a large selection of foods from all over the world, including hard-to-find produce for international cuisine, as well as more typical supermarket fare. Phone 314.835.1112.

Govinda's Restaurant, at 3926 Lindell near St. Louis University, serves a buffet of Indian-style food which observes the no onion, no garlic restrictions of some spiritual cultures. They are associated with the Hare Krishna ISKCON Temple. Restaurant hours are Mon.- Fri. 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:00-8:00pm and Sunday 7-8:00pm. For more information call 314.535.8085.

Hare Krishna Temple (ISKCON), located at 3926 Lindell Blvd., offers a free introductory bhakti-yoga course every Sunday at 4:45 pm, followed by a complimentary vegetarian feast. They also provide instruction in mantra meditation, transcendental philosophy and dance meditation. For information call 314.535.8085.

The Hindu Temple of St. Louis, and the Gandhi Center, are located at 725 Weidman Rd., between Clayton Rd. and Manchester Rd. west of I-270. It is a center of Hindu worship and Indian culture in the area. They are open for daily morning and evening prayers, and have special programs during Indian festivals and holidays. For information call 636.230.3300 or visit their website at www.hindutemplestlouis.org

International Folk Dance Association of University City (IFDA) has been serving the greater St. Louis area for over 40 years as a non-profit organization dedicated to the teaching and enjoyment of folk dances and to the sharing of knowledge and appreciation of folk cultures from around the world. The IFDA and its activities are open to anyone interested in folk dance or folklore. Every Saturday at 7:30 pm, the IFDA sponsors folk dancing at University United Methodist Church, 6901 Washington near the Lion Gates. Admission is $2; first time free. A variety of line, circle and couple dances are taught and led by a caller. No partner required. Wear comfortable shoes. For information call Diana at 314.726.5737 or go to their website at www.stlouisfolkdance.org

International Institute, located at 3654 S. Grand, was established in 1919 to support and assist immigrants and refugees new to the United States. Their goal is to help them achieve economic and social independence by offering a wide array of services such as counseling and orientation to the United States, classes in English and job placement. The generous support of the community through donations of furniture, supplies, clothing and food is essential to give newcomers a successful start in their new lives. For information call 314.773.9090 or go to their website at www.intlinst.org

International Student Exchange (ISE) is dedicated to the promotion of world peace and understanding by bringing together foreign teens with volunteer host families in the United States. For more information call 800.766.4656 or visit their website at www.iseusa.com

Jay International Foods, at 3172 South Grand, is an extensive import grocery store with foods from all over the world, and is open seven days a week. For information call 314.772.2552.

Mid-America Buddhist Association (MABA), located at 299 Heger Lane in Augusta, MO, holds weekly gatherings, extended retreats, and offers free instruction on how to meditate. MABA occupies 61acres of land in Augusta (about 45 mins- 1 hr. west of St. Louis), overlooking scenic hills. MABA's mission is to support the Sangha and its lay followers in the study of Buddhism, and to promote the understanding of Buddhist teachings. They have often hosted gatherings of Buddhists from a variety of traditions. You are invited every Sunday to practice with the monks. The Sunday schedule starts at 9:00 am with sessions of sitting and walking meditation along with a dharma talk.. A vegetarian potlock follows at 11:45. The Venerable Jan Hai and Venerable Ji Ru administer the center. For more information call 636.482.4037 from 8am-9pm. Email: info@maba-usa.org Website: www.maba-usa.org

Mid America Dharma Group (MADG) is a regional umbrella group that offers Vipassana Buddhist meditation retreats of various lengths throughout the Midwest and Central States and provides general support to local Vipassana groups. MADG is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteer labor. You may contact MADG at 455 E. 80th Terrace, Kansas City, MO, 64131 or call 573.874.0881. Their website is www.midamericadharma.org

Missouri Zen Center, located at 220 Spring Ave in Webster Groves, invites you to join them in still, quiet meditation in the Awakened Way. Anyone, regardless of beliefs, can sit zazen. For the schedule or more information please call 314.961.6138 or visit the website at www.missourizencenter.org

Philippine Arts Foundation promotes and support Philippine arts and art programs in St. Louis. For more information please call 314.434.0904.

Plowsharing Crafts offers a wide range of cultural crafts and gifts from around the world through umbrella organizations such as Ten Thousand Villages. Plowsharing is a not-for-profit organization associated with the Mennonite Church, and assures that the artisans are paid fairly and treated ethically. There are two locations in the St. Louis area: The Loop in Univercity City, 6271 Delmar, phone 314.863.3723 and in Kirkwood, 151 West Jefferson, phone 314.909.9401.

Radhiya's Middle Eastern & North African Dance offers classes in Egyptian and Fusion styles of belly dance that are beneficial for the total wellness of mind, body and soul of a woman. For more information call 314.361.8141 or visit their website at www.radhiyataj.com

Sangeetha is devoted to promoting Indian classical music in the St. Louis community through the presentation of high quality Indian classical music concerts. India's most recoginzed and internationally acclaimed artists have been welcomed by Sangeetha. Since its founding in 1984, Sangeetha has sponsored over 180 concerts in the Carnatic and Hindustani traditions. Sangeetha is a not-for-profit organization that relies on memberships and support from the local community to continue its mission. For more information call Anand at 636.405.0818 or visit their website at www.sangeetha.org.

Seema Enterprises is an Indian and Pakistani grocery store with a movie video rental section. They also book discounted airfares to India and the Middle East. There are two locations in the St. Louis area: 10635 Page Ave, 314.423.9990; and 14238 Manchester Rd, 636.391.5914. Visit their website at www.seemaent.com

Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) St. Louis Meditation Group has regular weekly meditations and other events on occasion. SRF was founded by Pramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi) in 1920 to foster global understanding, to express more fully the beauty and divinity of the human spirit and to share knowledge and specific techniques of meditation, prayer and yoga. For more info, visit the international website at www.yogananda-srf.org - the International Headquarters can provide the latest local contacts for SRF activities in the St. Louis area.

Shambhala Meditation Group meets periodically at member's home and sponsors retreats. Shambhala is based on the teachings of Tibetan master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. For information contact Carol at 314.757.2914 or visit the website at www.shambhala.org

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir located at 8705 St. Charles Rock Rd. in St. Louis is open everyday, with weekly services on Sunday from 3:30-6:30 pm. For information phone 314.426.7895.

Simone's Seventh Veil teaches the Middle Eastern art of belly dancing. Anyone can learn this ancient dance form. Classes are offered in both the cabaret and folkloric forms at multiple St. Louis locations. For information and class schedules call 314.984.8008 or go to their website at www.simonesveil.com

Solar Yoga Center, 6002 Pershing Ave. near Forest Park Parkway, offers a full schedule of yoga classes. Phone 314.726.5133 or visit their website at www.solaryogastl.org

Shriji Enterprises is an Indian/Pakistani grocery store with a wide selection of spices. They also carry videos and specialize in travel. Open seven days a week. For more infomation call (314) 423-5900. Three Rivers Aikido, at 7403 Manchester Rd in Maplewood, offers all levels of instruction for all ages. Phone 314.645.2345; website www.threeriversaikido.com

The Vedanta Society of St. Louis, located at 205 South Skinker Blvd, offers regular Sunday services at 10:30am and regular classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 8pm. All are welcome. Vedanta stands for universal religious harmony and revelation of eternal truths and is rooted in the teachings of the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures). Vedanta seeks not to convert but to support aspirants in their own spiritual paths. It was brought to the West by Swami Vivekananda in 1893, a disciple of the great Indian mystic saint, Sri Ramakrishna. The St. Louis Society was founded in 1938, and the present spiritual teacher is Swami Chetanananda. For information call 314.721.5118 or visit their website at www.vedantastl.org

Wat Phrasriratanaram, The Thai Buddhist Temple & Meditation Center of St. Louis, located at 890 Lindsay Lane, Florissant, MO 63031, was founded in 1983 as a Thai Theravada Buddhist Temple. The Temple serves as a teaching and practicing center of Buddhism according to the Theravada (Teaching of the Elders) tradition, as well as a teaching center of Thai culture, tradition and language. It is maintained by Buddhist monks authorized to come to the U.S. by the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand. The Temple offers free weekly Vipassana Meditation classes and dharma talks on Saturdays from 7-9pm. For information phone 314.839.3115 or go to their website at www.self-aware.net