Shiney is a technique for calming the mind. Participants sit in a prescribed position and concentrate on their breathing. "It's very easy, and at the same time very difficult to do it in the right way," said Lucia Dushkova, the group's translator and secretary.

The Puja technique helps people to develop what Buddhists call "loving kindness."

Dushkova said her own experience attested to the benefits of meditation. "I used to be rather neurotic, but now I've started to take life in a calmer way. People like me more," she said.

Newcomers to the group, a satellite center of the Samye Ling monastery in Scotland, will receive instruction in technique, and English translation is provided. There is no attendance fee, but participants are asked to donate if they can afford to do so. It is suggested that visitors telephone before attending.

Samye Dzong meets Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. at 30, 6/34 Ulitsa Pravdy, near metro Belorusskaya. For more information, go to www.karmakagyu.ru or call Lucia Dushkova at 8-910-477-2138.