Kadampa Meditation Center California

This was a very nice place to go to, the gardens and the grounds are very relaxing and make you feel very tranquil. It’s not real big so don’t plan on spending a lot of time walking around, rather spend time sitting and meditating and relaxing.

The classes are wonderful!

A nice retreat from the insanity.

Coming to classes here and other Kadampa centers for about 9 years and they have changed my life. Beautiful, practical meditations for a modern busy life. Kind and clear instructors, and incredibly helpful and generous volunteers. My kids, my wife and I all thank you!

Terrific place to learn and practice meditation and gain knowledge on buddhist teachings. All have been kind and helpful toward me and anyone I bring along. Highly recommended to the beginning and experienced meditator

first time meditating!
am calmer already…
$ 8.00, wednesdays, noon.

I have been to the Temple in Hollywood and it’s one of the most peaceful, beautiful places I’ve ever been. Whether you are new to meditation or someone who’s been practicing for years, you will definitely enjoy this place. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

breathe… ahhhh i love this place. the practioners are so chill. my soul needs this place! i wish i could just live here. the monk… ummm rigpa? is the best meditation guide ever. the food is always good. they will answer all your questions and the people are outstanding!

Wednesdays are the best nights. $ 12 for 2 hr session and vegetarian meal or snacks in the community room. Great atmosphere, great people.

I’ve been attending KMC classes for going on three years. I started at a branch class on letting go of anger at the Bodhi Tree, and then tried a free class on forgiveness at the center. I am a regular for Lunch Time Meditation, which is a terrific way to bring some peace into your daily life. This particular class is only $ 8 for an hour and all are welcome to stay for a vegetarian lunch for just $ 5 afterwards. The teachers are amazing, and the meditations are well guided and very constructive. We start with a simple meditations to clear the mind, then have a teaching, and close with another guided meditation on the teaching.
There are a variety of classes for whatever your level of mediation or spiritual practice. You can delve into the Buddhist religion if you choose, or keep it to basic relaxation to improve your life and interactions with others. There is a very full schedule with evening classes ($ 12 for an hour and a half) and retreats being offered as well. There are free classes from time to time, and they center tries to keep it affordable. You can drop in anytime, and don’t need to commit to a series of classes.
The location in Elysian Valley is beautiful and peaceful, despite the elementary school next door and frequent ice cream trucks. I don’t really think these noises detract from the experience of meditating here. Distractions from without and within are inevitable, and the classes here help immensely in working through them. Since I’ve started practicing at the KMC, I’ve made a lot of progress in my life. Many of my problems with anger, anxiety, and attachment in relationships, work, and life in general, have gradually diminished, and I still improve every day. I’m very thankful to the people at the KMC.

Let me preface that it is very difficult for me to shut down. I really wanted to like this place because I really enjoy meditation. However, I couldn’t focus when I went (and perhaps that is my bad for not concentrating enough on clearing my mind). Their teachings seem very interesting and I find a lot of good value going here for some kind of enlightenment, unfortunately, this place doesn’t seem like it’s for me. I might come back to listen to some of their teachings, but not sure if I would come back solely to meditate.

My friend Kari has been talking about Kadampa Meditation Center California for at least five years. Well, I finally went with her last weekend. We attended «Sunday Morning with Prayers for World Peace» with Gen Kelsang Rigpa.
I was blown away by the awesomeness of the whole experience. Guided meditation to start and finish. Course on anger and stress in the middle. It was perfect. It was stuff I already knew, but it was a good life reminder. And the guided meditation blew me away. It was exactly what I needed. I got a massage later that same day, and it was not nearly as relaxing as the guided meditation.
After the class, we all walked next door for lunch. It was a time to chat with new people and meet Rigpa. He came up to us and introduced himself. I wanted to talk with him for hours, but I knew that he had to move on to talk to the others. He is so fascinating.
I can’t express enough, the awesomeness of Kadampa Meditation Center California. I can’t wait to go back!

Just rediscovered this form of Buddhism. Don’t agree with all parts of Buddhism and I think the break with mainstream Tibetan Buddhism is lame… And carrying only Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s books is also weak… But hey, of all religions Buddhism makes the most sense to me and is largely free of the weirdness and dogma of other religions and has real life practical applications to every day life.
Anyhow, these folks do an excellent job of creating community – their are usually small communal lunches afterwards, their services are every day, the people are very serence, nice calm, welcoming… Wonderful meditations, lovely setting, beautiful Buddha’s, wonderful mini bookstore… An oasis of calm and community in chaotic LA :-) There is also a Santa Monica location and they have many remote locations for those in other areas… Breathe deep and enjoy the Buddha/​Dharma/​Sangha…

I went to KMC for two years, and it was extremely helpful in teaching me the basics about Buddhism and how to meditate. However, as I wanted to learn more, I became disenchanted with the way they always wanted money for classes and workshops. $ 12 for a general class, more for more advanced classes, $ 60 for all day workshops.
Most religious and spiritual organizations don’t nickel and dime their congregation, but ask for donations. This raised a flag with me.
Then I learned more about the New Kadampa Tradition, based in England, and it turns out it’s a controversial sect of Buddhism that has broken away from the Dalai Lama and the traditional lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
The people at the center are good and well meaning, and I think it is a good place if you just want to get a dose of meditation, but as I’m looking for a more long term spritual practice, I’m going elsewhere.

Once I found this place of refuge I just couldn’t stop coming back. I’ve been taking classes for years, I love KMC. It is my second home. It’s really nice because there are many different levels of classes for all kinds of study and practice. Everyone is so encouraging and kind. It has truly change my life. I feel very blessed to have it in my life. Gen-​la Dekyong is a very special teacher and we are fortunate to have her teaching in Los Angeles.

I started coming to class about 10 years ago. The teachings make so much sense and have helped me immensely so I have kept coming. I’m much less angry than I used to be, and much, much happier. I’m very grateful to have classes such as these. Truly life changing.

If you’re looking for practical methods to improve your quality of life, the Meditation classes at KMC CA and it’s branches are for you. Profound Buddhist teachings are presented in a clear, concise, sometimes even humorous way, and at the end of every class, I walk away with deeper understanding and practical methods that I can apply in my sitting Meditation practice, and in the fray of a busy LA life. Gen-​la Dekyong is a wonderful teacher, not to be missed!

I’ve been going to classes at this Buddhist center for over three years and have learned a lot about Buddhism and about how to meditate. It’s made a huge difference in my life. The community is very warm, friendly, and welcoming, and the resident teacher, Gen-​la Dekyong, has a great sense of humor and always gives you something to think about. There are also neighborhood branch classes throughout Los Angeles.