Buddhist Centers and Meditation in Los Angeles

There are 5 Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers in Los Angeles in our directory that welcome English speakers, across Theravada, Insight, Zen and Tibetan traditions. Many offer free or donation-based (dana) teachings and retreats; check each center's website for dates and guidelines.

Theravada and forest monasteries

Dharma Vijaya Buddhist ViharaLos Angeles, California · Theravada

Insight (vipassana) centers

InsightLALos Angeles, California · Insight

Zen, Chan and Seon

Zen Center of Los AngelesLos Angeles, California · Zen

Tibetan centers

Los Angeles Diamond Way Buddhist CenterLos Angeles, California · Tibetan (Karma Kagyu, Diamond Way)

Other centers

Hsi Lai TempleHacienda Heights, California · Chinese Mahayana (Fo Guang Shan)

First visit? How to stay at a Buddhist monastery. See all centres worldwide. Run a center? Add it free. Links last checked November 2026.

Questions people ask

Can beginners visit a Buddhist monastery in Los Angeles?

Yes. Most monasteries and meditation centers in Los Angeles welcome beginners for talks, group sittings or retreats. Contact the center first and follow its guidelines.

Do Buddhist retreats cost money?

Many monasteries run on donations (dana) and ask nothing fixed. Lay-run retreat centres usually charge for food and lodging, often with a sliding scale.