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Buddhist Meditation Centers in California

There are 15 Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers in California 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

Insight (vipassana) centers

Zen, Chan and Seon

Tibetan centers

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

Questions people ask

Can beginners visit a Buddhist monastery in California?

Yes. Most monasteries and meditation centers in California 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.