Theravāda Buddhism Web Directory

Wat Buddhadhamadharo (aka. Wat Concord) residing at Concord, California was found to gratify and commemorate Ven Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, Asokaram temple, Samutprakan, Thailand, who was a significant disciple of Ven Luangpu Mun Bhuritatto a grand master of Thailand forest tradition Buddhism. In addition, this monastery is one of few official branch monasteries of Asokaram temple.

Ven Roemchai Chinwangso with 37 vassa (years in robe), the abbot of Wat Buddhadhammadharo, has ordained into monkhood since May 18th, 1975 at Asokaram temple, Thailand. He named the organization after the monastic name of Pra Sutthidham Rangsi Kampeera Mathajarn (aka. Ven Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo) at Asokaram Temple.

Vietnamese Buddhist temple.

The Temple of the Victory of Truth

Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara was founded on April 20, 1980. The main support for the Vihara came from a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists. Since its inception, the Vihara has been maintained by Sri Lankan, other Asian and Western Buddhists, plus non-Buddhist friends of diverse national and cultural backgrounds. Local American and Asian communities continue to support the Vihara. Venerable monks from Sri Lanka conduct the day-to-day activities and render guidance for those seeking the services of the Vihara.

Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara promotes the Theravada tradition of Buddhism found primarily in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. The Theravada tradition is the oldest and most authentic version of the Buddha’s teachings now surviving. It preserves intact the original doctrines and practices taught by the Buddha 2600 years ago.

A vihara under the directorship of U Silananda. Teaches meditation in the tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw.

Founded by George Haas in 2003 and named the Best Online Buddhist Meditation by Los Angeles Magazine in 2011, Mettagroup uses Vipassanā, or insight meditation, as a way to help students live a meaningful life. Drawing from 2500-year-old Buddhist teachings and John Bowlby's Attachment Theory, the Mettagroup techniques serve as a model of how to connect with other people, and how to be completely yourself in relationships with others and with work.

Commonly referred to as "mindfulness," Vipassanā meditation is focused on living more peacefully, compassionately and wisely. Derived from the Theravada school of Buddhism, the techniques are widely acknowledged as effective ways to manage pain, stress, compulsiveness and are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Most Mettagroup students begin with Morning Meditation, a guided meditation held via conference call six days a week with founding teacher George Haas. In addition, we offer several intensive courses throughout the year, as well as multiple retreats every year and ongoing one-on-one mentoring with experienced teachers. Read more in our classes section, or sign up for our newsletter and we'll let you know about courses and special events.

Dhamma Dena, a Vipassana Buddhist center,  was founded almost forty years ago by pioneer Buddhist teacher Ruth Denison, one of only four westerners initiated as a teacher by the eminent Burmese meditation master Sayagi U Ba Khin.  The Center is named for Dhammadina, a female disciple of the Buddha, and is situated in the Mojave Desert of California, near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Monument. 

Dhamma Dena offers daily meditation in the dharma hall, as well as offering several retreats each year.  Ruth Denison created an enduring and unique method of practicing Vipassana, focused on mindfulness in every moment, with the attention always to this present moment, as experienced directly through the movement and sensations of the body.  This  unique style of Vipassana meditation has influenced most of the contemporary Theravada teachers in the West, who now incorporate some form of mindful movement into their retreats. This style of teaching remains the hallmark of our center, and is carried on by her appointed teachers, with the same beautiful benefits to all who join us to practice here...

Visitors are always welcome for daily meditation or formal retreats.  Dedicated dharma practitioners who are able to be self-sufficient and independent may contact the center to arrange for personal practice time here, after discussing your needs with the staff.  Feel free to contact the Center about the possibility of a visit.

Open Door Sangha is a community for Buddhist practice, primarily in the Insight (Vipassana) tradition, in Santa Barbara, California. The Sangha offers three weekly meditation groups, introductory meditation classes, occasional daylong mini-retreats and weekend retreats with well-known Buddhist teachers. We welcome all in an atmosphere that is accepting, free of ritual, informal and relaxed.

The Insight Retreat Center (IRC) is a community-based retreat center just outside of Santa Cruz, CA.  We offer silent meditation retreats throughout the year primarily focused on insight meditation (Vipassana) and the liberation teachings of the Buddha.

IRC is entirely supported by a wide community of practitioners, volunteers and donors whose generosity is the foundation for the center. With no paid staff, the running of our retreats expresses the integration of the practice, service and goodwill of our volunteers.

Retreats at IRC are offered freely, as gifts to those who attend.  This means there is no cost for retreats.  Donations by those who attend our retreats make it possible to pass this gift forward to others who come to IRC.

Marin Sangha is an insight meditation (vipassana) group in Marin County dedicated to offering the teachings of the Buddha and guidance in Buddhist spiritual discipline with an emphasis on living the dharma in daily life.

Weekly teaching and meditation. Workshops, books, recordings, and other Theravadan Buddhist resources for the northern California coast.

All are welcome. Cushions, blankets, benches, and chairs provided. Donations appreciated.

Weekly sangha and guided meditation gatherings. Teaching by senior monk from Abhayagiri Monastery in person or through recordings. Meditation guide ordained as lay minister by Abhayagiri Monastery and authorized to teach by Spirit Rock Meditation Center.