Serene and beautiful monastery grounds. Happy to discover a hidden gem in the hills. When you first turn in you'll drive along a small tree-lined road and go up the hill to their gated entrance. You may have to call their intercom to enter through the gate if they are not currently hosting an event. When you first visit, go to the reception office for an intro about the monastery and their activities. You can join their regularly scheduled meditation classes and dharma classes. The building to the left of that is where they hold Buddhist classes and talks. To the left of that is a small hill and walking nature loop to see a Kuan Yin statue placed within a circular, eight petaled lotus mandala. The walk has beautiful views of the surrounding distance. Down towards the right is the temple, which is only open to the public during events. They recently finished some renovations inside their main temple and outside gardens. The gardens behind and below the temple opens to expansive views too, yet is still undergoing construction. You can see a small pagoda with a Kuan Yin statue and a rectangle platform with a statue of the Buddha. Inside the temple, it is common etiquette to remove your shoes, place them in a shoe cabinet along the wall, and wear socks inside (no bare feet allowed here) during events. There are bathrooms and a water station too. I joined a recent Friday meditation gathering and it was nicely organized and run very well. They have a welcoming sangha community too. read more

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Beautiful scenery and grounds. The peace I felt was incredible. I love it here. I highly recommend.

Me and my family go every year they are super nice there and it's beautiful to walk around read more

Buddha Gate Monastery - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Lafayette, California

Very nice serene, we love going there and having a tour of the area. Would definitely go there again.

If you want to escape and just think, or meditate, or walk Kuan Yin's labyrinth this is the place to come. A haven in the hills of Lafayette I can't say enough good things about this special place. It's simply beautiful and peaceful. Haven't tried their classes yet as I mainly come to walk the grounds and meditate but I will likely do that next. read more

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I first visited Buddha Gate because there were Kung Fu classes being offered there. Unfortunately, they had just discontinued them, but I fell in love with the peaceful feeling there. Having always been interested in Buddhism, I decided to check out some classes and do a little more than just read about it. I am glad I did. My 7 year old daughter has been going to the children's meditation classes there for the past 3 years and has benefitted greatly from them. There is no pressure or heavy preaching, the way is taught by glowing example. Two thumbs up! read more

Buddha Gate Monastery - Entrance to Meditation Hall - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Lafayette, California

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The grounds here are absolutely gorgeous and so well taken care of. Just driving up to this location is enchanting. I decided to come here to take the Level 1 course in learning meditation and Zen Bhuddism. I am learning that meditation is difficult at first and takes time, patience and practice. The introductory courses are two hours long. You start out in the meditation temple and then have a lovely light snack and make your way to a classroom setting. This course is free but open to donations. There is also a children's meditation class on Saturdays that I'm going to take my son to. Great place to build a wholesome and loving community. read more

Buddha Gate Monastery - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Buddha Gate Monastery has changed my life!! Great food too!! That is a bold statement I realize, but it could not be a truer statement! I came for a short one time meditation class and found a whole new world. I have now been an active member of the monastery for over 6 months. The Monks and other Lay disciple have not only warmly invited my into there classes and events, but welcomed me in to there lives and way of life. I am far from a being a Buddha :) but i go when I can to volunteer and attend classes diligently. read more

This monastery is located in a quiet area up in the hills, creating a great place to meditate and calm your mind. The views are fantastic and just being surrounded there with the Dharma Masters makes you feel at peace. I'm not a very religious person, but I have gone to many temples/monastery with my mother and I feel this one is by far the best since you don't feel like they are out to just get your money. They provide educational classes for those who are new to buddhism and it's no problem if you don't understand Chinese since they also provide it in English. I definately recommend this place for those who believe in Buddhism and if you ever try their vegetarian food there, it's fantastic!! =) read more

I was going to Buddha Gate Monastery for over 5 year! Very peacful pleace.I did alot of volunteer work as I was going through a career change.I attend many meditation classes and met "Grand Master" who gave me my dharma name.When I moved to Southern California and I would come to visit, the monastery would be first on my list.This last visit was very disappointing.I know they are doing renovations and making changes but I didn't feel welcomed.No one was at the front desk to sign in and I wasn't able to meditate unless I was taking a class and no one offered me to stay for lunch which they always do.Not sure if I will visit again. read more

I went for meditation classes. It was difficult to find at night even with gps but I made it. Great staff. Very welcoming. Classes are on English. I stayed for the dharma lesson. Seems like a very engaged and vibrant community. read more

LOVE this place!! Beautiful statues of Quan Yin!! So peace filled read more

This place offers free Buddhism & meditation classes. Each class offers one hour of meditation followed by one hour of Buddhism/Zen teachings. The meditation is guided by the abbess of the monastery and the classes are taught by her too. Various classes are taught to suit people with different levels of understanding, just check out their website for the schedule. The abbess is very friendly and relatable. I was able to ask her questions at the end of the classes and she was very patient in answering them. I highly recommend this place if you need to learn how to live in the now. And don't we all need that? Come join a class any time and you will reap the benefits! read more

This place is amazing. The people here make it amazing. I visited for the first time and was shown around by one of the volunteers and spoke with the nuns and was humbled by their presence as I am by anyone who devotes their life to something they so strongly believe in. I find the people here inspirational, so happy and generous with everything they have. Come here, it just might change your outlook on life. read more

I've been here several times by myself and on my way back towards Lafayette decided to take the family here one evening. The ambiance is very tranquil. We arrived a little after 7pm. There weren't any guest here but we pulled into the parking lot and there were still cars here. You must check in first before you view the premises which I already knew since I've been here a few times already. I walked in with three kids and the receptionists handed me a brochure for upcoming classes, she did explain to me that they currently have classes for kids but all of mine were under 11 so those classes were suspended at the moment. She told me to continue to check their website since they may offer the kids 5-10 class after the fall semester. First things first. I took my family down to the mediation hall. Where you must have socks on to walk into the room. There are rules. You need socks, if there are no socks they do provide socks however they do encourage strongly that you wear socks when you meditate. We were not there for class and it was an empty room so we put the socks and walked around. This room is beautiful and quite ! There are beautiful lanterns and several mediation seats. Also several Buddhas. I do not have any pictures since cameras are not allowed in the meditation room. We walked outside and looked at every single statue surrounding the mediation room, each statute had its own story which you will need to meet with a tour guide to get details on the stories of each statue. You can walk all the way up to the hill and there is a beautiful golden Buddha. I took several pictures with the kids. In the evening the sunset is absolutely gorgeous. I encourage anyone looking to a tranquil place to clear their mind to come here. They also offer free mediation classes but you must sign up for it. read more

Buddha Gate Monastery - Beautiful bronze statue located at the top of the hill - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Not to sound too cliche, but in search of something greater than myself, I found Buddha Gate Monastery. Throughout my life, I have toying with the idea of embracing Buddhist principles/ideology. Having felt pretty awful at the beginning of the week, I had extra motivation to finally take the jump and attend a meditation/lecture class (Beginning Chan). I was in search of classes on Tuesdays in particular, and what do you know? Buddha Gate Monastery had free classes right at that time. When I was driving there, it looked like Scream (the original movie) b/c the road up to the monastery is dark and twisted. Right when you pass through the gates, you immediately feel at ease. This is such a beautiful place with large statues located around the premises. The meditation/sacred area is breathtaking...A large Buddha takes center stage and the track lighting above all the statues just makes you stare in awe. When you walk in, you bow (The coordinators will show you how). There are a lot of guidelines to follow, but everyone is really nice with helping you learn them. The meditation classes begin with chanting/light singing, progress into silent meditation and then walking meditation. Keeping your mind clear is quite difficult, but I am sure with practice, one can learn to focus. Meditation is followed by a short break with snacks and tea. I was astounded at how many people offered to mop the floors and dust the altar. I similarly offered, and one of the coordinators expressed gratitude, particularly since I was new. I chatted with a few members before heading into lecture, which was just so relevant to my life at this point, examining the ways to cease suffering. My review is not to push these principles on anyone, but just to say that I found what I was looking for. I spoke with the Master of the Monastery, and she was so down to earth. Her lecture was powerful and yet funny at times. I am looking forward to increased involvement and learning. read more

I would give them 10 stars if I could! I agree with Tim S., this place has changed my life. I attended the beginner's meditation class this past season and it couldn't have been better. Everyone there, even the volunteers, are very helpful and hospitable. So much so, that I ended up volunteering for the Bodhi Seed (children's) meditation class. EVERYTHING there is free. Even meals if you come at the right time, which was especially helpful for me as I have lost 3 jobs within the past year and food is not necessarily a constant in my house. All that they ask is that you dress and act modestly while you are there. I could go on and on about this place, but instead I will say JUST GO THERE! read more

Beautiful, serene location in the hills of Lafayette (north of SR-24) with lovely views. Offers free classes in principles of Buddhism and Chan (Zen) meditation for children and adults with instruction in English and Chinese. Friendly and welcoming. Delicious vegetarian food. Donations welcome. This, together with with the Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale, are the Bay Area branches of a Taiwan-based Buddhist organization. read more

This place is great and the people there are so nice. A couple years ago I was taking a philosophy of religion course, and they were more than happy to help answer any questions I had along with giving me lunch, and a free tour of the premise. It's a memory I will always carry with me, and it was a great experience not to mention the location is just so peaceful and serene. I highly encourage people to go here if you are curious about Buddhism, or want to see what a Buddhist Monastery looks like. read more

The best thing that I have done for my teenage son and myself last September was embarking in beginner's and Bodhiseed classes at this tranquil and beautiful community. He learned respect, focus, organization, discipline and responsibility.. I discovered intrinsic enrichment and meditation. Great people, amazing teamwork and delicious food. Check it out! read more

I am also taking the begining classes on Tuesdays and agree with all the posts here. Nice to go there and learn. Need to apply the teaching in life. read more

Learn to meditate in this totally accepting, safe and nurturing environment Enjoy the peaceful surroundings Participate in silent retreats Taste delicious vegan food Donate time and or money for good karma Learn to slow down and be patient with yourself and others Connect with the universe Find Calm Learn about Buddha and your true nature read more

Buddhist gate monastery is a very peaceful place. I've taken the beginning course and I'm so happy with it, the shiufu or monks are the cutest little things and excellent teachers if you're looking for a spiritual way of life I would strongly recommend going there! If that doesn't work keep looking and find what feels comfortable for you read more

Great beautiful location and the monastery is very nice. I take the free beginning Chan/Zen classes on Tuesdays and they are great!- start with medidation, then little snack break, then lecture. JUST DO IT! People are very nice too, of course. read more

We just moved to the area and live next to the monistary. When we pulled into the driveway to check it out, the nicest woman flagged us down, invited us in and gave us a full tour. We were blown away by her kindness and look forward to taking a meditation class there. read more

well worth the intro.class.f or some good relaxation and mind clearing and.learning. the world could use more.of this

Started attending their intro to Buddhism and Zen Meditation course this Fall and it was a wonderful experience. A small gem of a spot that feels tranquil and peaceful on the Pleasant Hill/Lafayette border. It is worth visiting and taking the classes, the generous vegetarian lunches offered are exquisite. I have learned so much and there's no pressure or hard sell. I always leave feeling grounded and more open to whatever comes my way after a few hours there! read more

beautiful place full of beautiful, insightful, genuinely kind people. i cant recommend a visit enough.