Amazing Buddhist temple. Must see and must visit if you are in the area…read more 1) The main temple opens only for special occasions. So, if you are lucky, they might be open for those special days. But, you are allowed to walk around the main temple and take pictures, etc. 2) The annex temple is open to the public. It was very nice and calm. 3) Sundays are the busy days for the temple.

Only Theravadin Buddhist Temple in Philadelphia -- and it's only 10 minutes away from my house! I…read morelucked out. It's much more focused at the supporting Thai community, but they're so welcoming and kind. This is my Sangha.

I have not been to SOJI Zen sene before Covid 19 hit.I did go there in in the mid-teens. I really…read moreenjoyed it.q I fqinqd it to be very welcoming.

Five years ago I decided I need a more regular sitting practice and for that I needed a group, so I…read morestarted visiting different Buddhist groups and centers in the Philadelphia area. Soji Zen Center is the place that became home, for many reasons. The teacher, Shuzen Sensei, has been practicing and studying for over 30 years and his knowledge and insight is amazing. The people who practice at Soji are all wonderful--warm, dedicated and welcoming. And as someone who cares a great deal about diversity, I am thrilled that Soji not only has women and people of color attending, but women and people of color in positions of authority! The center is small but lovely and while not the most important point, the plentiful and free parking is a nice plus! Soji offers a huge range of options. Sundays there's service with a chanting of the Heart Sutra, three sitting sessions and a dharma talk. Thursday nights is more informal with three sittings. Monday nights there are two sittings. There are workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year, an intensive practice period from March to June and two yearly week long retreats. The center is welcoming to everyone from experienced Zen students to those who have never meditated before (there's free meditation instruction every Thursday) and you can grow your practice here with the guidance of a wonderful teacher and a caring community.

Come pray and be blessed by Cambodian Buddhist monks. Some monks speak English. Their schedule:…read more9am- 12noon prayer daily 7 days a week. it is followed by lunch. Monks usually pray at 11am. You can also bring offerings like food cooked and raw. Cambodian monks do eat meat unlike Chinese monks. I went to have my first " Bung Score." It is a ritual that worships the ancestors. The monk did a prayer in Sanskrit that took about 15 minutes. You need to have the full names of the ancestors/ people who are no longer living. I thought it was pretty cool! I was suggested by my cousin to bring rice bags, condensed milk, wax medium length candles, and incense. I did an offering to my grandparents. also added a sum of money to the temple as a donation. I like private quick prayers because I got to easily focus on my connection with my ancestors.

I will issue the caveat that most of my Buddhist practice has been in the Zen tradition. I have…read morealso trained with monks in the Thai Forest (Theravada) tradition in Pittsburgh. Buddhism is unique among religions (to the limited extent Buddhism is a religion) in that it is practiced a bit differently by every culture it has encountered. Thus Tibetan Buddhism with its Taras and deities is almost equal parts Bon and Buddhism. I have never heard a Buddhist from any tradition use the word heretic. But, if one were to imagine what a Buddhist heretic would be, that Buddhist would probably be one who worshipped the historical Buddha and/or other mythical beings. The Buddha made it very clear in the sutras that a Buddhist does not worship, pray or rely on another being for his salvation. Freeing oneself from the wheel of samsara is the imperative of the individual. This cannot be accomplished by prayer, chanting and other rituals. I do not know much about the Hmong or Khmer cultures. That said, there is evidently a religious tradition in those cultures that, like other religions, emphasizes reliance on the external. To the extent one views these external entities as real, that one's beliefs are in conflict with the sutras. In a word, a heretic. Even if they are wonderful people. As a Buddhist it is difficult for me to use such language, hence the three star review. I would note, however, for Buddhists not culturally connected to Hmong, Cambodian or similar traditions, you will probably not find Buddhism as you understand it here, though those who practice in Mahayana or Chan (as distinct from Zen) traditions will likely not feel as out of place as I do. What you will find are friendly, welcoming, decent people whose practice is decidedly devotional. Oh and a gorgeous temple!

What a beautiful temple and space. I went here for a visit for a family member and the place was…read moretranquil and serene. The space is very green and lined with nice statues that lead to the temple. I wasn't able to go in this time even though it was open to the public but one of the Buddhist monks came out and chatted with me for a while. Would definitely return if I am ever in the area.

In the world of hidden gems, this place may just take first prize…read more FDC and I were heading to meet someone who worked nearby. "You'll probably get lost", she said, and suggested we meet up at a nearby Buddhist temple. Okay. Not far from Bartram's Gardens. Cool. The area is a mix of modest row homes, public housing and industrial sites. As we crossed over Lindbergh Ave, towards a sign that said "dead end", we could see many tractor cabs, trailers, debris, and graffiti. Then, as if by magic, the entrance to the monastery appeared to our left. WOW. What a lovely space, with tiered gardens, a coveted picnic area, stunning temple and serene large Buddhist statues. This is Wat Khmer Palelai, a Buddhist monastery serving primarily Cambodian and Laotian cultures. My friend met us, sating that the monks are all very kind and welcoming, and that in the spring the gardens they plant are truly breathtaking. In addition to the temple, gardens and picnic area there is also a meditation center. We're looking forward to returning in the spring. We made

This is a beautiful place to gather and practice mindfulness and meditation. Warm, friendly, and…read morewelcoming people. Thank you!

Hi Yelpers Who is…read moreusing YELP to help the won temple of Philadelphia inc on yelp..to use this website its easy & simple...{You could always Write about anything you wish to write about & search} so i hope this will be helpful to you YELPERS ...I just dropped by & say hi Have a great day!!