My mom started coming here after she heard her friends talking about how it brings them peace and…read morehealing. Every time we come to visit the Statue of Mary, so many people leave beautiful flowers. It's such an amazing sight to see. You can definitely feel the energy and blessings when praying here. It gives me a sense of peace when I'm talking to Mary. Side Note: Parking can be tough sometimes, but be patient because people come and pray, pay their respects and then leave, so you'll be able to find a spot to park. Also be courteous of the neighbors who actually live in this area.

Nice gift shop and well staffed, that made the whole trip worthwhile. The place is kind of strange…read morebut it is a peaceful place to visit.

My favorite place to gain my merit with Alms giving to my teacher. Meditation and calming the mind…read moreis the only way in liberating harmful thoughts.

You must take in other cultures experience the world right here in Long Beach by experiencing the…read morecultures that are here. You can find great adventures in our own back yards. Open your eyes and mind.

Gotama Temple Somewheres around Long Beach and Orange Ave…read moreVegan and Peaceful Friendly and Crowded By Recommendation Thank You

Stopped by on the first day of the lunar new year. it's starting getting packed. Very festive…read moreand lively vibe. Parking will be a hassle but you can park couple street and walk over. Still a great and nice temple to go in LB.

Pre-pandemic, this temple was a smaller lot that eventually extended to what it is now. During…read morenon-celebratory days will allow for parking on the lot, but during days of observance and celebration, you'll have to find street parking. Parking in the neighborhood is impacted, so it's best to just get there early. The monks here speak various languages and chant in Pali. If you only speak English, some do speak English, so don't shy away from asking questions. Volunteers and temple devotees are usually on site to help with inquiries. If you read Khmer, this temple has the chants pre-printed in booklets in Khmer, so you can follow along. For those who are not familiar with temple schedules, monks eat before noon, so all the substantive services occur in the morning. I visited for the Killing Fields Memorial Center annual observance, which is every April 17th. DO: - Bring something to share or offer. Donuts and coffee are usually staples because it's an easy, economical, portable breakfast. I brought individually wrapped pastries to add to the mix, because it's self contained and there's usually children who are finicky about their foods who will eat them. - Take off your shoes when stepping onto the straw mats or seating area in front of the monks. - Because of previous point (taking off shoes), do wear shoes that are easy to take off. It's not uncommon for some folks to wear slip-on's or flip flops... don't judge. - Do help clean up after services and eating. After dharma talk, lunch and fellowship, help clean up. At least clean up after yourself or your group. DON'T: - Do not touch the monks. Women, do not try to shake their hands or otherwise make any physical skin-to-skin contact. My fingertip accidentally touch a monk's hand during a blessing of a commonly held item, and I got some harsh lip service back in the day. Learn from my experience. - Do not double dip. So, there's sort of an art to community eating. After dharma, the monks bless the congregation and food and everyone goes eat. If getting your own personal portion and you go for seconds, get a new plate/bowl each trip. Use buffet etiquette. Secondly, if you are eating family style amongst friends/family, place a serving spoon for each dish. It's a pandemic, let's not spread the funk. I enjoy going to this temple because its spacious. Parking is a headache, but, again--go early. Dharma talks have been informative and practical.

I came here after a very big trauma in April 2019. I called ahead and spoke to someone who was very…read morekind regarding my situation and they said this was the place I should be and in the beginning I loved it. It really helped regulate my nervous system And I very much appreciated. Franz and the way he helped guide beginners. What I did not appreciate was a woman who was also a beginner and craved support on an almost competitive level. She was very much attended to and a bit of a trauma dumper. I left for a while because of her, she just kept showing up in my space, but that was my choice to leave. Fast forward to the pandemic I did try to rejoin online and I was met with that same woman who I did try to extend an Olive branch to, since she was struggling and kept "showing up". She was the same trauma dumper, yet didn't remember me. But something that came to light is that I was not allowed to join the book group that she had created. As I got better, I thought about going back in spite of this woman, but then I saw that she is part of faculty Ultimately I decided that a group that would support someone with that behavior, in the way that they did is not the right group for me. I probably should have and I thought about contacting leaders in this group, but at that time, my nervous system was not in a place to defend myself and it's somehow felt small and petty. Better to let her have her way. However, six years later, I see that this is not the Buddhist way, which is the way they follow. I was not shown loving kindness in a time when I really needed it.

I have been attending classes at Long Beach Meditation for years. The teachers are all wonderful,…read morekind, and knowledgeable. Most programs are donation based but they also offer fee-based retreats where you can apply for a scholarship. The facilities are clean and inviting. They serve cold and hot water for tea. You don't need to bring any sitting gear (though you can) as they provide cushions, benches, and chairs. LBM also offers classes online which is super convenient! The community is so welcoming. If you're looking to learn how to meditate or you already have a practice but you want to sit with other people, try one of their classes. I can't recommend this place enough. It has changed my life!

Healing service works!! Week long dharma rite for my father and he is now cancer free. Don't let…read morethe naysayers get you down. Direct transmission from lineage of high Buddhist practitioners bring spiritual laws into activity. We are human and people at temple are human, but transmission is real.

Dharma rites.. too clear ancestors baggage. Hamni affiliate…read more A safe group of practitioners, chanting for the benefit of all sentient beings.. working for the common good of the whole..A holistic experience.

I was invited to the Sunday service called a Dharma Talk. I've been to Buddhist temples so I…read morethought I knew what to expect. This is so different! It's really modern and exciting! The music alone is worth the visit. There was a meditation and a talk. Enjoyed both! The sanctuary is beautiful and the people are really genuine! It was a real breath of fresh air after a long week. Recommend!

I just re-read today, "The Way to Oneness," by Donato, the founder of Morningland, written in 1974…read more Since then, Morningland has done much to promote unity in the community by teaching those principles. It's perhaps the most peaceful place among all the differing spiritual communities that Long Beach has to offer. Those who call it a cult might want to consider that Christianity was once one, as well.

"Catholic Shrine to Mary Cared For By Buddhist Monks"…read more When driving on Ocean Avenue back from Belmont Shores to downtown Long Beach, one can admire the many mansions lining the street. Nestled between them, on land that belongs to the nearby Buddhist monastery (Long Beach Sagely Monastery), is a shrine to Mother Mary. Before it was purchased in 1976, the land was the site of a Carmelite convent for 40 years, whose front was adorned by a statue of the Virgin. As part of the sale, either the monks asked the sisters to let them keep the statue or the sisters asked the monks to maintain it. In either case, the statue and the surrounding area is maintained by the nearby monks, with fresh flowers being rotated. It attracts both tourists and residents, which included us on a 'June Gloom' Thursday. There seems to be always people there, respectfully waiting or praying. There are pew like kneelers on either side, fronting well maintained flower beds. A plaque amongst the flowers prays: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us. Pray for the faithful of this area and our archdiocese. Pray for the beloved of our nation. Pray for and direct those who govern us. Pray for our benefactors. Holy Mary, Mother of God"

Incredible spiritual energy. Beautiful location across the…read moreway is the ocean Queen Mary in the background and it looks like hotel on an island but it's the oil island and on a clear day Catalina