Very serene surroundings, very helpful thoughts from the Monk, great meditation, would love to come…read moreagain.

I only stayed for a night at the temple. They are very kind and welcoming for some out who need…read morehelp. Speake of human being I'm thankful they take me in but other than that I don't have any business with them. The temple was nice. Statue of Budda were beautifully made. I'm respecting the place. So......in the middle of no where....... you were lost and you found this place, they take you in, so you should be thankful.

Wonderful atmosphere, great statues around and everything about the place was so peaceful. Will fs…read morebe coming back!

As someone who has consistently come to this temple for many years, it's really disappointing to…read moresee someone speak of Van Hanh Temple in such a way. My relatives and friends volunteer at this temple each week to help the monks prepare foods, and the services that they hold each Sunday. They have also helped out by conducting health screenings, and wonderful festivals that have made everyone very happy as well. The money that the monks receive all go back to the people that donate in the end. They do not really "beg" for it per say, but it is usually custom to try to give back to make the ambiance of this temple a lot better.

Meditation night is amazing. I want to thank the leaders of this event. Admittedly am not a…read morereligious person, but they welcome all. If you can it is kind to bring some cash for a donation, but it is not required. I've met some of the members of this temple, and it's a diverse group of very polite people. The book shelf has some interesting topics to learn about. Living in the DC burbs can be stressful. Meditation nights have helped me to improve focus and relax. I'm very thankful to the leaders and others who attend these sessions. The gardens are truly special. Also a friend of mine through meditation, has been able to reduce her blood medication from techniques learned here. If you have a stressful profession, or need to find a way to unwind, these friendly folks will do everything they can to welcome you into a new skill. Full recommend!

Ekoji is very welcoming and a come as you are temple. Service Is very relaxed and there is always…read moresomeone to answer your questions. Have a walk around the lovely garden.

A wonderful place and organization with a mission of world peace and self empowerment with a focus…read moreon cause and affect of self and others. Communities such as the SGI are an important part of connecting with others who want to enjoy life and all of its complexity.

HI , My name is Gary Walker ,I have been a member of S.G.I for the past year . One of my best…read morefriends had mentioned in passing that she was doing this practice and how good it made her feel . This is a kind wonderful person who i happen to value her word . Suzanne over the years would mention it and i thought that i would go one day . That day came last year .My husband and partner of 31 years died unexpectedly on February 8th 2015 . As you can imagine I felt like all of the love, joy, and happiness was gone out of my life . Left with life being numb as i really couldn't feel anymore . I showed up on a Thursday night intro meeting to see how it would look and feel . The Center is beautiful Zen like space with maybe twenty people present. I liked it straight away , just people sitting chatting saying hello . Then someone handed me a business sized card with "Nam-myoho-renge-Kyo" this the chant .So we started chanting then prayer followed by a discussion . If was beautiful and i felt great, however I was waiting for " your phone# credit card stuff" none of that stuff . No one has ever bothered or put pressure on me just great support and caring . I expected big complex lectures on what it means- again none of that . You keep showing up learn as you go . I love the practice i can do by myself or with others my choice . The past year it had to be that way no pressure!. I belong to the Georgetown group we meet in someones home on a Tuesday evening .I love what we do and who we are to ourselves and each other . Thank you S.G.I and all it wonderful members who are made up of all different kinds of good people . Gary Walker

What this is: a community dedicated to the serious and respectful practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The…read morecenter was established in 1994 under the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche as part of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international non-profit organization founded in 1975 by Lama Thubten Yeshe, a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Dr. Lorne Ladner, Ph.D., has served as director of The Guhyasamaja Center for over 12 years and I recommend checking out his book "The Lost Art of Compassion: Discovering The Practice Of Happiness In The Meeting Of Buddhism And Psychology." See their YouTube page to get a sense of their activities https://www.youtube.com/user/GuhyasamajaCenter What this is not: corporate consultant McMindfullness or nouveau riche types trying to look spiritual in their expensive yoga pants.

The new center is very beautiful and has a comfy atmosphere. A great place for teachings and…read moremeditation.

Background: For those who didn't know, I'm half Thai and half Cambodian. Our New Year (in addition…read moreto other Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Burma, Sri Lanka, etc.) is traditionally celebrated on April 13/14 and lasts for three whole days before the rainy season begins. I've gone to Wat Lao a few times over the years and I'm glad that I have a slice of my culture only 45 minutes away from home! The temple is located approximately 15 minutes past Manassas and there's plentiful parking around it. They have huge festivals for the Southeast Asian New Year and July 4th. Even if you're not Buddhist or Southeast Asian, you can still attend the festivals held at the temple. A small donation is suggested before you enter. In addition to tons of food vendors (pretty much any Southeast Asian food you can think of), they also have music, traditional dancers, and other entertainment throughout the grounds.

40th Annual Lao New Year Celebration reminded me how there is so much to explore in life. It was…read moreone of the best festivals I have attended. I met so many incredibly welcoming Lao people that do not stay shy to talk with you or explain some things. There is so much to see at the Buddhist compound and it is very peaceful, as if all the Buddhist reincarnations have taken a place already in order to create very friendly and calm people. There are markets with various products and clothes. Very popular booth was the one with Thai doughnuts made by friendly elderly Laotian couple. The whole atmosphere felt more festive and less commercialized then I am used to at other festivals. There is a stage with music/dance and there was a lot of food. It is very children friendly. My son loved letting fish in the pond for good luck (blessing) and he skipped other rites - food offering or water spilling. Interesting food item was sticky rice in a bamboo stick. You get it for $2 and they cut it with the machete and you enjoy food after you split the bamboo sides. There were all standard grilled items and pho's and fried vegetables. The food was cheaper than normal - great Pad Thai was $5 instead of usual $7. I felt so good at the festival and the access is the highway all the way, except for the last 4 scenic miles. I used to think of November as my favorite month because all the great local Scandinavian bazaars, but April is now so interesting with all the local South Asian New Year celebrations. Happy Lao New Year! P.S. They have two festivals a year - one in mid-April and another one on July 4th.

This is a very entertaining and interesting food festival!! They have all sorts of flavorful sweet…read moreand savory dishes and desserts! We ordered Thai tea, fresh shrimp rolls, and chicken buns and all sorts of amazing desserts! The Thai dancers attired with their beautiful and colorful Thai dresses performed intricate and amazing dances! It was such a beautiful Fall day for enjoying eating and entertainment with family and friends!! Highly recommend this annual event if you are in the area!! It's a great way to explore new and exciting culture and events!! However, make sure you have cash, Venmo, or Zelle on hand as they do not accept anything else..

This Thai Buddhist Temple has a space next to it where they have vendors that sells authentic Thai…read moreand sometimes Vietnamese food for purchase. Normally events are around their religious holidays. They also post days that the market is open on Facebook! I love going here to support the local community. Some of the ladies will make to order so you can tone the spice level down of needed. Payment: Venmo, Zelle and cash.

The Kadampa Meditation Center in DC is wonderful. I have been attending for almost 3 years. They…read morerecently added more classes throughout the week including a 30 minute lunch time meditation. The new Resident Teacher Kadam Michelle is awesome. The community is a great group of people from all walks of life. I highly recommend checking it out!

I attended this evenings guided meditation for the first time. I was impressed with the cleanliness…read moreof the facility and the welcoming environment. The nun was outstanding and I got something out of the reading. I am inspired to return and also am left with a peaceful inner feeling.

Nichiren Shoshu is the true teaching. The Joju Gohonzon is particularly beautiful in the recently…read morerenovated sanctuary. Please come check it out for yourself.

I went to a lecture on the Optimal conditions you should provide someone at their moment of death…read more have not found the reference material for this. There are many conditions, including, Do not touch the person at the moment of death because even the most gentle touch Will be Extremely amplified. I'm assuming this includes closing someone's eyes for them. I would hate to think what electrical shock trying to start someone's heart would be like. Another condition is not to be crying Next to the person making them feel sad, also, to minimize the number of people near the person so to not confuse them. If someone has body odor they should not be near the dying person. Keep the area uncluttered so the person Will not be reminded of their earthly possessions. There were at least eight conditions altogether nobody remembers this lecture. I have not seen any supporting documents in the lotus sutra.