The little temple/church in Austin has a fantastic vibration. It's not open during the pandemic…read moreunfortunately. When things stabilize I can't recommend it enough if one wants a serene, high vibration non intrusive place to meditate or just be quiet and centered. It's open for Sunday services. The weekly service is conducted by lay people (monks visits once in a while from other parts of the world) and there is a spiritual lesson read aloud each service that covers a myriad of topics. You'll see people meditating before and during the service and you're welcome to do the same. SRF is a practice. It's a philosophy. I don't want to use the word religion because that implies dogma which is definitely not a part of SRF. When I first walked in oh so many years ago in Los Angeles, no one asked me for my address, phone number, money or invited me to a "seminar" "which only costs $ [insert large amount here]. It is still the same today. They never push you - that's totally antithetical to what they stand for. SRF teaches that each person has their own personal relationship with their higher power - SRF calls it God, Divine Mother, Friend and says there are a myriad of names for this Omnipresent Consciousness that is the Oneness of all things. Therefore no one will intrude into your space. They have volunteers with blue badges and you're welcome to ask them questions. SRF wa]s founded in 1920 by the late Indian guru Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the very first Indian spiritual teachers to come to North America. There are no "rules" or requirements to attend other than common sense decorum necessary when entering any place where there is a silent meditation or a service going on. You don't have to be a "member." There are meditation groups and centers all over the world. Most of the larger temples are in California where he resided. Yogananda never said SRF is the only way to God or to higher consciousness. In fact he says there are many paths and one needs to find the one that works for them. That non-exclusive point of view was and still is very attractive to me. As soon as a teaching or orgaziztion claims to be the only way or the right way I know I'm in the wrong building. The meditation techniques are very simple and straightforward. One can have their printed meditation lessons mailed to your home. I think it's 2x or 1x a month. It was $50 for 12-18 months for about the past 40/50 years - didn't even cover the cost of the stamps. And they just raised it to $99. The lessons are for either 12 or 18 months. And you do not have to get them. Many people attend SRF and don't read the lessons. It's all up to you. In the beginning of my attendance, I went to services using a different silent meditation technique that I had learned and the depth and peace I attained was wonderful. Eventually I decided to take the lessons and I've discovered that SRF is my go-to spiritual path. There are SRF staff and monks available by telephone in California during the day if you have questions. SRF Mother Center in LA. 323-225-2471. The webites are helpful Main website: https://www.yogananda-srf.org Live meditations throughout the world's time zones can be found here during the pandemic https://srfonlinemeditation.org Youtube Channel has lots of good videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqr3sDl5CzjQwOHiVLal4gQ SRF Lake Shrine in LA (Pacific Palisades) the only place in the world where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes are interred outside of India www.Lakeshrine.org Stay safe and healthy! OM SHANTI

Tranquil and relaxing, this center had a pleasant meditation space and a gentle welcome from the…read moreAustin regulars at this group (we were just in for the weekend, visiting from Ft. Worth). We left feeling peaceful and energized and ready for an enjoyable day seeing the sights of Austin. If you are new to meditation or interested in learning, there is info and brochures in the lobby as well as helpful info from their regular attendees. Will definitely return on our next visit to the city, great group.

Amazing place ! Real zen atmosphere with great ambience and set lunch and dinner for cheap…read more The staff is great. Ample food that's tasty , gluten free, and vegan. We will go back for sure .

Omg I absolutely love this place. I just moved here from Houston in January and one of my best…read morefriends came to visit last month and brought me here because she comes to visit this studio Everytime she's in Austin. I am so glad she brought me because I love coming here. The ambiance is amazing. The instructors are so great and wonderful and the classes they have are outstanding. I love that they have a little elixir and cacao spot inside. I haven't tried any yet but I will. They have a great deal too with unlimited classes where you can visits their surrounding interconnected studios and I haven't tried any tried one of the others as well and love that one too. Best decision I made all year was continuing to come back here.

2 hours ago It's been at least a year since I had been here…read more I came today very much looking forward to starting up my meditation practice again. The meditation was happening in the smaller Ayala room this day. As I approached I noticed there was a walking meditation taking place. Not sure if I should go inside or wait until the group was seated again I asked a woman who has just exited if it was ok for me to enter. She tried her best to avoid eye contact with me and stated "I don't know you!" With a straight face. I felt so offended by her lack of compassion and basic kindness I immediately left. What a negative energy this woman brought into the place. I didn't feel comfortable there. I won't be back.

It's been nine years that I've been attending the Austin Shambhala Center, and have felt no…read morepressure to do anything. It's all a personal path, and the sangha (community) is your support along the way. Everyone is so supportive if you voice your need to learn more. Chogyam Trungpa was a messenger. The teachings he gave have been passed down for thousands of years. Regardless of his imperfect nature, the teachings still stand firmly rooted in basic truth. Please come by and see how wonderful this group is.

Incredible Sangha. I have been practicing Buddhism since I was teaching in China and Viet nam…read more Upon returning to the US, I tried a class at the Kadampa center in Seattle and was amazed, and everything was in English! The Ka dam pa path is for everyday life. I continued my studies at the KMC on Bissel Lane and continued to apply the wisdom of the Path and Geshe-la the spiritual guide to work, family, and self. During the pandemic and a job change, I have been able to continue my coursework online, taking profound FP (foundational program classes). I hope everyone has the opportunity to take a GP (general program) class.

I went to the meditation for beginners class, I didn't realize that center was in a house. Which…read morewouldn't have been a big deal if I hadn't sat down next to a window. I'm not really sure why they have seats next to a noisy street. So the whole time I was trying to meditate a dog was barking and cars were passing by so it was very difficult. Maybe for a more experienced person it's not a big deal, but I would not recommend it for a beginner. The instructor was very nice and informative. She just did not seem very confident in some of the things that she was saying. I'm not sure if her notes were not well written, or if she was just having trouble with her iPad but if somebody is teaching me something I would like them to be a little bit more confident in the things that they're saying.

I've tried several yoga studios, but like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, none of them felt just…read moreright. As Yelper Hannah G perfectly put it, "With how saturated the yoga market is, it was hard for me to find a place that I connected with". For me, that place has turned out to be Sukha Yoga. Sure, Mark (co-founder) has no idea who I am--I've only taken his class once--but that single experience left a lasting impression. I attended his Saturday Bhakti Service: Flow, Meditation, and Sound, an 80 min class that collaborates an intentional vinyasa flow practice with mindfulness. For "busy" folks who struggle to slow down or are close-minded, this class (and maybe even this style of practice) might not be for you. As Mark's fists say, he certainly is a "GURU." He guides his class with intention and power, while also subtly weaving in his musical talents, playing several instruments and even singing, in a way that feels genuine and somehow not cringe. The class is structured, yet somehow freeing. Mark allows you to set your own pace during sun salutations, which feels like pure magic. The experience made me feel grounded and safe. I could have cried with how deeply content my soul felt. BONUS: If you love dogs, you'll probably find Mark's extremely well behaved mini doodle, Mai, practicing her down dog. If you don't, there's a door... NOTE: For first timers, it's located next door to Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co--easy to miss if you're not looking for it.

Another day, another new yoga studio. This time I found myself just off South Lamar at Sukha Yoga…read morefor a 6am practice. I arrived at the studio and it was still dark out. Finding the studio and parking was a bit difficult, but once I was inside it felt warm and inviting. There was a small waiting area with some seating which led right to the studio itself. Not huge, but cozy. The class started on time and the instructor took us through a well sequenced flow. It was powerful but far from overwhelming. The studio was supposed to be heated, but it's possible I was not near enough to an infrared light which kept me from getting a sweat in. After the class was over, the instructor invited me to join a small group for a Barton Springs plunge. Really appreciated the community building outside of class! Thanks again and I'll look forward to returning and trying out some other class styles!

Came here for Sandy the Singing Bowl lady who was doing a sound bath. This was amazing. The…read morelocation is tucked away but ample parking. Once inside easy layout and they provide lockers with keys for your belongings. The session was in the Himalayan salt room and there were chairs set up for participants. The chairs did lie back so you could feel weightless during the session. There were six of us for the session and Sandy was great. She gave a great overview of what would happen and got started. The only downside was the person next to me was breathing heavy, got up and left the room and kept drinking water which interrupted the full experience of the meditative state. Right when I'd be fully relaxed, they would make some noice se and pull me out. So he aware you may not have a fully immersed experience due to other peeps. I would love to do an individual session however she closed her studio. So I'll keep hunting. Once the session was done, you can see the salt on your clothes - I was wearing black and had a light dusting on - easily wipe away and go about your day.

I absolutely adore salt therapy and was so happy to find out that this location moved to South…read moreAustin. Apparently about a year ago, but I totally missed it. For those with sinus/allergy issues it is extremely effective. I've been to several of these across the country. Let me start by saying this is a beautiful and extremely relaxing salt room. The "shooting stars" and calming music really add to the 45 minute experience. I was expecting a little more comfort based on the ones I've been to before and the price. A zero gravity lawn chair and having to pay extra for a blanket was a bit unexpected. It won't deter me from returning, but do wish it was a bit more spa like.

Wonderful place. I enjoy their sittings and the calm atmosphere of the zendo. Highly recommend this…read moreplace to those wishing to further their spirituality pratice.

I've been coming to the Austin Zen Center for 6 months now and I love it. They teach genuine Zen…read moreBuddhism and are very warm, interesting people. If you're looking for a place of calm and refuge in the city, I recommend.

I had the most phenomenal reiki session with Sarah !! I went in feeling low, beat down, and…read morediscouraged... and asked for loving healing energy. Sarah intuitively knew where to go and led me through such a relaxing session. The session itself was amazing, but what was even more amazing was my energy in the days that followed!! Omg the next day I felt like I was floating on a cloud. I felt free of low vibrations/energies, I felt uplifted and invincible. I highly highly HIGHLY recommend getting a reiki session with Sarah. And at the end she even had me pull a card and did a reading which was SO spot on!! Thank you x a million, Sarah

As a bodyworker myself I can wholeheartedly recommend Pure OM Massage. Sarah's technique is top…read morenotch! Her ability to listen to and work with the body to release stuck tissues is rare. I only wish I could clone her back home to continue to work through some of my stubborn knots

Great space for an afternoon yoga! My friend invited me to practice for the first time. Bring 5…read moremonths pregnant, this was much needed. The space is large with a bathroom in the back. There are cubbies for your stuff, blocks and blankets to use. The environment is calming and smells nice. The instructor was a sub and very patient with me. I appreciated all of the guided modifications and extra pillows. After an hour session I felt fantastic! Recommend reserving a spot online!

The place is so zen! right when you enter you are greeted with a warm welcome from the instructor…read more I was running late but she made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. The class was 75 mins donation based and totally worth it. Be ready to workout if you book vinyasa. I will be coming back and raving about this class to my friends for a long time. The instructor was Iva.