All Meditation Programs
The Buddha Meditation Center of Greater Washington DC offers mindfulness, meditation programs, and insightful Buddhist teachings for a better life through diverse, accessible programs and events for people of all backgrounds.
Meditate with a Monk Programs
Learn how to meditate directly under the guidance of a Buddhist monk. These sessions offer simple, practical instructions in mindfulness and breathing meditation, with time for questions and personal guidance.
-
Type: Guided group meditation with a Buddhist monk
-
Ideal for: Beginners and anyone seeking practical guidance on meditation.
Learn how to meditate directly under the guidance of a Buddhist monk. These sessions offer simple, practical instructions in mindfulness and breathing meditation, with time for questions and personal guidance.
-
Type: Guided group meditation with a Buddhist monk
-
Ideal for: Beginners and anyone seeking practical guidance on meditation.
This session is specially designed for beginners, with gentle guidance, easy-to-follow techniques, and heartfelt support from compassionate Buddhist monks. If you’ve ever felt curious about meditation but unsure where to start—this is the place.
-
Type: Guided group meditation with discussions and short reflections
- Ideal for: Non-Buddhists seeking practical tools for stress relief and personal growth
- At: Sandy Spring Museum
- When: First Tuesday of every month.
Special Events
Saturday, October 17 · 6:00 PM
@ George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Practitioners from the three main Buddhist traditions, Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna, come together for an evening of shared practice and conversation. GW students: please contact CISL to attend.
Saturday, October 24 · 10:00 AM – 1:15 PM
@ Meadowside Nature Center, then the Buddha Meditation Center
A guided bird walk with Sanka Perera, snacks and a talk on bird life, then an hour of loving-kindness meditation. Free to attend, with donations supporting our meditation hall’s heating and cooling upgrade.
Type: In-person, nature walk and guided meditation
Ideal for: Beginners welcome; no birdwatching or meditation experience needed
Saturday, October 31
Help keep our neighbors warm this winter. Drop-off details and what to bring will be posted soon.
Sunday, November 8 · 9:00 AM
@ Buddha Meditation Center, 5004 Stone Rd, Rockville
Kathina is the annual ceremony where lay supporters offer robes to the monks at the end of their three-month rains retreat (Vassa). Join the procession, take part in the robe offering, and stay for a Sri Lankan lunch together afterwards.
A donation drive for sports accessories for students at underprivileged schools. More details coming soon.
@ Buddha Meditation Center
Give blood, help save lives. Our community has hosted blood drives at the center before, and we’re planning the next one. Date and sign-up details coming soon.
Online Meditation Programs
Every Thursday, 8:00 – 9:00 pm
@ Online (Zoom session)
Mindfulness meditation and interactive discussions to build awareness and community
Type: Online group meditation and dialogue
Ideal for: Individuals of all faiths and non-believers interested in mindfulness and community connection
Every Wednesday, 8:00 – 9:00 pm
@ Online (Zoom session)
Learn Buddhist teachings easily from experienced Theravada Buddhist monks.
-
Type: Online Sutta study and discussion group
-
Ideal for: Individuals of all backgrounds seeking to develop mindfulness and learn Buddhism through authentic teachings in a welcoming environment
Meditation Retreats
Every 1st & 3rd Saturday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
@Buddha Meditation Center
Mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness, letting go practices, breathing exercises, and walking meditation
Type: In-person, immersive meditation retreat
Ideal for: Individuals seeking a deep and comprehensive mindfulness experience
Two-day Meditation Programs
Two-day program (dates vary)
@ Dedicated Retreat Center
Deep meditation practices, mindfulness sessions, and guided teachings. Teachings and meals are provided freely. Participants cover accommodations
Type: Residential retreat (overnight stay required)
Ideal for: Both Buddhists and non-Buddhists seeking immersive meditation and spiritual growth
Every 2nd Saturday - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
@Buddha Meditation Center
A quiet afternoon of silent, self-paced group meditation, for practicing what you’ve learned in classes and retreats alongside others
Type: In-person, silent self-guided practice
Ideal for: Meditators who want a regular, quiet space to practice with others; beginners welcome
Bring Mindfulness to Your Workplace
Workplace Meditation Programs
Let your workplace be a space of peace, productivity, and presence.
Invite us to help your team pause, breathe, and begin again—with mindfulness.
Other Meditation Programs
Every Sunday, 9:00 – 11:00 am
@ Buddha Meditation Center DC
Mindfulness practices promoting gratitude, resilience, emotional intelligence, and interfaith harmony
Type: Interactive and educational program for children
Ideal for: Children from all backgrounds interested in emotional growth and Buddhist cultural acceptance
Every Sunday, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
@ Buddha Meditation Center DC
Guided meditation followed by a Dhamma talk or Q&A session. Ideal for stress relief and weekly reflection.
Type: Weekly group session
Ideal for: Individuals seeking regular meditation practice and community engagement.
Sinhala Language Programs
Monthly sessions | Poya Day
@ Buddha Meditation Center DC
Sinhala language learning integrated with mindfulness practices, promoting cultural connection
Type:Cultural and mindfulness educational program
Ideal for: Sri Lankan American community members seeking to preserve their language and heritage while practicing mindfulness