10 Buddhist Temples Where You Can Meditate and Stay
From Bodh Gaya to Kyoto, these Buddhist temples welcome visitors for meditation retreats ranging from one day to several months.
Finding Stillness at Sacred Sites
Many Buddhist temples around the world welcome visitors for meditation retreats. Practicing at these sacred sites — where great teachers attained enlightenment or taught for centuries — adds a powerful dimension to your meditation practice.
1. Bodh Gaya, India
Where the Buddha himself attained enlightenment. The Root Institute offers 10-day Vipassana courses. Meditating under the Bodhi Tree is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Kopan Monastery, Nepal
Near Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu, Kopan offers month-long courses in Tibetan Buddhist meditation and philosophy. The November course is world-famous.
3. Wat Suan Mokkh, Thailand
Founded by the revered Ajahn Buddhadasa, this forest monastery in southern Thailand offers free 10-day silent meditation retreats starting on the 1st of each month.
4. Plum Village, France
Thich Nhat Hanh's mindfulness community in the Dordogne offers retreats throughout the year. The practice emphasizes mindfulness in daily activities — walking, eating, breathing.
5. Tassajara, California
The first Zen monastery established outside Asia, Tassajara offers summer guest seasons with zazen instruction in the spectacular Big Sur wilderness.
6. Shwedagon Pagoda Complex, Myanmar
Several meditation centers near the golden pagoda offer Mahasi-style Vipassana retreats lasting 2-8 weeks.
7. Koyasan, Japan
Stay in a Buddhist temple lodging (shukubo) atop Mount Koya, headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. Join morning fire ceremonies and meditation sessions.
8. Amaravati, England
A Thai forest tradition monastery in Hertfordshire offering weekend and longer retreats, with excellent meditation instruction for beginners.
9. Borobudur, Indonesia
While the temple itself doesn't host retreats, several nearby centers offer meditation programs with sunrise visits to this magnificent 9th-century monument.
10. Paro Taktsang area, Bhutan
Several meditation centers near the Tiger's Nest monastery offer contemplative retreats in one of the world's most spiritual settings.