The monks brought out little caesars pizza when Americans and non Vietnamese visited our temple. I…read moreappreciate the respect for other cultures.

I happened upon this thru a social app, and was not sure what I would get when I arrived. This is…read moreone time (so very unlike me) that I didn't do any research prior to the event; it really was an adventure for me. So, the event that was posted was a Saturday morning meditation in the An Lac Temple. The description details everything you might need to know about what to expect about the session, that it is seated meditation, a walking meditation, and a question/answer session (if you choose to stay). They provide cushions and ask that you wear comfortable but appropriate attire (no legs or shoulders showing and no yoga wear). If you do they warn that they may ask you to come back another day, out of respect for the monks. But, I will admit I wore yoga clothes one day not realizing the rules and I was allowed to stay ( I'm pretty sure that it was the tolerance and Grace given to someone who just doesn't know better). I was really embarrassed in my realization, however glad I wasn't given the boot! I love this beautiful hidden gem, just being there is kind of a peaceful experience. From my arrival, my walk outside toward the front door I felt as though I was already winding down. It has begun; although I didn't know what IT was. I would come to know that the "IT" was called slowing down, a conscious state of being in the now, present. Then taking off my shoes, each time that I attended it was this way, it was as if I were in a totally different place in the world. I mean, most of us aren't accustomed to being in bare socks or feet among strangers. This is kind of a humbling but seemingly appropriate thing to do. Because when I walked in to that front room it felt like a Temple; it felt sacred. I'm not saying this from any religious stand point, all are welcome to this meditation group to practice mindfulness. But, there is no ignoring the beauty. Before you reach the inside of the Temple you first enter the Ancestors Room (something like that, don't quote me), where soft chanting music gently welcomes you to come further inward (in every way actually, interesting). The floor is wood and smooth under your feet and the room is dimly lit, sanctuary-esque. This first room is where the monks and the Buddhists honor their ancestors, and those who have passed. The main area is open and bright, and there are rows of cushions placed on the floor with little wooden trays atop. Giant Buddha's face the room from the raised floor and at the back there is a large gong (not sure if they call it that). It's spacious and open, you feel like you can breathe in there. But, no matter how I describe it, I won't be doing the Temple any justice. So, even if you don't go to a meditation (every Saturday at 10am, free) I think it is a wonderful place to see in Indianapolis... I enjoyed the question and answer each time I went. It was not always about Zen or Buddhism, sometimes the topic was meditating or mindfulness, really whatever the group brought up. It was usually very interesting and enlightening because everyone could participate. It wasn't just question answer, it was nonjudgmental discussion. Quang Pháp, Viet T. Le, known to the group as Viet. He is so nice and accommodating to all; he tries to allow everyone to feel comfortable, explaining the "why" behind the rules and things like that. And moderates the discussions well. PS... Enter the Temple from the back. You will see the shoe rack and you'll know you're in the right place! And if you think you can attend because you have to sit on the floor? You can do like I did and sit in a chair; I've done both due to back problems.

A welcoming community open to anyone interested in learning more about Zen Buddhism. The regular…read morepractice consists of sitting, walking and chanting meditation. They offer regular retreats

I have been meaning to come here for awhile for the Wednesday meditations. There is a sign on the…read morelawn and street parking which is generally plentiful when you come early. Everyone was very welcoming & kind. We start with some chanting, then about 20-30 minutes of silent meditation. And a walking meditation. I find that it really grounds me. I hope to join again sometime soon. It's nice to have a place to go and a community to meditate with.

I attended a teaching this past Sunday. The group was warm and welcoming. The place was small and…read morecozy and offered me tea. The alter was beautifully adorned. Yes, it it was in portion of a house, instead of a grand temple, but I felt that almost added to the intimacy and focus of mindfulness. The monk who lead the teaching was incredibly alert and thoughtful in intention and the translator did an excellent job translating to English. As he was teaching, he was looking at and taking consideration of every individual in the room. The teaching was deep and incredibly insightful. I agree that this session would be tricky for a newbie and I probably would have been lost had I not read several books about Buddhism in the past. But, from what I understand they have implemented a "Intro" series on another day that would help someone get up to speed.

The Indiana Buddhist Center is home to a very traditional lineage of Tibetan Buddhism thanks, I'm…read moresure, to the Dalai Lama's ties to Indiana. The Center is located just off Post on 10th Street in a fairly average-sized suburban home converted for the purpose. The house is very small and that makes for an almost claustrophobic feel as you acclimate to being there. Service there felt more like meeting in someone's living room than a specific congregational space. I've attended only a couple of services here. Everyone was very warm and inviting and the conversations tend to be pretty heady and interesting. The practice seems solid and should be fairly familiar to anyone experienced with meditation. This group seems less interested in catering to newcomers to Buddhism, in my experience, but that might just be my perception. I should clarify that I'm not a newcomer in the least, so maybe they were just better at not treating me like I was. If you're interested in exploring Buddhism and want a very authentic Tibetan experience, this might be the Center for you.

I came to Bloomington for the day and chose to stop by this place. It was super peaceful, and the…read morescenery was great. I would definitely recommend this place if you want to learn about Tibetan buddhist culture, have a peaceful walk, or just to get out for the day.

My husband and I stopped here on a recent visit to Bloomington and wow, what a beautifully serene…read moreplace! You can only hear the leaves of the trees moving in the wind here. It's so very peaceful. We visited the gift shop where we were tended to by a zealously attentive gentleman, before we set off to wander a bit. There's much to see here - monuments and Buddhas and the prayer wheels and a whole lot of nature. I'll admit that even though we were told we could visit the monks on the temple, we felt too shy to visit, not wanting to disturb the monks, and because we hadn't studied up on protocols before pur visit. But even without meeting them, wandering the grounds is such a treat. Tip: make sure to bring some change or other offerings. Throughout the property you'll find Buddha statues where you may make an offering. I had limited change, so once I ran out, at the last Buddha I left a small citrine I happened to have in my pocket. I love this place and already feel it calling me back. It's so quiet and beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend, very pleasant!