It's a bit bizarre to see a place like a Buddhist temple out in the outskirts of Atlanta, but…read moregetting here you can feel a sort of different atmosphere that's hard to describe in words. The owners of this place obviously take great pride in taking care of it, so if you're here to take pictures as many are, spare a few dollars and donate to them.

It's hard to miss this place from 675. I had passed it many times and wonder what it was. We…read morefinally stopped and it was worth it. After we walked around for about 20 minutes, one of the worshipers actually came up to talk to us and gave us a lot of information. He answered a lot of questions. The detail is emmaculate and he told us that the entire thing is hand carved so it is taking a while to finish. If you have ever been curious I suggest stopping by. They are very nice there.

I live within walking distance of the monastery. I have gotten so much information from the monks…read moreand the teachers. Learned about meditation, breathing and expectance.

Ever since I've been studying Religion, I'm more and more intrigued with Buddhism. I've only knew…read moreabout Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced mainly in SE Asia - Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka (not SE Asia but still). Tibetan Buddhism is unique since it's sort of still Mahayana Buddhism but can be categorized as Vajrayana Buddhism. I never really understood Theravada Buddhism. My husband is Cambodian and I have a lot of Laotian friends. I've attended their temples and didn't understand it. What I love about Vajrayana Buddhism is how beautifully colorful it is to teaching you self-love and meditation. Everyone is invited. Free meditation sessions every Sunday from 11 am - Noon. Donations accepted. Gift shop with beautiful souvenirs. Everyone is very welcoming. The first three rows are for those who want to sit down on floor level to meditate. There are pillows for comfort. I sat in the front, in the middle. The monk is very well articulated and spoke with a little humor. What he speaks about is "common sense" but it will make you think again. About your life. About what it means to live. Towards the end, there was a 20ish minutes session of meditation to clear your mind. I love it! I plan to more and often again. Everyone should take time for self-love. 252/2019

This Wat was very good looking, it has very nice statues and generous people. We were visiting from…read moreCincinnati, Ohio and a khmer place was top on our list.

Who would have thought there would be a Buddhist temple in Lithonia Georgia? Cambodia Buddhist…read moreTemple in Lithonia been build since back in 80's now much grow bigger, and keep Cambodian Triditional stand represent ask Khmer Georgia. I am Proud of the community keep strong no matter what.........

Disclaimer: This review is based on an open house I attended. I am not a Buddhist nor am I a member…read moreof SGI-USA. SGI-USA stands for Soka Gakkai International-USA. Soka Gakkai has existed in Atlanta since 1969. For a long time, its Buddhist center was located in what appeared to be nondescript office space on 14th Street next to the Big Chandelier. I've driven past it many times over the years. Seeing the words "Soka Gakkai International" across the storefront, I always thought it was a Japanese company of some sort. Over the last 1-2 years, I've watched the center get constructed from scratch in Atlantic Station. It was interesting to watch the building's development. Little did I know it would be for a Buddhist center. I received information on their open house held June 28, 2014 and decided to check it out, out of curiosity. From what I was told by a member, the center opened one month ago in May 2014. The building is very nice. It's modern. "Modern" can also be used to describe the way the folks here practice Buddhism (at least from my perspective). Upon entry, we signed a guestbook and were then introduced to a hostess who gave us a tour of the new facility. Everyone was really kind to us. We were first led to an open space that housed an exhibit called the "International Committee of Artists for Peace (ICAP)." This exhibit featured high quality, color, informative banners of artists around the world, not necessarily Buddhists or members of SGI-USA (from what I recall), and important qualities each artist exuded. For example, Carlos Santana for Commitment, Yo Yo Ma for Unity, Nina Simone for Equality, and Maya Angelou for Forgiveness. We were shown around the first floor which includes a store where members can buy various Buddhist materials. This includes things like beads and miniature altars/shrines (these have a name, but I forgot). There are also Buddhist books, magazines, and other reading materials. The first floor also contains a greeting/security desk, administrative office space, and meeting rooms outfitted with comfy, cushioned chairs, flatscreen high-def displays, and altars/shrines. This place certainly is *not* your traditional Buddhist temple with monks and burning incense. It's very contemporary. It's not referred to as a "temple," but rather a "center." The second floor contains more meeting rooms, a kids' room (with a great corner view of West Midtown), and the largest meeting room with a larger shrine/altar. I would liken this room to a church sanctuary. Similar setup. I met the A/V guy in the back and saw his equipment -- all brand new and fancy looking. I know nothing about larger scale/professional A/V equipment, but it looked sophisticated. Up front was a band that broke out in a performance of the Motown song "Dancing in the Street." The congregation, the majority of whom appeared to be members, broke out in song and dance. They ended up forming a conga line and danced gleefully around the large room. Just about everyone seemed to be into it. It looked like gospel except it wasn't. The membership was diverse, ranging from African American to Caucasian to East Asian to South Asian. Ages also seemed to run the gamut. The open house was sort of an eye-opening experience for me. I never knew Buddhists practiced their religion in this way (admittedly, I'd never given it any thought). I just wanted to check out new construction in Atlantic Station. I ended up Googling and researching Soka Gakkai later. The type of Buddhism practiced and history of the relatively young organization is quite interesting. Wikpedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soka_Gakkai. In the end, I enjoyed my time at the open house. I met nice people (some who traveled from out of state to be there) and had fun taking a tour of the beautiful facility.

One of the best places in Atlanta to visit! It's an oasis in hot or cold weather plus anytime in…read morebetween. Always clean, warm and friendly atmosphere. Sometimes there are events happening that require privacy so the staff is trained to ensure everyone's safety. This building is a landmark and architectural wonder, as well. A place to go to chant/meditate and to learn how you can make an impact for world peace!

This is a beautiful facility. I wanted to take pictures but was afraid to ask. I feel like they may…read morewant the facility to remain private and special to its guest. But I will ask next time I visit. While meditation is a technique practiced mostly by Buddhist, its popularity has grown over the years due to the health benefits it brings. Nowadays many people who are not a part of the Buddhist community practice this form of mind decluttering. If you are into natural medicines I recommend checking them out https://meditationingeorgia.org. Meditation is known to alleviate stress, anxiety, improve your attention span and mental heath, and many more. What I like about Kadampa is that they offer a slew of class & events to enlighten you about the practice. Also, every Friday at 6:30pm they host a Free Meditation & Dinner Social event; every Saturdays at 8:00am they host Free Meditations in the Park-which is currently being held inside the facility due to the weather.

Buddhism presents many a conundrum. As far as I understand it, part of Buddhist philosophy espouses…read morethat no one is better than anyone else, and that there is no good or evil. Thus, I guess, no better and worse. So, to tell you that this place is fabulous might be a bit anti-Buddhist. Good thing for you, I'm not far enough along my path to make those judgments. If you're looking for a safe and inviting place, that is, nonetheless, serious about Buddhist studies, this is a fantastic place. Sunday morning "classes" (they are not referred to as "services"), are open to anyone, and involve meditation, followed by a lesson offered by Gen Kelsang Mondrub is a close disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Gen Mondrub is humble, often referencing his own challenges and fallibility, while offering wise, accessible, and inspirational lessons. A childrens' class is offered next door, offering genuine Buddhist teachings in a manner accessible to little ones (with time for coloring and arts and crafts thrown in, too.) Parents can stay with their children or go to the adult class. The center also runs the absolutely delightful vegetarian Buddhist cafe down the street-- the World Peace Cafe. But, as Buddha said, "Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. "

Excellent place to learn about Sanatan Dharma. Came her with my husband. We love out Hindu dharmaread more

Definitely a beautiful site to see. One of my most fave of 2022. I had been to a BAPS location in a…read moreChicago burb years ago and realized they were affiliated. This is such a masterpiece from every angle. And I'm glad we took a special side trip when we were going through Atlanta and saw it. It's pretty massive. There was someone who was working there though who was watching us like a hawk. We didn't do anything wrong but I guess we stuck out. So it was unsettling that they have a sign welcoming people to see their beauty but look at us like we were criminals. I ignored him and made sure to check this out nevertheless. Everyone else who we came across was extremely friendly and welcoming as if we were visiting their home.

Peaceful place, nice people. Don't miss to check in. Perfect place to relax , meditate, and reflect…read moreourselves.

Lovely people here and the guided meditations are powerful. I've been a few times and each time…read moreI've learned a little more about the nature of my mind.

This local buddhist temple makes you feel welcome. The monks are friendly and patient with those of…read moreus not versed in ceremonies and protocols. I'm not sure what other languages are spoken here but definitely Thai and English. If you come during Thai new year and other holidays there are big celebrations with local sellers displaying all sorts of foods and items. There's parking in the front and back & multiple buildings. If you're interested in praying in the main building, ask one of the monks to open it up for you if it's locked. The smaller building to the right is where the kitchen is and restrooms. Don't forget to take off your shoes before entering.

A place for meditation and peace. You do not have to be a Buddhist to come here; it is open to…read moreeveryone. In the month of April, it is Cambodian, Thai, and Laos New Year. it is a big ol' party open to everyone. There are vendors that sell yummy homemade food. They only accept cash.

I've been coming here for 3 years now. I've always used Mandarin to communicate, but they are such…read morenice people here, I'm sure they can find a way to communicate with anyone. They help guide me through prayers and let me light candles and incense every time. They also sometimes give me prayer and guardian beads when I've asked. This is a gem for all Buddhists

This temple is lovely. While I've only ever come with my Mandarin-speaking partner, the nuns are…read morealways warm and friendly towards me. As a newbie to Buddhism, they very kindly guide me through each station.

This is a nice, friendly Buddhist Temple (I know that most temples are friendly). The high monk is…read morealways very friendly and enjoys talking with everyone who visits the temple. It's not very big, but the temple itself is quite beautiful in the inside. He can speak English. I'm not sure if we have a English translation of the chanting book. The regulars who come here to learn about becoming a Buddhist are also nice (most of them, anyways). Before entering the temple, make sure to put your palms together and bow halfway. If you don't know what to do or how you're suppose to do things, just ask someone. They will help you out. The service takes about 3 hours, and afterwards, they will feed you lunch (it's all vegetarian food.. No meat). There are also end of the month picnics (get together to enjoy the Fall weather; looking at the beautiful colors of the leaves of the trees that changed from green to red/orange/yellow). I enjoyed going to those picnics, because we go hiking together, sing and play games (and win some prizes). So if you're looking for a place to learn about becoming a Buddhist, then give this place a try. Who knows, you'll probably make some friends and enjoy yourself! They welcome all kinds of people from young to old and different ethnicities, too. I hope you come and visit.