Buddha Gate Monastery

This place offers free Buddhism & meditation classes. Each class offers one hour of meditation followed by one hour of Buddhism/​Zen teachings. The meditation is guided by the abbess of the monastery and the classes are taught by her too. Various classes are taught to suit people with different levels of understanding, just check out their website for the schedule. The abbess is very friendly and relatable. I was able to ask her questions at the end of the classes and she was very patient in answering them.
I highly recommend this place if you need to learn how to live in the now. And don’t we all need that? Come join a class any time and you will reap the benefits!

This place is amazing. The people here make it amazing. I visited for the first time and was shown around by one of the volunteers and spoke with the nuns and was humbled by their presence as I am by anyone who devotes their life to something they so strongly believe in. I find the people here inspirational, so happy and generous with everything they have. Come here, it just might change your outlook on life.

well worth the intro.class.f or some good relaxation and mind clearing and.learning. the world could use more. of this

The best thing that I have done for my teenage son and myself last September was embarking in beginner’s and Bodhiseed classes at this tranquil and beautiful community. He learned respect, focus, organization, discipline and responsibility. I discovered intrinsic enrichment and meditation. Great people, amazing teamwork and delicious food. Check it out!

Like what other posts have mentioned, this is a nice tranquil place located at the top of a hill. Even if you arent buddhist this is a nice place to take a walk, look at the beautiful scenery and meet friendly people. If you so happen to be interested, they offer free beginner classes in English and Chinese and offer generous vegetarian meals. They will also happily answer any questions you have in regards to the sect of the buddhism or any other questions. So dont be afraid and explore this hidden jewel! Cheers!

Buddhist gate monastery is a very peaceful place. I’ve taken the beginning course and I’m so happy with it, the shiufu or monks are the cutest little things and excellent teachers if you’re looking for a spiritual way of life I would strongly recommend going there! If that doesn’t work keep looking and find what feels comfortable for you

LOVE this place!
Beautiful statues of Quan Yin!
So peace filled

Beautiful, serene location in the hills of Lafayette (north of SR-​24) with lovely views. Offers free classes in principles of Buddhism and Chan (Zen) meditation for children and adults with instruction in English and Chinese. Friendly and welcoming. Delicious vegetarian food. Donations welcome. This, together with with the Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale, are the Bay Area branches of a Taiwan-​based Buddhist organization.

Lovely and peaceful

I am also taking the begining classes on Tuesdays and agree with all the posts here. Nice to go there and learn. Need to apply the teaching in life.

Not to sound too cliché, but in search of something greater than myself, I found Buddha Gate Monastery. Throughout my life, I have toying with the idea of embracing Buddhist principles/​ideology. Having felt pretty awful at the beginning of the week, I had extra motivation to finally take the jump and attend a meditation/​lecture class (Beginning Chan).
I was in search of classes on Tuesdays in particular, and what do you know? Buddha Gate Monastery had free classes right at that time. When I was driving there, it looked like Scream (the original movie) b/​c the road up to the monastery is dark and twisted. Right when you pass through the gates, you immediately feel at ease. This is such a beautiful place with large statues located around the premises. The meditation/​sacred area is breathtaking… A large Buddha takes center stage and the track lighting above all the statues just makes you stare in awe. When you walk in, you bow (The coordinators will show you how). There are a lot of guidelines to follow, but everyone is really nice with helping you learn them. The meditation classes begin with chanting/​light singing, progress into silent meditation and then walking meditation. Keeping your mind clear is quite difficult, but I am sure with practice, one can learn to focus.
Meditation is followed by a short break with snacks and tea. I was astounded at how many people offered to mop the floors and dust the altar. I similarly offered, and one of the coordinators expressed gratitude, particularly since I was new. I chatted with a few members before heading into lecture, which was just so relevant to my life at this point, examining the ways to cease suffering. My review is not to push these principles on anyone, but just to say that I found what I was looking for. I spoke with the Master of the Monastery, and she was so down to earth. Her lecture was powerful and yet funny at times. I am looking forward to increased involvement and learning.

I would give them 10 stars if I could!
I agree with Tim S., this place has changed my life.
I attended the beginner’s meditation class this past season and it couldn’t have been better. Everyone there, even the volunteers, are very helpful and hospitable. So much so, that I ended up volunteering for the Bodhi Seed (children’s) meditation class.
EVERYTHING there is free. Even meals if you come at the right time, which was especially helpful for me as I have lost 3 jobs within the past year and food is not necessarily a constant in my house.
All that they ask is that you dress and act modestly while you are there.
I could go on and on about this place, but instead I will say JUST GO THERE!

This place is great and the people there are so nice.
A couple years ago I was taking a philosophy of religion course, and they were more than happy to help answer any questions I had along with giving me lunch, and a free tour of the premise.
It’s a memory I will always carry with me, and it was a great experience not to mention the location is just so peaceful and serene.
I highly encourage people to go here if you are curious about Buddhism, or want to see what a Buddhist Monastery looks like.

I first visited Buddha Gate because there were Kung Fu classes being offered there. Unfortunately, they had just discontinued them, but I fell in love with the peaceful feeling there. Having always been interested in Buddhism, I decided to check out some classes and do a little more than just read about it. I am glad I did.
My 7 year old daughter has been going to the children’s meditation classes there for the past 3 years and has benefitted greatly from them. There is no pressure or heavy preaching, the way is taught by glowing example.
Two thumbs up!

Buddha Gate Monastery has changed my life! Great food too!
That is a bold statement I realize, but it could not be a truer statement!
I came for a short one time meditation class and found a whole new world. I have now been an active member of the monastery for over 6 months. The Monks and other Lay disciple have not only warmly invited my into there classes and events, but welcomed me in to there lives and way of life. I am far from a being a Buddha :) but i go when I can to volunteer and attend classes diligently.

Great beautiful location and the monastery is very nice. I take the free beginning Chan/​Zen classes on Tuesdays and they are great!- start with medidation, then little snack break, then lecture. JUST DO IT! People are very nice too, of course.

This monastery is located in a quiet area up in the hills, creating a great place to meditate and calm your mind. The views are fantastic and just being surrounded there with the Dharma Masters makes you feel at peace.
I’m not a very religious person, but I have gone to many temples/​monastery with my mother and I feel this one is by far the best since you don’t feel like they are out to just get your money. They provide educational classes for those who are new to buddhism and it’s no problem if you don’t understand Chinese since they also provide it in English. I definately recommend this place for those who believe in Buddhism and if you ever try their vegetarian food there, it’s fantastic! =)