Clear Light Buddhist Center

Clear Light is a beautiful meditation Center that I have visited several times while traveling. The people there are kind and friendly and the Center itself is a welcome peaceful oasis in the heart of Phoenix. Highly recommended for general meditation classes or advanced teachings as well from a highly qualified teacher, Michelle Gauthier.

I grew up in Sunnyslope. My hubby and kids also lived there for a time in many years ago. I no longer live there but am not far away from ‘slope and my roots there. When I saw the Introduction to Meditation event at this address I was intrigued. That used to be a funeral home — 7^th St & Townley. I had no idea that a Buddhist Center had moved into that building much less that the funeral home was gone. I thought it was a terrific place for such a place. Being a yoga teacher I was quite interested in the event and learning some techniques to improve my daily meditation practice and help me bring that to my Hatha yoga classes. The cost of the 3 and ½ hour event was reasonable and easy to enroll with PayPal. The center was very easy to find and there is ample parking. The folks that facilitated the event were wonderful. The instruction was very thorough and enlightening to the process of Modern Buddhism. The meditations were delightful. The break had snacks and drinks for donation. The bookstore sells items for shrines as well as books. The altar is lovely. I will be going back sometime.

I’ve been studying Buddhism for about eight years and through this journey, I’ve been to many meditation centers and temples. This center is what used to be an old house turned into a temple (this is pretty typical for many of the temples/​centers in Arizona). The meditation/​teaching room has beautiful statues of the Buddhas that are displayed behind the speaker so you will gaze upon them during class.
Prayers for World Peace (PWP) happen here every Sunday from 10 am to 11 am and I have to admit that this is one of the reasons why Sundays are my favorite days of the week. Kadam (teacher) Michelle knows how to convey ancient wisdom into simple ways that you and I can understand in our daily lives. She has been a teacher under Geshe Kelsang Gyatso for several years and often refers to his books. I’ve purchased two books from their bookstore and find them very helpful: «The New Meditation Handbook» and «Eight Steps to Happiness». Anyone who is remotely curious or interested about Buddhism would benefit from dropping into a Sunday morning class to hear Kadam Michelle’s teachings — they also have classes throughout the week, as well as an Open House (once a month, I think).
Words of wisdom: wear easy to put on/​take off shoes. It is Buddhist tradition not to wear shoes inside the sacred space, the temple, so be prepared to take them off and slip them into the community cubby by the door — sandles are easy; leave the stillettos that wrap around your ankle at home. Also, this place is a non-​profit so donations to any community event like PWP accepts donations — $ 5 per person is recommended if the person attending is able to give. Other than that, be prepared to listen and take in the weekly words of wisdom and don’t be afraid to travel to that inner place of calm. Don’t be afraid to like it.

If you are interested in Buddhism or even just meditation, you will like this center. Kadam Michelle is just an amazing speaker. She has such a calm presence and offers practical applications of Buddhist principles to your life. It is realistic and she doesn’t sugarcoat anything, but her gentle sense of humor and general aura of peace are very helpful in conveying her message in a nonjudgmental way. I’ve only been to Prayers for World Peace due to the distance from my home, but really enjoy it.
Mr Geron leads the kids class and when I’ve sat in they are so much fun and have a nice lesson and craft and story. Mr Geron is really good with the kids even the rowdy ones.
If you don’t know anything about Buddhism the prayers and rituals may seem odd, but they have an Open House that explains a lot. And you don’t have to participate in the prostrations or sitting on the floor if you can’t or don’t want to.