Mahakaruna Buddhist Meditation Center is located in Petaluma, in Sonoma County north of San Francisco. Open to everyone, the Center offers meditation classes, a variety of introductory and in-depth courses, chanted prayers, and retreats.

 

Classes take place in our beautiful meditation room and are suitable for all individuals, whatever their level of interest, from those who seek simple relaxation to those who wish to find lasting inner peace and contentment through following the Buddhist path. You are welcome to visit the Center - spend time in our inspiring meditation room, browse in our bookstore, or speak with other practitioners from our community.

 

Mahakaruna was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (KMC-IKBU), a global network of over one thousand Centers and groups around the world. Classes in Buddhism and meditation are also offered in Sacramento, Napa and Santa Rosa.

 

Why Meditate?

If we train in meditation our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

 

By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enable us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances. Gradually we develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time, rather than an unbalanced mind that oscillates between the extremes of excitement and despondency.

 

If we train in meditation systematically, we will eventually be able to eradicate all the delusions from our mind that are the causes of all our problems and suffering.