Learn to Meditate

We offer a variety of meditation classes suitable for new students. Join us on Sunday mornings and on Monday and Wednesday evenings. During the year the Center offers weekend courses to help students develop their meditation practice. Chanted prayers and retreats also provide opportunities to deepen the meditative experience. In October, we introduce two new series of classes for kids and parents: Meditation for Kids and Caring for Kids.

The Meditation Center

Mahakankala Buddhist Center  was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in 1995 and is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU), a global network of over one thousand Centers and groups around the world. We are a non-profit, volunteer-based spiritual community dedicated to helping people develop inner peace, happy minds and a meaningful life through the practice of meditation.

Special Events

Upcoming special events include a Lamrim retreat, free public talks in Santa Barbara and Montecito, and book talks at Borders bookstores in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and San Luis Obispo. On October 2, everyone is invited to attend the Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Shakyamuni. 

Videos of Classes 

View videos of meditation classes.  

Newsletter Sign Up

To stay up-to-date with our classes and events, sign up to receive our bi-monthly newsletter.

Bookstore 

Everyone is welcome to visit our bookstore which has books on Buddhism, meditation CDs, statues, prayer beads, book covers, and meditation cushions. The store is open before and after classes, and anytime the Center is open.

Buddhist Quotes