Situated at 8408 North Willow Ave, Tampa, Hoa Lam Vihara is one of the best Buddhist Temples here. Their sacred space is dedicated to studying and practicing Buddha's teachings, fostering compassion, and offering solace and joy to alleviate the burdens of suffering.

Established as a non-profit entity, Hoa Lam Vihara received official recognition from the Florida State government on September 21, 2016. Their monastery adheres to a profound motto: not to engage in disputes, business dealings, gossip about others' faults, or pursue fame and material gain.

At Hoa Lam Vihara, they conduct daily practices from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Additionally, every Sunday features two sessions (8:00 AM-9:30 AM and 10:30 AM-12:30 PM), with the 2nd and 4th Sundays dedicated to animal release from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. On the last Saturday of each month, they observe the Eight Precepts for a day, with two periods of Repentance, a Full Moon and 30 on the same day from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Annually, Hoa Lam Vihara commemorates three significant ceremonies: Tet, Buddha's Birthday, and Vu Lan, accompanied by three pilgrimages and three karma-purifying retreats tailored to individual needs. Everyone can come to Hoa Lam Vihara to delve into the sublime teachings of Buddha, experience his wisdom, overcome obstacles, fulfill their aspirations, and liberate themselves from suffering.

Detailed information:

• Address: 8408 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States
• Phone: +1 813-468-5786
• Website: https://tinh-xa-hoa-lam.business.site/

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Drong Ngur Jangchubling Buddhist Center is a Buddhist temple conveniently located a few miles from Tampa's urban center in west central Florida. It is in a peaceful countryside setting that allows for quiet, restorative retreats.

Drong Ngur is a Drikung Kagyu study and practice center dedicated to bringing the wisdom and compassion of awakening into their modern world. Joining the knowledge the Buddha offered, the skill of the Drikung lineage, and their community's dedication, they trailblaze an authentic path of developing and integrating openness, kindness, and wisdom into a meaningful life.

Under the kind direction of Drupon Rinpoche, their center provides an open and supportive space for engaging in study, meditation, and mindful activity. As a center for Buddhist studies, Drong Ngur Jangchubling holds retreats, hosts visiting teachers, and offers an in-depth analysis of the Buddhadharma.

The Drong Ngur Meditation Center provides opportunities to learn, contemplate, and integrate the dharma. Their classes and events are open to every person, regardless of background or resources. More focused retreats and courses help practitioners integrate practical and profound teachings into their lives. They are here as a community place to inspire and awaken compassionate wisdom through personal and sangha healing and growth.

Drong Ngur Jangchubling offers seven days a week, with meditation, recitation, and sadhana practice. All practice sessions are held in person and via Zoom. Meditation and practice sessions are open to all.

Detailed information:

• Address: 30520 Lynne Dr, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543, United States
• Phone: +1 727-809-0867
• Website: https://www.dnjus.org/

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Bhavana Society, located at 15502 McWaters Rd, High View, WV 26808, USA, is a place for meditation and learning about Buddhism. It was started in 1983 by Ven. Henepola Gunaratana, or Bhante G. The center's primary goal is to help people learn to meditate and become more disciplined and thoughtful. It's a supportive place for those who want to understand and practice the teachings of Buddha better.

Bhavana Society is best known for its meditation retreats. These are like special get-togethers where people go to learn and practice meditation. The withdrawals often happen in a quiet setting and focus on different parts of meditation, mindfulness, and what Buddha taught. People of all levels, from beginners to those practicing for a while, are welcome.

Besides retreats, the Bhavana Society has classes and programs on meditation, mindfulness, and Buddha's teachings. These are for anyone who wants to learn, no matter where they are on their spiritual journey. If you want to stay longer, there's a place to live at Bhavana Society. This lets you dive into meditation and Buddhist teachings.

Bhante G, who started the Bhavana Society, is also an author and teacher. One of his famous books is "Mindfulness in Plain English," which explains meditation very clearly.

Detailed information:

• Address: 97 Meditation Trail, Back Creek Rd, High View, WV 26808, United States
• Phone: +1 304-856-3241
• Website: https://bhavanasociety.org/

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Founded in 1999, the Florida Buddhist Vihara is a significant Buddhist temple in Tampa. It's a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching and spreading the wisdom of Gautama Buddha. The teachings revolve around kindness, compassion, self-control, and generosity. The Vihara aims to guide people from all walks of life, whether new to Buddhism or already familiar with its practices.

Though these values are deeply rooted in Asian cultures, they have also caught the interest of people in the Western world who seek meaningful ways to improve their lives. The main goal of Buddhist teachings is to help us find peace, contentment, and lasting happiness by calming our minds.

The abbot of the Florida Buddhist Vihara is Bhanthe Kokkwita Wipulasara, who currently lives in Sri Lanka. Three resident monks - Bhanthe Morathota Ananda, Bhanthe Kendagolle Amitha, and Bhanthe Wellgiriye Sirinanda - guide and teach individuals, whether they are just starting with Buddhism or are already experienced practitioners.

The Vihara offers 'Dhamma School' classes every second Sunday for kids of all ages and backgrounds. On other Sundays, there are classes for adults that discuss Buddha's teachings in detail and apply them to daily life. They also have meditation classes and language classes focusing on Pali and Sanskrit. There's a monthly ceremony (pooja) where devotees participate in rituals and listen to teachings.

The temple is open daily from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M on Fridays. If anyone needs exceptional service, scheduling an appointment with the monks is recommended. The Florida Buddhist Vihara is a welcoming place that embraces people on their spiritual journey and fosters a sense of community.

Detailed information:

• Address: 2208 Maydell Dr, Tampa, FL 33619, United States
• Phone: +1 813-621-1337
• Website: http://www.floridabuddhistvihara.net/

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The Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) is like a welcoming "home" where people can learn and practice meditation and mindful living. They are a supportive community inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh, offering various opportunities to help you become more aware and compassionate, leading to a more awakened life. They meet in their Practice Center in Tampa, Florida, and Naples.

Their teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, founded their community after studying and practicing with Buddhist masters for over four decades. Thich Nhat Hanh permitted him to teach in an authentic lineage that descends from the Buddha. You can read how FCM started and grew in a Mindfulness Bell article.

They do many activities to teach mindfulness, meditation, and the Dharma (Buddha's teachings). This includes weekly group meditation sessions (sanghas), insightful talks about the Dharma, classes on being aware of your body and relaxing, daylong or half-day programs each month, multi-day group and individual retreats, home-study Intensives lasting three to six months, workshops about using the Dharma and mindfulness in everyday life, member forums, and various social events for the FCM community, both indoors and outdoors. In all their gatherings, they practice listening and speaking kindly.

Everyone is welcome at their weekly sanghas, classes, daylong and half-day programs, and most workshops. While most multi-day retreats and all intensives and member forums are only for FCM members, they encourage you to become a member if you want to be Fred's student and bring mindfulness into your daily life.

Detailed information:

• Address: 6501 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States
• Phone: +1 813-237-0746
• Website: https://www.floridamindfulness.org/

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Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery started in 1999 in Sri Lanka with Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero. It's a well-known Theravada Buddhist monastery that focuses on following the original teachings of the Buddha. The monastery places great importance on meditation, mindfulness, and studying the Pali Canon, the oldest set of Buddhist writings. The main goal is to guide both monks and regular people on the fundamental principles of Buddhism.

Mahamevnawa is dedicated to sharing its teachings globally. It has opened branches in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These branches are places where people can meditate, discuss Dhamma (Buddhist teachings), and learn about Buddhism.

The monastery is also involved in helping communities. They organize events, run educational programs, and participate in charitable activities. Mahamevnawa uses online resources, like recorded talks and guided meditation sessions, to make its teachings available to people worldwide.

Mahamevnawa is dedicated to helping people understand Buddhism better. They publish books in both Sinhala and English on topics like meditation, mindfulness, and the basic ideas of Buddhism. The monastery often arranges meditation retreats, Dhamma discussions, and special events. These allow people to deepen their understanding of spirituality and practice Buddhism more. By sticking to fundamental Buddhist teachings, Mahamevnawa guides individuals on their spiritual journey meaningfully.

Detailed information:

• Address: 11727 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
• Phone: +1 813 279 8012
  
• Website: https://www.sunshinemeditation.org/

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Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple, also known as Wat Tampa, is a Thai Buddhist sanctuary located at 5306 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619, USA. Functioning as a focal point for worship, meditation, and cultural pursuits, the temple is pivotal in the local Thai community, extending a warm welcome to those intrigued by Buddhism.

This exquisite art represents Thai-applied Ayudhaya architecture, boasting dimensions of 32 feet in width, 89 feet in length, and 35 feet in height. The principal Buddha statue within Wat Mongkolratanaram, positioned in a meditative posture, measures 31 inches in width and 54 inches in height. Bestowed with a name by his majesty the King, the statue features the monarch's monogram, which is enshrined on the cloth hanging in front of the Buddha's base.

The Thai art-infused structure comprises three balconies and two stories, with the second floor serving as the residence for the monks. On the first floor, one finds the office, meditation room, library, service, religious activity room, dining area, and kitchen. The temple's verdant and tranquil garden along the Palm River provides an ideal setting for Dharma practice.

Every Sunday, the temple transforms into a bustling food market, offering an array of authentic Thai dishes for visitors to savor. This market caters to culinary delights and fosters a sense of community, infusing vibrancy into the temple's overall ambiance.

Wat Mongkolratanaram hosts various ceremonies, festivals, and events throughout the year, each providing a glimpse into Thai Buddhist traditions. These occasions feature religious rituals, cultural performances, and celebratory events, contributing to the temple's lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The architectural allure of Wat Mongkolratanaram mirrors traditional Thai design, characterized by vibrant colors, intricate decorations, and serene surroundings. Visitors often discover a sense of tranquility in the temple's peaceful atmosphere, affording them the opportunity for quiet reflection as they explore the grounds.

Detailed information:

• Address: 5306 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619, United States
• Phone: +1 813-621-1669
• Website: https://wattampainenglish.com/

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