Dromtonpa Kadampa Buddhist Center

The sangha (congregation) at the Dromtonpa Kadampa Buddhist Center are very inviting and friendly. It’s a tight-​knit group, which can be intimidating, but all very friendly and willing to help newcomers learn the customs of the denomination as well as answer general questions.
While not as impressive as the An Lac temple, the large central Buddha statue in the meeting room is very impressive and serene. The Center is a very peaceful place to meditate or pray.
Many activities at the Center cost, which is one potential con vs other Buddhist options in the city. However, there are free prayer services offered if paying isn’t really your thing.
I’m not a Tibetan Buddhist – most of my Buddhism comes from Japan – but I found the basic principals of Mahayana Buddhism being well taught at the Center. One thing I personally REALLY love about this Center is that they treat Buddhism as a religion and not as an alternative to Pilates. I think every other Buddhist group in the city that I’ve interacted with is indifferent to the religious nature of Buddhism at best and often apologetic for it. Denominations of traditional Buddhism have as much pomp and circumstances as most denominations of traditional Christianity. Pretending that Buddhism is no different than Dale Carnegie has its place, but this is not that place. If you would like to openly and legitimately pray and meditate, the Dromtonpa Kadampa Buddhist Center is for you.