Meditation retreats and practice centers
Meditation retreats range from Zen monastery sesshin to Theravada forest monastery guest stays and Buddhist center programs. MonkMap lists communities where meditation, chanting, and study are central to the guest experience.
Look for listings marked with retreat stays, silent retreat, or online teachings to find a practice center that matches your experience level.
Meditation retreat communities
Buddhist, Zen, and Theravada communities with meditation-focused retreats.
Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies
BuddhistIthaca, New York, United States
The North American seat of the Dalai Lama's personal monastery, in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks rotate in from Dharamsala, and the public is welcome for evening meditations, classes, and seasonal retreats.
visitor-friendlypublic prayerretreat staysTassajara Zen Mountain Center
ZenCarmel Valley, California, United States
The first Zen monastery established outside Japan, founded in 1967 and run by San Francisco Zen Center. The remote Ventana Wilderness valley opens to guests each summer for hot springs, zazen, and teacher led retreats, then closes for intensive monastic practice. Its parent center also streams dharma talks and online practice.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlyretreat staysonline teachingspublic prayerZen Mountain Monastery
ZenMount Tremper, New York, United States
A Western Zen training center on 220 forested acres in the Catskills, founded by John Daido Loori and home of the Mountains and Rivers Order. Resident monastics and lay trainees host meditation retreats and introductory programs for people of all backgrounds.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlyretreat stayssilent retreatAbhayagiri Buddhist Monastery
TheravadaRedwood Valley, California, United States
A Thai Forest Tradition monastery on 250 acres of northern California woodland, in the lineage of Ajahn Chah. It is a working monastery rather than a retreat center, welcoming day visitors and short guest stays that share the community's daily rhythm of practice and work, all free of charge. Evening chanting and Dhamma talks are open and livestreamed.
Visit websitevisitor-friendlypublic prayeronline teachingsvolunteer stayBhavana Society
TheravadaHigh View, West Virginia, United States
A Theravada forest monastery and meditation center in the West Virginia hills, founded in 1982 by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. It offers regular silent meditation retreats, cabin and dorm housing, and a path for lay residents and those seeking ordination, supported entirely by donation.
Visit websiteretreat stayssilent retreatvolunteer stay
Common questions
- What should I expect at a meditation retreat?
- Most meditation retreats include periods of sitting practice, simple meals, and shared silence. Schedules vary by tradition. Zen centers may emphasize zazen, while Theravada communities may include chanting and walking meditation. Check each community's website for their guest schedule.