South Florida’s East and South Asian communities offer a variety of Buddhist temples that are accessible to anyone curious in learning a new spiritual practice.
The first temple dates to 1979 when Wat Buddharangsi finished construction in 2006 for the Thai community in Miami.
Most Buddhist sects use meditation in their practice, a common way for people to reduce anxiety and improve concentration found in scientific research journal studies.
Wat Buddharangsi
15200 SW 240th St.
Homestead, FL 33032
305-245-2702
In the agricultural Redland, anyone, regardless of religious faith, can experience Thai-style architecture and a tranquil garden with statues depicting the meditative states of Buddha. The temple is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and hosts free meditation classes on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. It offers festivals throughout the year and invites all nationalities to celebrate together. When you first walk into the red-carpeted room, visitors can see a 23-foot-tall, 5-ton gold-leaf image of Buddha.
Welcoming monks guide meditation, answer questions, and provide visitors with books to help them understand the teachings of Theravada Buddhism, which follow the original doctrine of the Buddha. This spot is ideal for those wanting to practice mindfulness through the teachings of “the way of the elders.”
Dhammaloka Burmese Buddhist Monastery
4611 SW 108th Ave.
Davie, FL 33328
954-434-7161
Behind a small farmers market in Davie is a nondescript house that is anything but ordinary inside. It is more private than other Buddhist temples. Locals and visitors can practice meditation here with monks.
It’s open to the public from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are greeted warmly by monks and the vibrant decorations surrounding golden Buddha statues. The monastery is named after U Dhammaloka, an Irishman who became a Buddhist monk and played an active role in reviving Theravada Buddhism in the twentieth century.
Tu Vien Huong Hai
2321 SW 127th Ave.
Davie, FL 33325
954-424-9865
Those who want a more open space dedicated to prayer should look no further than Tu Vien Huong Hai. This outdoor temple, which features seating and a stage, embraces Vietnamese culture and art. Buddhism is the main religion in Vietnam, following Mahayana practices, and it shares a path of spiritual development through monasteries.
Events and ceremonies are posted on their Facebook page to connect with the community and new visitors. The main temple stands out through the front gate, where a monk statue welcomes you with a bright smile. It is surrounded by animals and his fellow monks.
Ba La Mat Buddhist Center
12100 SW 232nd St.
Miami, FL 33170
786-352-2899
The feeling of visiting a friend’s house can be found in the close-knit Vietnamese community of the Princeton area, where a different sect of Buddhism called Mahayana is practiced. For almost a decade, this place has been open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Their services are mainly in Vietnamese, but English speakers can join on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A tall white porcelain Buddha, surrounded by tall trees and singing wind chimes is seen at the front entrance. Mahayana practices encourage the Bodhisattva ideal, where individuals reach spiritual enlightenment by helping others through compassion and community. This contrasts with Theravada, which focuses on dedicating oneself to spiritual activities.
Kadampa Meditation Center Miami
316 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
786-529-7137
A hidden sanctuary can be found among the shops and restaurants on Miracle Mile. The Kadampa Meditation Center Miami offers guided meditations, classes, and retreats with modern Buddhist teachers in English and Spanish. It is a subscription-based program, with basic memberships starting at $45 per month or $15 per class. If you are unable to attend in person, you can join via Zoom. Their hours of operation depend on the classes listed on their online calendar.
They have been around for five years with the goal of sharing Buddhism that is applicable to the modern world. The New Kadampa Tradition uses straightforward language and a practical approach to everyday challenges like stress, relationships, and work-life balance. KMC Miami is part of the International Kadampa Buddhist Union, a nonprofit religious organization with a global network of over 1,000 centers and groups around the world.
