Curious About Buddhism? Experience Chanting & Sound Bath Meditation

This session is designed especially for first-time visitors. No prior experience with Buddhism, chanting, or meditation is needed. People from all spiritual or religious backgrounds are warmly welcome.

Come as you are and explore a peaceful practice that has helped people cultivate calm, gratitude, and resilience for centuries.

We begin with a guided chanting practice from the Lotus Sutra.

Even if you have never chanted before, you can simply listen or follow along. Many people find chanting calming and surprisingly grounding.

Next, we offer a short version of our popular weekly meditation session using voice, bells, and gentle sound to help quiet the mind and relax the body.

This meditation is led by Reiki practitioner Yari Tavarez and Dr. Kyohei Mikawa.

Our Buddhist Sound Bath Meditation was recently featured in coverage by the
Associated Press.

All attendees will receive one complimentary ticket to our full Thursday evening sound bath meditation (normally $20).

Takashi Maeda, director of the global Buddhist community Rissho Kosei-kai, will share the Buddha’s core teachings through relatable stories and practical examples.

Rev. Maeda will speak in Japanese, and clear English translation will be provided on screen with the help of experienced interpreters, so everyone can easily follow the talk.

Toward the end of the session, participants will be invited to join small discussion groups to reflect on the experience and share thoughts with others.

Many people find small groups more comfortable than speaking in front of a large audience. This is a chance to connect, reflect, and hear how others experienced the chanting and meditation.

10:00 – Welcome
10:05 – Chanting of the Lotus Sutra
10:25 – Mini Buddhist Sound Bath Meditation
10:40 – Dharma Talk by Rev. Maeda
11:00 – Q&A with the speakers
11:40 – Small-Group Reflection & Discussion
12:00 – Closing

After the program, everyone is invited to stay for a casual BBQ lunch ($5 donation) and informal conversation.

If this is your first time visiting a Buddhist temple, you are especially welcome.

Many participants come simply to explore meditation or learn about Buddhism in a relaxed setting. There is no religious commitment and no expectation to become a member.

Many attendees also come alone, so please don’t hesitate to join even if you are visiting by yourself.

Children may participate in a supervised STEM activity while the session takes place. (Send an email to [email protected] to register your child)

Space for guests is limited to 25 seats, so please reserve a ticket so we can prepare seating.

If your plans change, kindly cancel your ticket so someone else may attend.

A very short intro to Buddha's wisdom and how sound healing is related to it. (Rev. Dr. Kyohei Mikawa, Minister of Rissho Kosei-kai Los Angeles)

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Host or Publisher Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Center of Los Angeles