We believe that change begins within...

By slowing down and connecting with the wisdom of our inner selves, we aim to cultivate a sense of peace, understanding, and compassion, and ultimately awaken to the true nature of the self and the world. Through this practice, we can attain world peace through inner peace.

Discover inner peace

Our center offers a range of meditation classes and retreats for people of all levels of experience, from beginners who are just learning about meditation to more experienced practitioners looking to deepen their practice. Our classes are taught by experienced meditation teachers who have been trained in Dhammakaya meditation.

In addition to our regular meditation classes, we also offer retreats and workshops exploring various ways to incorporate mindfulness and Buddhist teachings in daily life. Our retreats provide a peaceful and supportive environment for people to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people from all walks of life, and we invite you to join us in this journey of self-discovery and inner peace. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, we hope you will find a home at our center and be inspired to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and understanding in your life.

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Our history

DIMC was founded with the aim of helping individuals realize the peace that exists within themselves that is attainable through the practice of meditation and the teachings of the Buddha. The center found its beginning in 1988 as a close-knit spiritual community of Buddhist devotees that gathered weekly to meditate together at a member’s home, and has now expanded into a Thai Buddhist temple serving the San Gabriel Valley and greater LA community.

It is the spiritual heart of the Dhammakaya Foundation in the United States and operates as a branch of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, headquartered in Thailand.

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Our great masters

Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro

Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro was born as Sodh Mikaewnoi on October 10, 1884 to the family of a rice merchant in Amphoe Song Phi Nong, Suphanburi, a province 100km west of Bangkok. In July 1906, aged twenty-two, he was ordained at Wat Song Phi Nong in his hometown and was given the Pāli name Candasaro.

Khun Yai Chandra Khonnokyoong

Khun Yai Chandra was born Chandra Khonnokyoong on January 20, 1909, in a farming family in Nakhon Pathom province in Thailand. She ordained as a Buddhist nun in the monastic order at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen in 1938 and attained an advanced level of meditation under the tutelage of Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro.

Luang Por Dhammajayo

Luang Por Dhammajayo was born Chaiyaboon Suddhipol on April 22, 1944 to Janyong Suddhipol and Juree Suddhipol. Chaiyaboon developed an early interest in Buddhism in his adolescence while he was studying at Suan Kularb Secondary School in Bangkok, Thailand. In 1963, Chaiyaboon enrolled as an undergraduate scholar in the Department of Economics at Kasetsart University.

Luang Por Dattajeevo

Luang Por Dattajeevo was born Padet Pongsawat on December 21, 1940 to an agricultural household in Pakplaak District of Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. He graduated with a degree in agricultural science from Kasetsart University and studied in Australia for his postgraduate studies.

Our community

The Dhammakaya International Meditation Center (DIMC) is led by Buddhist monastics who are committed to living a life of self discipline and spiritual practice. These monks follow a strict code of conduct and dedicate themselves to a life of simplicity, discipline, and service.

Their commitment to self discipline and spiritual practice is evident in the way they approach their daily lives, which is centered around meditation, study, and service. We are honored to have such a dedicated and compassionate group of monastics at our center, and we invite you to join us in learning from their example and supporting their spiritual journey.

The center’s administration is supported by a strong team of lay disciples who have dedicated their lives to personal and spiritual development—they serve the community in various capacities, including the organization of temple ceremonies, meal services, youth activities, volunteer coordination, and other administrative and office work.