Meditation in Madison

When there is inclement weather, please call the

Center to learn if class will be held.  608-661-3211

Why Meditate?

Happiness is a state of mind, therefore the real source of happiness lies in the mind, not in external circumstances. If our mind is pure and peaceful we shall be happy, regardless of our external conditions, but if it is impure and unpeaceful we shall never find happiness, no matter how much we try to change our external circumstances. Meditation enables us to cultivate those states of mind that are conducive to peace and well-being, and eradicate those that are not. Through meditation and Buddha's teachings you can learn how to improve the quality of your life by developing inner peace, love and wisdom. You do not need to be Buddhist to benefit from these teachings and meditations.

Simply Meditate 

Enjoy this opportunity to learn proper meditation technique under the guidance of a qualified instructor.  Each session includes an introduction to meditation, a brief teaching, and guided meditation.  Develop powerful, virtuous qualities to improve concentration, mindfulness, and inner peace.  Classes take place at the Akanishta Buddhist Center each Sunday from 10-11am.  Simply drop in!  If you have any questions, please call 661-3211 to speak with someone at the center or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Suggested donation for classes is $5 per session.  No one is refused for financial reasons. You may choose to sit on either a chair or a cushion. Classes are open to everyone.

Family Dharma

Family Dharma is a unique opportunity once each month for parents and their children to engage in a meaningful spiritual practice together as a family.  Each class offers simple introduction to Buddha's teachings, emphasizing kindness, respect for others, and keeping a happy heart.  Open to parents and children of all ages, though most suited to children age 5 to early teens.  Classes are held at Akanishta Buddhist Center one Saturday every month from 10:30-11:30am (see online calendar to confirm dates).  If you have any questions, please call 661-3211 to speak with someone at the center or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Suggested donation is $2 per person; $6 per family.  No one is refused for financial reasons.

All families are welcome!

General Program

General Program (GP) classes offer an ideal introduction to meditation and the Buddhist way of life.  Each class contains guided meditation, teaching on various aspects of Buddhist thought and practice, and discussion.  Ideally suited for those who wish to gain practical experience of Buddhist meditation techniques and apply them to our modern lifestyles.  From dealing more effectively with stress, to developing our full spiritual potential, or simply enjoying a relaxing meditation, these classes offer something for everyone.  Everyone is welcome to drop in at any time.  Each class is self-contained.  If you have any questions, please call 661-3211 to speak with someone at the center or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Suggested donation for classes is $10; $6 for students and seniors.  No one is refused for financial reasons.  You may choose to sit on either a chair or a cushion (must bring personal cushion for Tuesday classes).  Classes are open to everyone.

Class Schedule and Locations

(Please check calandar on home page to confirm class)

Tuesday Evenings: St. Francis House, 1001 University Ave., 7-8:30pm with Gen Kelsang Drubwang

Wednesday Evenings: Akanishta Buddhist Center, 17 N. 5th St., 7-8:30pm with Kelsang Longku

Thursday Evenings: Above Mimosa Bookstore, 260 W. Gilman St., 7-8:30pm with David Sando

Foundation Program

The Foundation Program (FP) is a uniquely structured study program that enables us to gain a deep understanding and experience of Buddhist teachings and meditation practices. It is ideal for those who have a general understanding of Buddhism, but who wish to learn more.

Buddhism teaches that in order to find real happiness and meaning in our lives, we need to follow a spiritual path. To do this, it is important to have a close connection with a qualified teacher, to listen to pure Dharma teachings, and to have the support of a strong spiritual community. These enable us to deeply realize the meaning of Buddha’s teachings, to maintain a daily meditation practice that is both focused and powerful, and to make genuine spiritual progress.

The Foundation Program has already offered these benefits to many thousands of people worldwide. Classes consist of guided meditations and visualizations, commentaries to the study texts, and discussion. In essence, the Foundation Program is the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni. Its special quality is that we are able to gain authentic experience without abandoning our modern lifestyle.

By studying with this program we can make great strides and gain great confidence in our meditation - from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems, to practices that lead to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace.

Classes meet at the Akanishta Buddhist Center most Monday and Friday evenings from 7pm-9pm. (See on-line calendar to confirm) Classes are taught by Gen Kelsang Drubwang.

Location: Akanishta Center, 17 N. Fifth St (across from Madison East High School)

We are currently studying the text Understanding The Mind, by Ven. Geshe Kelsang. This text explains the nature and function of the various types of minds. Through understanding how virtuous, non-virtuous and other types of mind arise we can use this knowledge to bring our own mind under control and develop inner peace, as well as all the spiritual realizations leading to enlightenment.

Classes meet twice a week on Monday and Friday evenings.  The program is also available as a correspondence course via downloadable mp3 files or CDs mailed to your home.  If you are interested, please contact the center (608-661-3211 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to speak with Gen Drubwang.

Class fee is $60 per month.

Become a Friend of Akanishta Buddhist Center

Akanishta Buddhist Center's main purpose is to offer a place of spiritual refuge in these difficult times.  If we hope to live in a peaceful world, each of us needs to learn how to keep a peaceful mind.  Our Center is dedicated to helping people develop and maintain inner peace, the true source of happiness.

By becoming a Friend of Akanishta Buddhist Center, you are ensuring that people living in and around Madison will have access to the benefits of training in meditation, wisdom, and compassion.

Akanishta Center's programs are open to everyone who has a sincere wish to explore the Buddhist way of life.  We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or mental/physical ability, nor is anyone turned away for lack of financial resources.

Our meditation center and branch centers thrive entirely on volunteer labor and donations.  We graciously accept generous donations, though it truly is not how much one gives, but rather the regular donations that help the most.  By becoming a Friend you help the Center establish a steady income to pay for regularly occurring costs, such as mortgage, utilities, classroom space, publicity, and other operating costs.

Becoming a Friend of Akanishta Buddhist Center means making a commitment to make a regular donation - once a month for six months or for one year (12 months) - at a level that is comfortable for you.  Akanishta Buddhist Center is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization, so all donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

The level of your Friendship entitles you to various programs offered through the Center:

$35/month -  Attend any weekly General Program class and 50% off one special event at the Center
$60/month - Attend any of the General Program or Foundation Program classes, and enjoy 50% off all special events and day courses at the Center.
$150+/month -  All family members may attend all classes and special events of Akanishta Center.