I was introduced to the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center in 2007. It didn’t take long for me to realize that my involvement here would be life changing. As I look back on the many monthly meetings, Wednesday night meditation sessions, workshops, and simple conversations with monks in and around our little temple in Natrona Heights, I can see that my early conclusion was correct.

Probably the most significant change I have experienced is my increased awareness of my surroundings. I am much more aware of the people in my life and how I interact with them. I think that I also have a greater appreciation for the simple moments that easily can go unnoticed, but instead now seem beautiful, pleasant, or calming. These outward changes are accompanied by internal ones as well. I know myself much better now. Some of that I attribute to the aging process...but most, I’m certain, relate to my experiences at PBC. I am not as hard on myself as I once was and have learned to befriend who I am.

An unexpected benefit has been the deep and meaningful friendships I have made here. My spiritual friends and I may be separated by culture, age, backgrounds, and experiences but we share our common Buddhist practice and have a true desire to help each other as we make our way along this beautiful path.

How far I can go on this path remains uncertain, but I am blessed to have found it.

-Sue Upekha Goodwin

I met Bhante Pema during my college years and his wisdom drew me in during a time of searching. What started as simple inquiries became an invitation to a lifelong spiritual home at the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center (PBC). 

What makes the PBC extraordinary is how compassion moves from philosophy to daily practice.  When my loved ones unexpectedly passed, the monks didn’t just offer condolences – they walked with my family and me through our grief, holding space for us on our darkest days with kindness and patient understanding. Over the years, though much has changed in my life, this community has remained a constant – a sanctuary offering both timeless wisdom and practical support for daily living.    

The greatest gift this center has given me is spiritual companionship. Fellow practitioners have become family – being present for each other, weathering hardships, and reminding one another of what truly matters. The monks live the Buddhist teachings in every gesture: their patience with our endless questions, their laughter reminding us of life’s simple joys, and their quiet but reassuring presence when words fall short.  This sacred space and the extraordinary souls who tend it have shaped how I move through the world. 

When I share the PBC with others, I describe the center as more than a place to learn about Buddhism - it’s a gateway to self-discovery through a tradition of radical wisdom and kindness. You won’t find quick-fixes or perfection at the PBC, but you’ll find other inquisitive souls embracing life’s questions and a community that honors all our unique paths with patience and grace.   

In the Buddha’s spirit, I offer the same invitation to my friends: Come and see for yourself! The door is open. The tea is ready. And the path - though challenging - is walked together with open hearts. 

-Thanh Ho

When I came to the center for the first time 15 years ago, it was at the recommendation of my psychologist. I was deeply depressed and struggling to find acceptance of myself and my situation in life.  

I found the monks at the center to be kind in a way that I had not experienced before. Their simple lifestyle and their generosity of spirit helped me to feel comfortable.  

Their dedication to the Buddha and the small growing sangha changed my life. I focused on accepting my thoughts and my doubts and myself.  

I attended weekly meditations and focused on learning the teachings of the buddha and helping as much as I could. The cultural emphasis on service to the sangha and the monks took me outside of my focus on myself.  

The shift led me to dedicated practice over the years. Sometimes more intensely than others but I always circled back to practice. The practice led me to handle life’s frustrations more and more which eventually led me to success in my life and career.  

I have extreme gratitude for the center and the monks in particular for their dedication to the teachings of the Buddha and the kindness they showed to a stranger. 

-Nathan Nacey

It is my honor to get this opportunity to write about Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, my home away from home.

I first found the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center about 15 years ago, when I was searching online for a place to offer annual prayers for my brother and sister-in-law who had passed away in a car accident. What began to honor their memory has since become a deep meaningful spiritual journey for me.

Over the years, this center has been a sanctuary for meditation, mindfulness and healing. The monks are not only highly educated, deeply learned and extremely skilled in practicing and teaching Dhamma, but they are also exceptionally kind, compassionate, approachable, and completely dedicated to helping people in need.

Every visit brings peace and inspiration – whether through the guided meditation, insightful teaching, or simply the quiet, welcoming environment that nurtures reflection and inner calm. The sense of community here is genuine, yet it also allows space for personal practice and growth.

I am truly grateful for the guidance, support and peace I have received here. Venerable Bhante Dr. Pemaratana and other residents' monks make this Pittsburgh Buddhist Center a rare “GEM”. I feel extremely fortunate to discover this place and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking mindfulness, healing and a deeper connection with Buddha’s teaching.

-Kalyani Rai Vats, MD

I first learned about the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center in 2022. I had been working on rekindling my meditation practice on my own for about a year and was looking for a local place to practice. I was aware of the Pittsburgh Zen Center, but I was more familiar with the Theravada tradition, so when I found PBC it was a perfect fit. I really appreciate their commitment to deep meditation practice, the monks' studious guidance and teachings, and the warm community of fellow practitioners. The Buddhist center has been helpful to me in many ways, but more personally when Bhante Pema counseled me during a difficult time in my life. The monks offer their time and compassion to serve this community, and they truly care about our lives and wellbeing. I like to tell others that they can attend meditation at the Buddhist center without being a Buddhist. You can incorporate meditation practice into other faith traditions, or practice it in a purely secular context. You can follow your own path and still get a lot out of this community. We are all climbing up the same mountain regardless of the individual path we each take.

-Anonymous

During the financial crisis in 2009, a google search for a meditation center took me to Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. I owned an art business in California, life was stressful. 

After the initial shock of meeting an orange-robed monk, I knew I was in the right place. Not only the Bhantes taught me to meditate, they taught me the Buddhist teachings that changed my way of thinking and set my life on the right path. 

Up until that point I had been a hard driving businesswoman on worldly pursuits. The worldly successes brought some satisfaction but also chronic discontentment and stress. Meditation and the Buddhist teachings became useful tools for me to distinguish the essential and the noise, to navigate hurdles and find peace. 

It also opened my mind and my heart, and taught me generosity, understanding and compassion. 

PBC has grown from its original humble site to the beautiful establishments with forest and gardens… One constant theme was the kindness and compassion of the residence monks, their tireless and patient teachings, and the kindness and generosity of its supporters… 

PBC is a beautiful sanctuary with a wonderful vibe. It is a place of happiness, friendship and community. We are grateful to have it in Pittsburgh.

-Anonymous