Monastic Hospitality

Peace House is, first and foremost, a monastic residence. Within its walls, ordained Theravadan Buddhist monks study and practice, preserving the Buddha’s teachings, offering spiritual guidance, and radiating mettā (loving-kindness) to sentient beings everywhere. In our complex and turbulent world, their peaceful presence in our community is a benefit to all.

Peace House’s monks live and practice in the busy heart of Cambridge for good reason. Integral to their Buddhist tradition is the deep practice of hospitality. If you have ever attended a Peace House program, you know this. On any day of the week, the Venerable Samitha and the Venerable Kusala are at the door to greet you with a warm, welcoming smile. Your own spiritual background or practice aren’t important — monastic hospitality knows no boundaries. The monks are so happy to see you!

As you review our fall offerings, please consider each a heartfelt personal invitation. By accepting, you help us bridge the gap between monastic and secular worlds, extending the benefits of inward peace even further.

Thank you for joining us in making Peace House something we can all call “home”.

With abundant mettā, judy, with Bhante Samitha, Bhante Kusala, and Busshin

Weekday Monastic Offerings

Devotions to the Buddha, Morning Chant & Meditation
Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 9:45am

Midday Silent Meditation
Monday through Friday, 12:30 - 1:30pm

Mettā (Lovingkindness) Meditation
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm

Meditation & Sutta Study
Thursdays, 6:00 - 6:55pm EST (hybrid)

Maranānussati (Recollection of Death)
Fridays, 6:00 - 7:00pm (hybrid)

Sign up here for all weekday offerings. Click here to join Thursday program (only) via zoom.

Saturday “Beginner’s Mind Q&A”

Saturday, November 2

Throughout this hour of silent meditation practice, Busshin (Peace House visiting novice Zen priest) is available to answer any questions you may have about the “nuts & bolts” of seated meditation practice (e.g., “What do I do if my foot falls asleep during meditation?” or “what stretches can I do to help me sit for longer?”), to offer things like postural adjustment, and suggest possible resources for further study.

Sunday Silent Retreats

Upcomimg Sundays: November 3, November 13, December 1, December 15, 1-4pm

Join us at for a half-day, self-guided silent retreat. This is quiet, electronics-free time for you to spend however you need. Bring a book, journal, or other quiet activity, or spend time on the cushion.

Come Meet Us!

Curious about Peace House? Interested in a longer conversation with Bhante Kusala, Bhante Samitha, Busshin or our director, judy? We are all available for 1x1 conversations in a cozy chair with a warm cup of tea. We’d love to see you!

Community Programs

Christian Centering Prayer Third Tuesdays, including November 19, December 17, 5:30-6:30pm

Applying the fundamentals of centering prayer from the Christian faith tradition, Rev. Mary Leahy, a Roman Catholic Woman Priest, will give a brief practice instruction and then work from Thomas Keating's The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living. This touchstone offering will be an opportunity for beginners to acquire a familiarity with the practice and for more mature contemplatives, an opportunity to pray with others.

More information here.

Opportunities for Alms-GIving

Alms-round is a tradition that dates back to the time of the Buddha and is an important part of monastic life. On weekdays from 11:00 - 11:15 am, the Bhantes walk for alms-food in the neighborhood (piṇḍapāta). Come along and put some food in their alms bowls! Piṇḍapāta is not begging: the monks simply walk or stand silently and receive what is offered for the day’s meal. All offerings are accepted with gratitude.

Please visit to sign up for a day that works for you: https://www.cambridgepeacehouse.org/appointments. Once you have signed up, the Bhantes will be notified and look forward to receiving your alms offering at 46 Lee Street, Cambridge, MA (Wilder Play Area outside of West and Lee Streets near Peace House). This location is not that busy, and the monks will be visible to you.

Alms-round FAQ

What should I offer?

In Thailand, they say, “Offer whatever you want to eat in heaven”! All offerings are accepted with gratitude.

Is there anything I should not offer?

Please don’t offer money! We are only accepting food for the daily meal. (If you want to offer a financial donation in support of the monks, please do so at cambridgepeacehouse.org/donate)

Do I have to bring a full meal?

We would really appreciate it if you bring enough for two monks.

But I can’t cook!

We’re near Central Square, so there are plenty of restaurants and shops where you can buy food locally.

Any allergies?

Not really.

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