Vajradhara Buddhist Center was founded in 2004 by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso as a non-profit organization and member of the New Kadampa Tradition.

In November 2005, a residential center was established in Charlotte to provide for the growing numbers of people who wish to practice meditation and study authentic mahayana Buddhist teachings. The Center is located on the corner of N Sharon Amity Road and Addison Drive. An oasis of peace in a bustling city, it offers meditation classes, retreats, and chanted meditations for all levels of interest, experience, and lifestyle.

You can learn meditations to calm your own mind, and relax and find happiness within your own mind, and to help you lead a meaningful and successful life. In classes at Vajradhara Center you can leave behind the stress and chaos of daily life to find some peace, wisdom and clarity.

The General Program of meditation and teachings on Buddhist View is tailored for anyone interested in finding out about the Buddhist way of meditating and thinking about life's opportunities and challenges, and in finding happiness in daily life. These self-contained classes give a basic introduction to Buddhist philosophy, psychology and meditation. Classes are held on Monday evenings at 7-8:30pm in the Meditation Room downstairs, the Education Building, Myers Park Baptist Church 1931 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28207.
To reach the Meditation Room, you may take the elevator on the right of the entrance hall, down to the ground floor. Turn right as you exit the elevator and find the Meditation Room at the end of the corridor.

The Foundation Program of meditation and teaching provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding and experience of Buddha's teachings. It consist of the systematic study of six essential subjects of Mahayana Buddhism based on commentaries by our Spiritual Director and Founder, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in The Meditation Room, Vajradhara Buddhist Center, 4601 Addison Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Many people who are interested in learning how to meditate and in practicing the Buddhist way of life attend the classes and programs at the Center.

Buddhist practice is very gentle. It does not require physical deprivation and hardship, but is mainly concerned with the internal task of controlling and transforming the mind. - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso