Vesak Day observance and morning almsgiving
Our largest gathering of the year. Morning almsgiving, chanting, a candlelight circumambulation at dusk, and food throughout the day.
Theravāda Buddhist society · Johor Bahru · since 1982
Everyone is welcome
to sit with us.
Metta Lodge has been open in Johor Bahru since 1982. We hold meditation, Dhamma classes for adults and children, and dhamma talks. Everyone is welcome — no experience required — you can simply walk in.
Not sure where to start? Send us a message — someone will answer.
The week at Metta Lodge
Come on any of these days.
Nothing here needs booking and nothing here costs anything. If a day below is empty, the hall is quiet — that is part of the rhythm too.
- Sun Today
- Mon Today
- Tue Today
- Wed Today
Hall quiet
- Thu Today
Hall quiet
- Fri Today
- Sat Today
Hall quiet
Times may shift on observance days and public holidays. Anything unusual is posted in Events.
Before you come
What actually happens when you walk in.
If you have never been inside a Buddhist centre, none of this is obvious. So here it is written down.
Do I need to be Buddhist?
No. Many people who sit with us are simply curious, or looking for somewhere quiet to practise. Nobody will ask you to convert, register, or declare anything.
What do I wear?
Something modest and comfortable that you can sit in — covered shoulders and knees. Many members wear white, but you do not need to. Shoes come off before you enter the shrine hall.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Every class, sitting and puja is free. The centre runs on dāna — voluntary giving — and there is never a request at the door.
I have never meditated. Can I still come?
Yes. Our meditation evenings are not guided, but someone will show you where to sit and what to expect. You can also just observe.
What if I arrive late, or need to leave early?
Come in quietly and sit at the back. Leaving early is fine too. No one will mind.
Can I bring my children?
Yes. The children's class runs every Sunday, and younger children are welcome.
Latest from the centre
Talks, retreats and dāna.
One-off gatherings, visiting teachers, and everything that falls outside the weekly rhythm.
Meditation retreat for beginners
Two days of sustained practice with a visiting teacher, structured for people who have never sat a retreat before. Places are limited.
Dana offering to the Sangha
A community almsgiving held when monastics are staying with us. You are welcome to offer food, to help prepare it, or simply to observe.
Maintenance on the new centre at Taman Johor Jaya
An update from the building committee on what maintenance is neccessary for the four-storey centre.
Regular programmes
What runs here, week after week.
These are the standing commitments of the centre. They do not stop for terms or seasons.
Weekly gatherings
Sunday Puja
Mondays, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Our main weekly gathering. Chanting, a short talk, and tea together afterwards. Everyone is welcome, including first-timers and families.
Led by senior lay practitioners
Weekly gatherings
Meditation Evening
Tuesdays, 2:00 pm–3:30 pm
Guided sitting and walking practice on Wednesday evenings. Fully guided from the beginning, so complete beginners are welcome any week.
Led by rotating facilitators
For families
Children's Dhamma Class
Sundays, 9:00 am–11:00 am
A weekly class for children, running alongside Sunday puja so families can come together. Stories, discussion, and simple mindfulness.
Led by youth education volunteers
From our Facebook page
Photos and notes from the last few weeks.
Support the centre
Dāna — giving
Metta Lodge is a non-profit Buddhist society.
Everything here — the classes, the cushions, the electricity, the meals during events — is carried by people who give quietly and without being asked. There is no suggested amount and no tier. Give what is right for you, or give nothing and simply come and visit.
How giving works here