Where the concierge points people first
- Raum Der Stille — A small non-denominational room of silence inside the north wing of the Brandenburg Gate. Free, open to anyone, and ten metres from the busiest square in Berlin. (52.5165, 13.3779)
- Kadampa Meditationszentrum Berlin — Part of an international Buddhist network that runs drop-in classes aimed at beginners. A good first step if you have never sat before. (52.5314, 13.3819)
- Brahma Kumaris Schule fuer Raja Yoga Meditation — The Brahma Kumaris teach without charging for their courses, a rule they apply worldwide. Raja yoga here means meditation with the eyes open, not physical postures. (52.4903, 13.3192)
- Sahaja Yoga Zentrum Berlin — Sahaja Yoga is likewise offered free. Expect a guided session and people keen to explain the practice. (52.5167, 13.3054)
- Ligmincha Berlin, Meditationszentrum für tibetischen Bön Buddhismus — The Berlin branch of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche's network, teaching Bön, the Tibetan tradition that predates Buddhism in Tibet. For the curious and the committed rather than a casual first go. (52.4749, 13.3202)
The rest of the meditation centres in Berlin — every one we hold
- Achtsamkeitstraining im Friedrichshain (52.5111, 13.4653)
- Akazienzendo Berlin (52.5011, 13.3764)
- Bodhispace (52.4803, 13.4324)
- Conscious Kiez (52.5213, 13.4497)
- Daily Meditation Berlin (52.4942, 13.4238)
- dasGathering (52.4923, 13.4278)
- Fokus Institut - Rita Wawrzinek (52.4969, 13.4458)
- Lotos Vihara e.V. (52.5177, 13.4236)
- MBSR & MBCT Berlin Kreuzberg (52.4872, 13.3943)
- MBSR Achtsamkeitsprogramm Berlin Kirsten Karacan (52.4881, 13.3873)
- Rudolf Steiner Haus (52.4656, 13.2919)
- SIA Berlin (52.4918, 13.4277)
- Stille Mitte (52.4868, 13.3513)
- Zen Zentrum Berlin e.V. (52.5505, 13.3699)
Several of these are free by principle
Meditation in Berlin splits roughly three ways. There are Buddhist centres with their own schedules and a teacher at the front; there are secular mindfulness courses such as MBSR, which run as eight-week programmes you sign up for rather than drop into; and there are movements such as the Brahma Kumaris and Sahaja Yoga that offer sessions free of charge as a matter of principle. Most teaching is in German, though some centres run English sessions, so check the language of the class before you go.
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