Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

Bloomington, United States

4.9

16 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 812-336-6807
Website:
www.tmbcc.org
Address:
3655 S Snoddy Rd, Bloomington, IN, 47401
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
2.3 miCovenanter
2.3 miHillside and High
2.3 miHillside & High
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Today

Today –
Local time (Bloomington) 11:07 Thursday, 5 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

The TMBCC grounds are open to visitors free of charge every day during daylight hours. Meditation instruction is offered every Monday at 6:00 pm & group meditation Monday & Thursday at 6:30pm. Yoga is offered 5 days/​week on a donation basis. Teachings in Buddhist philosophy are held every Sunday at 10:30 and 12 noon. Orientation sessions are held the first Sunday of the month at 2pm. The Happy Yak Gift Shop is open 1:00 to 6:00 pm daily.

History

Established in 1979.

TMBCC was established in 1979 by Tagster Rinpoche (Thubten Norbu), the elder brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In 2005, His Holiness gave the directorship to Arjia Rinpoche, former abbot of Kumbum Monastery in Eastern Tibet. Located on the 108 acre center are a Cultural Building with library, gift shop and 5 retreat rooms, Kumbum Chamtse Ling Monastery and Temple, two stupas, two mani korlo (prayer wheels), and four rental cottages.

Meet the Manager

Arjia Rinpoche J.

Manager

Arjia Rinpoche is the Director of TMBCC. A Tibetan high lama of Mongolian descent, he was born in Eastern Tibet and recognized as the reincarnation of the father of Lama Tsong Khapa. In 1998 he left Tibet due to the repression of Tibetan cultures and religion. In 2005, he was appointed Director of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His memoir, Surviving the Dragon, published in 2010 recounts his life and the story of Tibet in recent years.

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16 reviews of Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Indianapolis, IN
This is a beautiful piece of land in Bloomington. It definitely makes you feel far from Indiana. I would highly recommend driving out to take a stroll and for some reflection on any nice day. A great little afternoon getaway!
Place rating: 5
Indianapolis, IN
What a lovely little paradise in the middle of Bloomington, Indiana! I had no idea this was here. It is such a serene and beautiful place. I instantly felt calmer just walking the grounds. I teetered between a four and five star review and went with five because it is just such an anomaly. In my 37 years on this earth and 34 years particularly in central Indiana, I had no idea about this little hidden gem. I would love to take advantage of their retreat space to just zen.
A few helpful tips:
— The «one-​way» signs on the paths are confusing, so drive slow and try not to hit anyone head on (or at all, really).
— Take off your shoes at the entryway of the cultural center. There is a «no shoes» sign, but you cannot see it if the doors are propped open.
— Bring your respect for others. Every guest we encountered was very quiet and calm, which really added to the serenity of the place.
— There’s a gift shop!
Place rating: 5
Orland Park, IL
Delightful religious center located on the edge of Bloomington Indiana. The center includes a number of outdoor landmarks, a building with an altar where they hold daily services, a monastery building housing a number of monks, and a visitors center with gift shop and a number of meditation rooms. Billed as a peaceful location on 108 acres, visitors are welcome and encouraged to walk the property. This was a wonderful respite during the busy hubbub of the day. Give it a try when you are in the neighborhood.
Place rating: 5
Bloomington, IN
There are just some places that a person connects with. The CC feels like an extension of land I’ve li/​o/​ved on for years nearby off and on. Surprising, significant, and well, scientifically unexplainable.
The staff /​volunteers here are just wonderful. I’ve always felt accepted and welcomed, no matter how naively well-​intentioned or utterly burnt crispy, as one should, whether or not you’re familiar with Buddhism in the abstract or its practices, or just truly open to learning about others.
The grounds are lovely and peaceful — a place to truly breathe. I spend more time here in mindfulness on the grounds than in the staffed areas, though those are lovely, as well.
Personally, I’ve never stayed overnight onsite, but friends describe the experience as similar to what you’d find at Meinrad Archabbey or less busy /​more simple /​low tech state parks.
Place rating: 5
Indianapolis, IN
During my visit, I continually asked myself, «We’re still in Indiana? In Bloomington, for that matter?» How lucky we are to have this interfaith cultural center in our own backyard.
The Tibetan influence is apparent in the pristine white and gold structures on the grounds along with multicolored archways and flags. I recommend parking your car and walking around and exploring by foot. Prayer wheels, insanely intricate Tibetan sand mandalas, and unique discoveries await.
My travel companions and I entered the main building and took off our shoes in the entry, as required. Monks from India were visiting and currently in prayer session, but we were allowed to join and watch. The greeter explained to us what was going on, and the monk leading the ceremony personally welcomed us, gave a brief tour of the shrine, explained the basics of the Buddhist faith, and gave us each a water and two pieces of fruit as offerings. I have never felt more welcomed in a foreign environment in my life.
TMBCC offers weekend retreats, meditation, and yoga. If you find yourself in Bloomington, this is absolutely worth the visit for a bit of peace, tranquility, and enlightenment. Continue your cultural exploration by stopping by one of the many Tibetan restaurants in Btown!
Place rating: 5
Indianapolis, IN
I am not buddhist, but have always found buddhism interesting. This vast cultural center is tucked away in Bloomington. There is a winding road that takes you through a 40 acre property with two buildings and many monuments/​sacred places to see.
The first building is a library and gift shop. We were there on a Saturday afternoon and the gift shop was not open. The second building is the Temple. We walked in and removed our shoes. Then a gentleman welcomed us and told us to look around and ask him any questions. The Temple was full of statues, shrines and candles. But on either side there were items from other religions (Quran, rosary beads, etc.). The gentleman was very friendly and gave us information about the grounds and temple. There is a free meditation class every Wed @ 6p that is open to the public. He said there are lots of events put on there and if u sign up for their newsletter, you will be notified of the events. He also said that the cultural center was built by the Dali Lama’s brother. He was in charge of it until he died and now it is run by a professor at IU.
It was very peaceful and quiet there. They are very open and welcoming to all.
Place rating: 5
Indianapolis, IN
What a memorable and peaceful experience.
We strolled onto the Cultural Center grounds (which are 40+ acres) not fully knowing what to expect. Our curious ways led us down a winding lane surrounded by Buddhas, prayer flags and statues. I can only imagine how much more mysterious and beautiful this place once the ground and trees are green with life. From the intricate sand art to the complete solitude, we loved every minute of our visit.
The whole experience was made extra-​special when we stumbled upon a Buddhist service with 8 – 10 monks who were visiting from India (seriously, you guys, this is a very important place in the Buddhist world tucked away in southern Indiana). We quietly seated ourselves at the back of the room and were graciously greeted by the leader at the end of the service. He explained the process, shared tangerine and plums and welcomed us with open arms. I really appreciated that their sanctuary had religious books from several other groups like Muslims, Christians and Jews as a sign of their openness and love for all.
Place rating: 5
Evergreen, CO
This is a good place to go if you want to get out of the repetitive loop of what we know as home-​culture and dabble in something both refreshing and tranquil.
Place rating: 5
Indianapolis, IN
Beautiful place and energy. Worth the drive to Bloomington.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
This destination was a great recommendation on TripAdvisor. It is a peaceful and welcoming interfaith cultural center. Take off your shoes and step through the door. It’s quiet and peaceful and a great break from reality.
They also support missions and help raise needed funds. We had the great joy of discovering a prayer «singing» bowl. This bowl sings louder and louder as you rub the edge with a felted baton. Pretty awesome.
Place rating: 5
Torrance, CA
Since my father’s best friend was the founder, I’ve been here many times. And, all I can say is five-​stars doesn’t do it justice. So peaceful and tranquil. My father passed away, as did the founder, but this was always one of his most favorite places.
Place rating: 5
Indianapolis, IN
Amazing cultural experience! This is a nice place to relax and experience peace. Trails to walk and sculptures surround the property. Inside you can light a candle and say a prayer or give an offering. There is also a small center for literature for purchase if you want to learn more.
Place rating: 5
New York, NY
What a wonderful place! I have been to many buddhist cultural centers and this meets the expectations! The area is secluded but not like out in nowhere. It is very quiet and peaceful and If’d you would like you can take a short hike around the property.
Will visit again and definitely recommend everyone!
Place rating: 5
Indianapolis, IN
Wow. Wowie wow wow wow. I can’t believe more people don’t know this is here. MY wife and I rented a yurt (one bedroom cottage) for $ 60 a night for a second honeymoon, and we had the most relaxing two days of our lives. The nature in the area is outstandingly gorgeous, and we spent two hours walking the meditation trail in silent awe. The feeling of beauty and respect is palpable; even the animals can feel it. We saw several baby deer and rabbits just wandering the paths, safe in the knowledge that they wouldn’t be harmed. The temple is a work of art, and a must see in the Bloomington area.
The cottage itself was refreshingly simple, a comfortable queen sized bed alongside a twin, opposite a small kitchenette with microwave, stove, sink, toaster, dishes, coffee maker, etc. My wife was relieved to see that there was in fact a bathroom and shower (she was not certain there would be.) Out the back door is an elevated deck where you can just stare into the woods for hours.
This was an amazing retreat, absolutely amazing, and we will definitely be back later when we have more time to indulge in yoga classes and meditation services. This truly is one of the best kept secrets in Indiana.
Place rating: 4
Indianapolis, IN
I found this place a few years ago and i love coming here. the place is so serene, inside the temple has great energy. i drive an hour from indy, just to soak in the energy for a few hours. they have classes and teachings. the regulars there are very nice. i haven’t been there in over a year, but i need to start going back. they are very welcoming to people who aren’t buddhist, so don’t let that keep you away!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
interesting place :)