Close your eyes, clear your mind (we think it's okay to giggle quietly when seeing that tumbleweed roll by) and then keep it clear. There, feel better?

Beginners are as welcome as Zen masters at Khandakapala. The refuge has calming gardens with fish ponds, a five-foot-tall Buddha in the meditation room and a bookstore stocked with resources to help begin (or go deeper with) meditation practice. Introductory classes are offered each Wednesday at 7pm; after Sunday's guided courses, the temple opens its World Peace Caf for a light vegetarian lunch. In addition to the programs offered at this center, Khandakapala runs classes in 18 locations in the Los Angeles area including Santa Monica, Studio City, Beverly Hils, Westwood and West Hollywood. Advance registration is not required: First-timers are encouraged to find a suitable level, location and time and then simply show up. We feel better already. —Lonny Pugh