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Meditation & Dharma Teachings

A Path of Peace & Connection

Cultivating a mindful life in community

Dharma is for everyone. May all beings be happy.

Franz Manfredi smiling at a laptop.

Meet Franz

A Lifelong Student and Teacher of Dharma

Franz Manfredi began studying meditation and philosophy as a child and has devoted his life to exploring the spiritual traditions of South and Southeast Asia. His journey includes pilgrimages to India, years of independent study in Early Buddhism, and ongoing training in Zen and Dzogchen under respected teachers.

Since 2015, Franz has been sharing the transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings, offering guidance at Long Beach Meditation, Insight LA, and beyond.

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Practice Pathways

Rooted in Soto Zen, Theravada, and Dzogchen lineages, these teachings are offered in ways that honor tradition while meeting the needs of modern life. You are invited to pause and listen, to rest deeply, to dance and play, and to care tenderly for your own precious heart. Explore these pathways to connect through weekly meditations, community gatherings, and a library of teachings available anytime.

Weekly
Meditation

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Community
Meditations

Video
Library

Ceremonies

Honoring Life’s Milestones

Personalized ceremonies to honor love, transformation, grief, and new beginnings — created in partnership with you to reflect your values and intentions.

Explore Ceremonies
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Latest Teachings

Read recent writings and insights on meditation and Dharma

Discover more on the blog

Community Reflections

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Before my husband opened the door, I thought that I loved living in chaos! Turns out, I don’t. Monday nights with Franz have been a guiding light in my life and a sweet date night with my hubby. I honestly thought that I could not meditate and absolutely not for extended amounts of time. It is freeing to now be able to allow space for my emotions and pause before I react. I attribute this to the carefully curated, inclusive, caring, and thoughtful teachings from Franz.
Elizabeth P.
I love coming to Monday night meditation with Franz! He facilitates an inviting space fueled by loving-kindness. I’ve always struggled to meditate but Franz makes it easy to understand, and there’s always something new to learn. I appreciate the non-dogmatic approach and the “Come As You Are” energy of acceptance. Meditation is an accessible practice for me now because of his teachings.
Laura B.
Franz creates a heart-centered spiritual sanctuary that truly allows you to “Come As You Are.” Stepping into the space for the first time, I immediately felt deep peace, which was only affirmed and amplified by Franz Manfredi’s Full Moon Uposatha meditation. I emerged from the experience feeling simultaneously grounded and filled with lightness of being. I encourage anyone to fill their spiritual cup here.
Stacy P.
I have been joining the Monday night “Come As You Are” classes (mostly hosted by Franz Manfredi) for a year and a half. What a change in my life. What a great way to start the week with these fantastic meditation classes. Franz is the best, with no expectations except to just “be”! The groups are free, but donations are always welcome.
C. W.
The best gift to come to me after moving back was finding this community. Everyone is so warm and welcoming. I look forward to Mondays with Franz every week…it’s truly an absolute joy in my life.
Traci V.
Franz is such a lovely human who welcomes all and embraces every emotion. His presence is powerful and loving. His deep knowledge of how we experience emotions is comforting. Much love, Franz!
Nikkia P.
I started my meditation journey here. Through the years and even after relocating to the Midwest, I keep coming back. Franz made such a safe place to start exploring meditation—a space where I felt welcomed to bring my full self. In the toughest of times, I came with questions, shared or not, and always left with new perspectives. Joining over Zoom is convenient and just as powerful as in person!
Zuleyka M.
What a welcoming atmosphere for me as a beginner and growing meditator! I attend the Monday meditations with Franz and get so much out of his laid-back, personable vibe as well as his tender approach to meeting our own experience. This is the sort of place where you can enter at any experience level and encounter something vibrant and useful, loaded with depth and meaning. Would love to take part in more of the offerings. I join from out of town and try to come in person when possible. Even online, I feel Franz makes us part of the room.
S. H.
Since last year, I’ve become a regular participant in Monday night meditations and Full Moons with Franz. I also attended my first silent retreat, joined the book club, and take part in Sunday talks and Saturday retreats whenever I can. Why so much involvement so quickly? Because of the loving-kindness that radiates from Franz and the community, and because of the positive impact both on my present life and in my outlook on the future. This is truly a place of growth and healing—a sangha in the truest sense of the word. It offers services to all, whether online or in person, and no one is turned away for lack of funds. I look forward to deepening my practice while developing new friendships with this special group of people.
Aostara K.
Monday nights with Franz have changed my and my wife’s life for the better. His knowledge and practices are shared with no pushy religious vibe—just genuine knowledge and care.
Trevor P.
I found meditation online and ended up joining the Monday night “Come As You Are” class—what an amazing experience! Very welcoming and supportive environment. After a few classes online, I decided to go in person, and I’m so glad I did! If you are interested in meditation, I can’t recommend Franz enough.
Franz F.
The meditation community with Franz is warm, welcoming, and supportive. His compassion and humor make every practice something I look forward to.
Rebecca K.
I’ve been meditating on my own for a while now, but I’m so glad I found Long Beach Meditation. I go to the Monday night class and love the instruction by Franz! My mind often wanders off so his use of the bell definitely helps me feel grounded and come home to the present. I’ve invited friends to join me and they all tell me how great it was for them too!! Looking forward to participating in other events!
Monica S.