Real Thai forest experience if you are living in North California. Look into their website for the latest news and updates. Make sure to pack good flashlights. read more

This place is heaven on earth. I came here for a day-long retreat with a group of people from San Francisco. Each of us brought lunch food for the monks. Do you know that they only eat twice during the day? A light breakfast in the morning and their second and last meal is lunch. We prepare the table of food for them; they bless the food; and then they take whatever they'll eat in their alms bowl. It's a very humbling realization how they treat food as nourishment and not something to take for granted...or enjoy. I can barely imagine myself not enjoying food. But for renunciates like them, it seem as simple as breathing. The same way they pledge a vow of poverty and renounce the pleasures of life, for example music (except for chanting), or money (they never touch them). I can't help but recollect my experience meeting, sharing a meal and spending a day with them. They take donations and food supplies (vegetarian dishes only). Go to http://www.abhayagiri.org/ for more info. If you are looking for spiritual nourishment - visit this place. Only two hours drive north from San Francisco near Ukiah. The mountains and the monks will move you. I kid you not. read more

Abhayagiri Monastery - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Redwood Valley, California

Beautiful grounds and friendly, welcoming community. I went twice this summer to attend a talk and community sit, and each time someone went out of their way to greet me and give me a tour. I enjoyed the minimalist shrine room and the general social atmosphere of a kind, active community. At the service I attended they chanted mostly in English and offered a combination of light ritual practice with extended silent sitting meditation. If you want to stay there in the summer, book online through their website well in advance, since the overnight stay slots fill up quickly. read more