I came to Tassajara to try zazen meditation and after hearing it recommended by a friend who lauded…read morethe experience, the onsen, and the amazing food. I only stayed one night and I wish I'd stayed longer because it was an amazing experience! I drove down from SF and, starting at 7am on Saturday, it was only 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the last hour on the gravelly dirt road that others have complained extensively about. I lost reception about 1 hour and 30 mins before arrival. The last 15 miles was indeed a bit treacherous, but nothing insurmountable. Upon arrival, I went on some short hikes, ate lunch (salad and soup), went to the Narrows / watering hole (so fun, but a bit difficult to get to if you're not comfortable scrambling on rocks), went to the meditation introduction at 4pm, did another small hike, returned for dinner (the nut loaf was AMAZING!!), and then went to the dharma talk by an abbot from city center. I finished the day with 40 mins in the onsen. The food was indeed incredible - so good, I purchased the Tassajara cook book, and I've never bought a cook book before in my life! The summer nights are a bit deceptive: it was hot when I went to bed at 10:30pm, but when I woke up at 5:15am it was freezing cold! I went to the morning zazen meditation: it was a little intimidating doing it with the monks and the students, but everyone's very nice and happy to help if you get confused about what to do. The soji (temple cleaning) after was fun too, just 15 mins in the kitchen. The breakfast was amazing as well: scrambled egg whites, oatmeal, fruit, and scones. The bread here is AMAZING! They also let you pack bag lunches if you plan on spending the day out and about rather than coming back in the middle of the day to eat. Overall, an amazing experience. Being detached from the internet and phone reception was incredible: it gave me the opportunity to focus on the people around me and really make friends. It's a testament to this place that everyone I met had been coming here for 40+ years!

Unfortunately I have to avoid recommending this place based on conversations over the phone. I was…read moresuper excited to explore this awesome, unique temple and called today (May 2022) to see if they were still welcoming visitors. I was greeted with very terse, gruff dialogue over the phone that seemed frustrating and unwelcoming. BLUF, no, they aren't welcoming anyone this summer. They will also not be welcoming anyone in fall, winter (which is normal) and they said "try again next spring." For a religious place of worship that's refusing visits with no stated reason...for shame. The website says it is concerned about Covid, which is understandable, but "all are welcome." The attitude and rhetoric portrayed over the phone can't be further from acceptance or politeness. Thank you!

Do yourself a favor and learn the TM technique from a Certified TM Instructor. The technique is…read morereally a great tool to recharge your batteries and to expand your enjoyment of life. GO TO TMWOMEN.ORG or TMWOMENProfessionals.org TM unfolds your inner potential - it will change your life.

If I could give it 10 Stars I would! Lindsay Dyson is absolutely wonderful! She provides the most…read moreinteresting and effective teaching of one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives! My husband and I learned TM 2 years ago and I must say learning transcendental meditation has been transformative and I could not recommend it more highly to anyone! The Carmel transcendental meditation center is calming, beautiful, peaceful and a perfect place to learn and meditate. Go and give this amazing gift to yourself, your loved ones & humanity!

I could see the potential the two teachers from whom I took class have, but was dissapointed with…read morethe classes overall. This unique studio is located in the top, back corner of the mall. It is not easy to find if you are using Google maps. Upon entering the space, I wasn't sure where the front of the studio was. The entryway extends along one side where you place your belongings. I had to be guided to the mats and tools. The large space has uneven floors that might be radiant heated. There is a loose check in process wherein you sign a piece of paper. Although we had registered online, no one ever asked us if we had done so, nor did they confirm our attendance by checking. The first class we attended was taught by a substitute. We set up against the wall for this Therapeutic Hatha practice. The sequence was fine, the teacher was nice and she used the props in creative ways. I modified as I needed to and felt the overall experience was good. The second class was with a male teacher. It was titled as "Hatha Yoga," but it felt much more like an ashtanga style class in regard to the posturing and cues. The teacher got our attention at the beginning by saying something like, "We're three minutes past start time, get settled so we can begin at a reasonable time." There were no introductions or any establishment of connection. He did not greet us as we arrived, check in, nor provide guidance for setting up. He directed us into the first posture, poorly explaining how to use the tools to set it up. As experienced practitioners, at first we felt like the practice had a good vinyasa krama. Then, we all agreed, it's like someone grabbed the wheel and turned it completely off course. The cueing was unclear (he would say "inhale your right leg," and provide no other guidance). The asana sequence did not feel good. The teacher didn't appear to have an awareness of the bodes or needs of those attending the class. Following the closing of the class, the group all said, "Thank you David," at which point we learned his name. While I may return to this studio, I will defintely be doing so with discernment after my experience. I visit Carmel often and have a friend there who is searching for a studio. She has decided this is not the one for her. However, as I said, the teachers and studio have potential to create a truly special place to practice in Carmel (plus you can get donuts and/or cheese afterward).

Called and spoke to Laura about attending the yoga class at Folktale Winery scheduled for May 1…read more After talking to Laura I canceled my plans to hike in Pt Lobos to go to the class and have brunch there. It was 10am and there I was with 3 other people and no instructor. The class was canceled. I wasted my last morning in Carmel and was not going to wait 90 minutes for my brunch reservation which cost me $32. This is very unprofessional, disappointing and a waste of my time.

Om Oasis Studio in downtown monterey is a lovely community. The instructors each bring a different…read moreenergy to their classes- but the passion for running a great class is shared. I love the flexibility of signing up on the app. There is no dedicated parking, but there is always a spot on the street within a couple blocks.

What a lovely studio! There's not a lot of parking up front but depending on timing there's lots…read moreof parking in neighborhood surrounding. The vibe is calming here and you feel peaceful both before and after class. Tastefully decorated and the layout makes this studio feel spacious. Plentiful with props (they have ALL the things) I do wish the cubbies were inside the actual room you practice in. I do end up taking phone and keys/wallet inside studio but would feel comfortable if cubbies were in studio to leave there. Instructor lead a great class and I felt so relaxed after. Can't wait to visit again.

A hidden GEM in Morgan Hill: peaceful, CLEAN, and filled with an array of friendly people…read more I travelled from Los Angeles to San Jose, specifically to visit the Dhammakaya Meditation Center. What a great experience indeed! I've been to many Dhammakaya meditation centers throughout the US and I've got to say this location is one of the most tranquil location with the friendliest and welcoming people. This place is so peaceful and simply the PERFECT place to practice meditation. I wish I lived closer!!! :) *WORLD PEACE through INNER PEACE* Can't wait to go back and attend the *Middle Way Meditation* sessions on SATURDAYS! The Guided meditation sessions are open to ALL ages, all ethnic background s, all religions + conducted in English, and most importantly FREE of charge! Yayyyy! (",)

I've been coming to this temple for many years. This meditation center is on the corner of Llagas…read moreRoad and Hale Ave. I feel much more calm and have better focus since I have used their meditation technique. The technique is easy to do. I am so glad that they now open for public daily. They have meditation classes everyday from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm. The teaching monks are very friendly. I'm not only learn how to meditate, but also always get some takeaway to use in my daily life. I can see that my life is happier and more positive since I practice meditation with them. Their classes are not in the main chapel, the first building you see. Go inside to the building behind and you will see their staff or the monk who is ready to welcome you. If you don't see anyone, please be patient. Their will be someone to assist you. If you live in Morgan Hill or nearby, I highly recommended you to stop by and give it a try.

Shorinji Kempo is a wonderful organization and this branch too. Sensei Arita is an exceptional…read moreperson and a great teacher for all ages. I've been a student for years and what attracted to me to this group was the positive people involved, the defense-minded, non-aggressive martial art, and the fact that there is an equal emphasis placed on positive mental/personal development as is physical development. I actively recommend this group to everyone I know.

From the owner: Shorinji Kempo Monterey is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization providing education by…read moreJapanese Martial Arts instruction (Shorinji Kempo). It is one of Japanese modern Martial Arts, which is based on Zen Buddhism. It is also an education system which includes its unique and philosophy and technique. We practice for developing good personality and the world better through the practice. Shorinji Kempo is not competitive and it is fun to practice techniques. The practice places equal emphasis on training mind and body by practice of technique and Zen meditation. All Shorinji Kempo Branches all over the world are non-for-profit-organizations. All the instructors do not make money for their living from teaching Shorinji Kempo.

If there were such a thing as a Disneyland for Buddhism in an American setting, the closest thing…read moreto that would probably be the Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) sanctuary, nestled in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains near the quiet town of Soquel. I mean no disrespect by this (the organization calls itself a "Dharma Wonderland"), as the narrative below will make clear. Our visit had a dream-like quality to it. It was a weekday, with no scheduled events. As we wandered about, we encountered few people. The handful we did encounter were all very pleasant, exchanging greetings and information with us, as if we were all kindred spirits. It wasn't clear to us initially where the physical boundaries of LMB were. Just as we thought we had reached the end, we discovered yet another temple or other point of interest ahead. Each temple was different, in terms of style, purpose and size, as well as architecturally. The most impressive for me was the 100,000 Stupa, the Mahabodhi Temple replica, which looked like something out of an Indiana Jones adventure movie. That's the 39-foot-tall replica of the 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi Temple in India, where the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. But the most profound personal experience for me was provided by the Wish-Fulfilling Temple farther up the road. The gleaming golden Buddha standing off to the side emanated such a special aura of kindness and omniscience that I was inspired on the spot to do something I had never done outdoors before: I prayed. I prayed for several minutes, in fact (though I'm not even Buddhist). Prior to that, at other temple spots, we spun various prayer wheels, large and small. I pushed a large wooden column, suspended like a swing, into a heavy ornate bell several times. It emitted a "bong" that filled the surrounding wooded enclave with its strong yet soothing sound. Across from the bell was a gong, with two different instruments designed for striking it, hanging on either side. One had a solid soft plastic end to it, the other a fuzzy soft material obviously designed to produce a more muffled sound. Placards with background information and instructions for chants were posted in all appropriate places. I especially appreciated the fact that simplified versions of chants were provided, for those of us for whom the full chant phrases were too difficult to remember. Rustic benches made from split logs were available in various spots from which we could admire the views of the forested mountains nearby and in the distance. Most visitors will probably find the trail challenging -- if you hike to all the temples during your visit -- unless you're both young and in top shape. Here are a few other tips: * The road into LMB is one-lane only. If you meet a vehicle coming toward you from the opposite direction, one of you will have to pull off to the side to accommodate the other. This must be done very carefully, as the shoulders -- where they do exist -- are narrow and the drop from the side can be steep. * There is a food "truck" within the compound but it will not necessarily be open (it wasn't when we visited), so either bring your own food or plan to eat before or after you drive in. A vegetarian restaurant called "Pretty Good Advice" (covered in a separate review) is about 2.8 miles away from the entrance to LMB. * Read the information on the LMB website before going, to be able to fully appreciate your visit. We found no maps available at the compound, so I highly recommend that you print one out from the website. * At the very least, check the information on the LMB website before you drive there, to make sure it will be open. If an event is scheduled, keep in mind that parking is limited and make sure you feel up to the challenge. * You may not be approached by anyone to make the suggested $20 per vehicle donation but this can be done at the bookstore/gift shop near the compound's entrance (if you can't afford $20, then offer whatever you can). I have it on good authority that those who do so will be rewarded with good karma!

This really is a hidden gem. Land of Medicine Buddha Retreat had much more to explore and…read moreexperience than I expected. The hiking path was so beautiful, as I thought, but it also had things to see and read... and usually a place to sit while you ponder the Buddhist quote about life's philosophy. You pass not only tall Redwoods, but also a koi pond and tucked away buddhas from different Asian countries -- China, Tibet, India. There are also other areas to explore on the property, such as a meditation area, store and cafe, prayer area, drums and chimes, statues, and waterfall. There were also docents here and there whom you could talk to. (Note that the meditation area where the waterfall and statutes are located are fenced in and are only open at certain times.) There is a $20 entrance fee per car, but I think it is worth it for the upkeep of the property.

I didn't realize I could review IMC on Yelp but it's a place after all, so why not. And it's not…read morejust a place, it's a very lovely place. It's the real real. No flash, all substance. Truly, it changed the direction of my life. I am still myself, always will be, but this place and its people transformed and impacted me in ways I couldn't have predicted. My introduction to the practice and teachings from IMC was very important for my personal development and spiritual growth. When I lived in RWC 5 years ago I was located on Main Street near the In-N-out which was walking distance to the meditation center. I ended up going to the center weekly, regularly. I've been living in Arizona since that time and I am still very much connected to this group. I come back yearly to attend silent vipassana meditation retreats at their center in Santa Cruz, simply named Insight Retreat Center. I told you, no flash. It's refreshing to support and be connected to a place that isn't part of the heavily capitalized society we live in, in which everything seems to come down to its monetary value. Not here my friend! IMC has core employees but what it really runs on is the commitment of volunteers. I typically function as a retreat manager when I come to IRC and if I lived closer I would happily give time to this place. In 2017 when I came often, it really helped me with personal challenges I was experiencing. I gained a community of practitioners that are serious about the dharma yet also kind people. I've met some amazing teachers and found my personal teachers of Gil and Max to be wonderful people in the world. 2 of my favorites :D IMC is a Buddhist meditation center that has some very excellent teachers and programs overall. It used to be a former church, turned Buddhist meditation hall. Very peaceful place. It's a place of refuge and to learn about the practice of mindfulness and get your feet wet. Or, be a longtime meditator and get your practice even more in depth. Whatever you are looking for on this path, it's there. I couldn't recommend this place enough. Don't miss it, you could easily walk by it not noticing, and never know the treasures it holds within. If you're unsure how to navigate coming here for a first time, a tip is to go online to their website. They have a robust schedule of classes, guided meditation sits, and general information about the place and people. It's very useful.

Incredible place and teachers, especially Gil who is the pillar of IMC. They hold frequent online…read moreand in person gatherings, kind community, and food for thought. Highly recommend

Hexbox is the place to be! The atmosphere feels personal, supportive, and motivating -- nothing…read morelike the overcrowded chain gyms. The gym is clean and well-designed. The coaches are top notch and really care about your fitness journey. All the workouts are thoughtfully structured and challenging in the best way. If you're looking for a gym, you have to check out Hexbox!

Everyone is so sweet and so welcoming !!! Highly recommend , very fun and interactive workoutsread more