"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." -Buddha…read more Having just driven from Starke where I saw the first Atheist Monument in the USA, it was interesting to come to Gainesville and tour this wonderful peaceful retreat. It's quiet, it's beautiful and it's a serene atmosphere that is perfect for meditating or just clearing one's mind of the daily struggles. The temple grounds feature majestic Buddhist sculptures, including a 33-foot-long reclining Buddha, a 28-foot-tall seated Buddha, and a 45-foot-tall Avalokitesvara, a bodhisattva who embodies compassion. The statue depicting a young Buddha atop a solid granite globe was installed in 2019. All were hand-crafted in Vietnam and carefully installed here in Florida. It is free to visit. The paved walkways are handicapped accessible. There are benches throughout to provide the opportunity for peaceful reflection. Do be aware of the wildlife. [Review 353 of 2025 - 2005 in Florida - 23915 overall]

Running around town with my mom recently, we decided to explore some parks in town that we had…read morenever been to. I came across Tu Vien a Nan in my exploration of Google Maps, and figured that was something that might be interesting, so off we went! The grounds are well kept and the statuary is impressive. Numerous very large statues devoted to the Buddhist faith have been erected in the park, with a number of different areas designed for peaceful meditation and prayer. Just walking around the grounds is a pleasant experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves for the hour or so that we were there. I highly recommend going here for an hour or so of peace.

Queen of Peace is an very high Catholic Church which offers a Sunday Mass in Latin…read more In some ways, I would say it has a pre-Vatican II feel to it. Fr Pat is an old time Irish priest who offers a strong, no nonsense interpretation of the gospel message. As you can see from the pictures, this is a Cathedral size church that is as large as any I've been in within the US, with the exception of the National Cathedral in Washington DC, or St John the Divine in NY. They have several services during the week, including a Chapel Mass at 8:30 each day and one at Noon Tuesday through Friday. Confessions are heard on Saturday @ 2:00 to 3:30 PM Sunday Mass is at 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30 AM and one on Saturday at 4 pm.

This church has a beautiful reverence for God. I absolutely love all the masses especially the…read moreLatin Mass. Father Patrick is wonderful. The parishioners are wonderful. They really care and we'll pray for you

Such a wonderful church service. The music is straight out of Nashville. Everyone is very welcoming.read more

the best people. No better atmosphere. HIGHLY recommend coming here. I've been going for almost 6…read moreyears, never been disappointed. You come in as a stranger and leave as family.

KRISHNA LUNCH REVIEW, Plaza of the Americas, University of Florida:…read more Since I couldn't find an entry for this Gainesville staple, I will create my own! This stuff helped put me through college. 3 dollars a plate (now 4 dollars) of all you can eat Indian food with the option to take some home if you bring a tupperware container! The menu varies depending on the day but has undergone a few revampings since I've been in Gainesville. The fan favorite is always spaghetti Wednesday, but my personal favorite is the curry subji on Thursday. What makes it so amazing is the almond dressing that goes on the salad and, if your like me, the rice, halava, and vegetables. I've gotten the recipe and made it at home before but its not the same. There is something utterly perfect about the dressing and many times I've bought a bottle from them (8 dollars) and eaten it on EVERYTHING in my house. Even cookies. Don't judge me. The atmosphere fits perfectly since you are enjoying such natural vegetarian food outside in the sun. Though on rainy days its hard to find a cramped seat in the Library West hallways. Also interesting is the constant singing and chanting the Krishnas do during the entire lunch, and if your lucky you will be approached by a kind Krishna who wishes to talk to you about their religion. Seriously these guys can bring ANYTHING back to Krishna. "Oh yeah, I just got out of the hardest test in Biology." 'You know who else was tested alot? Krishna." I give it 4 stars though because I have had the chance to go back this semester and its not the same. Its a bit more corporate, if you catch my drift. Before, not having the money was no problem as they would feed you out of religious belief. Now I hear stories of Krishnas getting huffy and lecturing. Also lists of rules giving conduct of how to act in the line? Krishna devotees giving me dirty looks when I ask for extra dressing, as if I'm stealing money out of their organization with each squeeze? The pitiful half squeeze I finally do get while being stared down? Wheres the love? Still, amazing food.

Krishna Lunch is the best food you can find on campus and for the price is absolutely fantastic,…read moreespecially for vegetarians/vegans. The menu varies by the day, but neither of us can recall a day where we had a bad meal. For $4 you get a plate full of vegetables/salad with THE best dressing ever made/some sort of starch (usually rice)/dessert/organic tea. The cups they use are a bit on the small size, but you can always get refills without issue. They non-students (a few older gentlemen) are extremely kind, as are the majority of the student servers. We've known people who've worked both at the campus luncheon and at the big blue house a few blocks away and everything is kept very clean and orderly. They apparently only use completely recyclable dinnerware, but the cups have a vaguely odd smell. This isn't a Krishna Lunch problem though, as we've experienced the same issues at real restaurants that use the same brand. Must be the material that is used. Downside is that if it's raining, you'll have to cram onto the benches under the Library West walkway and if it's hot (hello, it is the swamp!) the shaded areas amongst the trees in Plaza of the Americas are usually taken up. There is generally a drum circle and some singing going on, which is a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon your view point. The lines are long, but move pretty quick since everything is done cafeteria style. Krishna Lunch to us, was the epitome of college/grad school eating, except it was healthy, filling, and left us feeling refreshed, not sick like the fast food fare served at the Hub or in Reitz Union. In response to Chris V.'s review, we never had anyone of the workers talk about Krishna to us other than to say how serving/feeding people is how they worship, but we had an acquaintance who said he was harassed about it. Take it for what you will. Guess it all depends on who's around, but for the most part we have had nothing but good experiences. Besides, it's way cheaper than going across University to grab a sub. :)

very strict church and saw multiple people working the mass were rude to a girl not wanting to eat…read morethe bread when she was new and confused. be more welcoming and understanding. they don't have to eat the bread if they don't want to and this church made her. unprofessional.

Beautiful church! Always come web in Gainesville and the priests and community are always welcoming…read moreand kind. Mass is at 11:30 on Sundays.

If you are in or near the Gainesville area, this is a must visit! Do yourself a favor, look up the…read moreschedule of Michael Singer's talks on tou.org and get yourself here! The experience will change your life! He does Q&A on Monday and Thursday nights after his talks. Sunday was followed by outside fellowship.

Michael Singer has changed my life- I do not say this lightly. I first discovered his book and then…read moredecided to move our life out here so we would learn from him. He speaks truth which will set your soul free- My thoughts and emotions no longer control me. I have learned how to step back into my awareness, let go and surrender to life. I feel more love, Joy & connection. This is what walking with God feels like. Thank you for your service to the universe

Amazing Masjid and great community. I always find peace and rest in my heart when I come to Hoda…read moreCenter