Santa Cruz Zeb Center is the loveliest, most serene space to meditate in Santa Cruz County. One…read morefeels immediately at peace upon entering the door. There is a lovely garden and benches in the back where one can spend time before or after meditation. As others have mentioned in their reviews, it's a very vibrant place as well, with the fullest range of offerings of any other Buddhist center in the county: morning and evening sits every week day and a Saturday morning sit, as well; Dharma talks follow meditation every Wednesday evening, and those are followed by tea and cookies. PLUS there is a full menu of events going on next door, in their "Sangha Home," including book groups, Dharma study groups, a Parent Support group, a Wellness Support group, an Aging Support group, an Art Group, a mostly-monthly Vegan Cooking Class -- oh, yes, and, of course a monthly Introduction to Zen group. And, if that's not enough activity to engage in when you're not meditating, they have a very active and engaged Earth Care/Climate Justice monthly group; march annually in the Santa Cruz and Pajaro Pride parades; and host the Japanese Cultural Fair activities, calligraphy, bonsai demonstration, and a kimono fashion show in their garden! Despite all the black clothing you'll see there, this is a very colorful and relaxed place! Check out their web site at sczc.org to see what resonates with you!

One doesn't ordinarily write of "Zen" and "buzzing with activity" in the same sentence, but this…read moreparadox drew me to Santa Cruz Zen Center. There'a lot going on: three daily meditations on weekdays and one on each weekend day; a regular schedule of Buddhist ceremonies; weekly lectures, study and discussion groups; calligraphy and other artistic workshops on weekends; visiting speakers; and community service projects. There are regular multi-day meditation retreats for those who want to deepen their practice. This place has three main teachers, and lots of long-time practitioners, so there are lots of opportunities to find a mentor (or mentors) whose practice fits your own. The facility is accommodating of all this activity yet still feels cozy. The community is large enough that it represents a range of interests, yet small enough that you don't feel lost. Wednesday is typically the most popular night, since there is a talk given after meditation. In my personal experience, though, this is not the easiest night to make a connection to the community, unless you're pretty outgoing. The established members are catching up with old friends, and not usually focused on reaching out to newcomers --- many of whom drop in only once or a few times anyway. And besides, rushing up to strangers with hugs doesn't really fit the relatively reserved spirit of Zen practice. So, if you are even slightly introverted, my advice about connecting with this community is to a.) sit regularly in the zendo --- people will start to recognize you, and you'll recognize those who share your schedule; b.) get involved in the center's more focused activities, like cooking for the homeless on Fridays, or one of the many study and discussion groups; c.) show up for the "intro to Zen" meeting on the 4th Saturday morning of any month, which is a great way to get oriented, meet a teacher, ask a bunch of questions about establishing a practice, and find out who else is new. [Full disclosure: I am (now) a member here, the things I've described are what led me to join this community.]

I did a thorough search for a good taichi school when moving to Santa Cruz, 2 years ago. I am so…read morehappy to have found Linda Gerson. She is a serious practitioner, continuously studying taichi. She is a kind, dedicated and supportive teacher, whether one is a beginner or advanced.

As a yong man I praticed martial arts. Now in my seventies I have found Tai Chi extremely…read morebeneficial as I age with its gentle flow and rhythm. Linda's inclusion of warm up stretching and Qigong sets round out a solid practice. Linda's ability to be funny and instructive during practice helps insure students learn the key basics as well as advanced movements. Her classes have made my life better and highly recommend you check them out on your road to health and longitivity.

One of two Soto Zen centres in Santa Cruz, this one is headed by Teacher Carolyn Atkinson who is…read morethe dharma heir of Kobun Chino Otogawa Roshi. Everyday Dharma Zen Center aims to combine complementary elements of Vipassana (Theravadan) with Soto Zen, primarily a mindfulness practice and a stillness abiding practice. This is a great Buddhist centre to come to if you want to begin the path of bringing meditation into your everyday life. The anchor sitting for the week is on Wednesday night from 7pm to 7:40pm. Dharma talk usually follows afterwards. There are also sittings at noon 7 days a week. No dharma talk given at noon. Carolyn is a wonderful, generous, and compassionate teacher.

I've come to rely on this center for their silent meditation sessions offered @ noon everyday…read more Great place to go "get your sit on."

Hi everyone, when I first came to Santa Cruz I sat and meditated with many different buddhist…read morecenters and when I walked into Ocean gate Zen center I knew I found a Zen community. They were welcoming and compassionate. In my opinion it is the finest American Zen center in the US. The zen teachers are highly educated and credentialed. The sangha/community is also a very compassionate group and I have acquired many compassionate and caring friends. I would encourage you to attend one of the outstanding buddhist lectures you will not be disappointed.

ocean gate zen is a gem in Santa Cruz with 2 wonderful teachers and a welcoming ,vibrant and…read moreintimate sangha community. it is a safe place,a place of refuge

There's spiritual wisdom, uplifting music and good community at every Center for Spiritual Living…read more There are three in Oakland. East Bay Church-A Center for Spiritual Living (ebcrs.org) was voted Best Place to Worship several times via the EastBay Express weekly newspaper's best in Bay Area annual survey.

This is an absolutely wonderful place to gather among like-minded people, learn and love . It is a…read moreprime example of practice what you preach. This place is filled with peaceful social activists and incredibly inclusive loving people who are truly trying to make the world a better place. I've honestly never been to a better church in my life. It is devoid of hypocrisy. It is the real deal. They offer classes as well. It's an amazing community . We also have lunch after service. It has truly given me the sense of community and the connection to source that I needed. Thank you!

Javiera and Sebastian are the real deal! In the year that I've worked with them, as a Psychedelic…read moreSitters School trainee, ganja yoga student, and microdosing hike client, I have been humbled and amazed by their wisdom, maturity, and graciousness. They have my wholehearted endorsement. Please support them in their work as best you can. They deserve it.

What a fun concept! This is the first cannabis-yoga experience I've done or heard of and it was…read morequite enjoyable. I normally struggle focusing on breath and movement and the cannabis really helped me zone in. I found it to be very therapeutic. It's BYOC and for the first maybe 15 or so minutes people consume their cannabis and we went in a circle sharing a little bit about our relationship with cannabis and yoga. The instructor was great, welcoming, and provided a soothing routine. She even served tea and vegan chocolate at the end and some people stayed behind to relax or mingle. There was maybe 10 people so it's pretty intimate which felt nice since a lot of other yoga studios get packed mat to mat. The first class was free which is always awesome, especially for a new experience. They have a class pack as well for a more economical option. I had a little trouble finding the place. It's through the squid row alley by the goodwill and looks like a residence. I was hesitant to knock or open the door because it looked dark but then once you're inside it's clearly a yoga studio. Btw - this review is of the Thursday night in person class. I'm looking forward to going back!

Doug Andrews, the owner and founder of Ananda in Santa Cruz county is one of the most advance and…read morewell-rounded yoga teachers I have ever studied with. He brings years of experience and advanced knowledge in areas such as anatomy, human nature - both good and bad - and spirituality. His dedication to yoga is far beyond the detox sweating or stretching aspect of most yoga classes and this shows with his beautiful affirmations, friendliness and profound knowledge of all 8 limbs of royal yoga! And the Sunday services each week brings peace of heart, mind and soul with meditation, deep and ancient teachings, music, community connection and a local feel. Thanks Doug and Ananda for all that you do and bring to the area and the planet!

This is a beautiful (needed) new yoga Center in Scotts Valley…read more They offer a nice selection of classes, and teachers. I have taken several classes with Doug Andrews, and his many years of teaching is evident in his classes. Also, they offer YTT, Meditation, Live Music and Workshops. There is even a small bookshop, and sitting area. Very warm and friendly place.