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.

Driven by a desire to visit this peaceful monastery, we drove 75 miles yesterday only to be met…read morewith total disappointment. The main entrance was completely chained up, and the grounds looked entirely deserted. While there are older mentions of a multi-year reconstruction project started around 2022, it is deeply frustrating that there is no current signage, status update, or warning for visitors. Their official website is primarily in Vietnamese, and the limited English sections make no mention whatsoever of a total public closure. If you are planning a trip here, please be warned that it appears closed to the public with no clear timeline for reopening or completion. I sincerely hope the temple management updates their online English platforms soon so other travelers don't waste hours on a long drive.

This Vietnamese buddhist temple is a great meditation center set on Mount Madonna in Watsonville…read morewhere the street ends on Summit Road, a scary drive for sure with seemingly endless twists and turns. When we got to the top, the sign said "closed due to construction work" but the gate was open, so we entered, and there was plenty of parking and we found several other visitors on site as well. The monastery and surrounding area were beautiful with tall trees, lots of greenery, so many buddha statues large and small, peacocks, deer, a gazebo, a restroom, areas for worship and prayer, and a dining area where we were invited to share a meal with the monks. But the place seemed lacking in maintenance and cleanliness, even considering that it was "under construction". To make matters worse, flies and mosquitos were abundant making it hard to have a snack outdoors. Also, though the animals on site added some charm to our visit, the cawing of the birds was relentless during the hour we were there. Besides that, the main draw was still the quietude in our surroundings. With the current "under construction" condition, I'm not sure it's worth the scary winding roads required to get here. That being said, it's a lovely place to visit, and I would certainly return on better days.

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.]

Tam Tu Metta Buddhist Temple (Vietnamese style) in Morgan Hill, CA is definitely for people who…read moreenjoy walking around cultural sites underneath the hot sunshine and love visiting beautiful photo spots. The place has been closed for so long, especially during pandemic, but they are open to the public daily. Found a sign that shows open daily 9am-5pm these days. Only the main building is closed during weekdays, but open on weekends. Free parking & free admissions. Parking lot is wide and spacious. EV friendly. They are still doing renovations and maintenance work, but it's definitely worth visiting, especially if you like beautiful temples and views onsite. You can take and snap as many photos at the landscapes and buildings as desired. Plants and flowers are gorgeous. There's a small fruit stand across the street if you want to buy something nearby. Overall, cultural sites are beautiful landmarks, especially in California. Vietnamese Buddhism culture has grown and it gets even more exciting during important holiday celebrations. I'm really glad that the Tam Tu Metta Buddhist Temple is open now.

The experience here was amazing. I had the opportunity to go on a one on one retreat with my…read moreinstructor and take in the temple statues, design and garden and ponds! And temple cat. Enso forever, Free parking and entry. Beautiful garden and buddha statue. A must visit really.

Beautiful place to visit hidden between redwood trees. Very quiet I would go back again whenever in…read moretown.

Very nice old place with friendly staff, this temple is clean and serene. Lovely environment to…read morevisit and contemplate life for a while.

Beautiful and serene place of worship. It was busy today because it is MLK day, yet it felt so…read morepeaceful and calm. Beautiful architecture and it was wonderful and centering to hear the monks chanting. They were also giving out free food for everyone, which was a nice gesture. Unlike some other places of worship that I've been to, where I am clearly not from the primary cohort of people who go there, this spot was very welcoming, and I did not feel out of place.

Tucked away in the old part of San Jose, Pao-Hua Buddhist Temple is visible from far away with its…read morebeautiful architecture but the entrance is easy to miss. The temple feels like a hidden oasis surrounded by an ordinary neighborhood. The temple is especially beautiful in the spring with its vibrant gardens filled with blooming flowers. The ponds add to the serenity and peacefulness. The temple itself is not very big and you can quickly explore all of it. Everything is kept clean and neat. There is usually plenty of parking and there are even restrooms for guests. On busy weekends and holidays you may have to park outside the premise. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Overall, I'd highly recommend visiting Pao-Hua Buddhist Temple whether you are spiritual or not. It's a peaceful spot to reflect and enjoy.

Excellent teacher and wonderful human! If you can attend any…read moreof the events on the calendar I highly recommend to go.

Excellent teacher, a beautiful safe space and such a kind community. I appreciate this place with…read moremy whole heart

Sambosa means "Three Jewels," and stands for the Buddha (teacher), Dharma (the teaching) and Sangha…read more(spiritual community.) This tranquil Temple was created in the early 70's, and is the first Korean Buddhist temple ever built in the U.S. They opened their doors to the public and on opening day, 400 people, including the mayor of Carmel and other prominent monks, flooded Sambosa. The Temple has had its shares of ups and downs, including an unfortunate fire in the 1980's that burned down the main Dharma Hall. But it has withstood the test of time and still remains a graceful and quiet symbol of peace in the Valley. The current abbot is Bom Hugh Sunim, and his teachings explore his particular vision of a nonsectarian approach to religion, philosophy, and life. My mother was friends with one of the followers of the Temple, and being the same age as her twins, we often played together. It's a beautiful place to reflect and slow down, even if you are not a practicing Buddhist...although it seems like the ideal religion for every walk of life.

When i was about 5 yrs old my father and 4 friends moved to Carmel to build this temple. I remember…read moreplaying by a river with two of the boys who also were living on the property during the build. We lived in these dome shaped Yurts with wood construction covered with a heavy plastic. Very cold in the winter. It was an adventure for a kid my age. Almost like a long camping trip. I believe we were there only one season. That was a long time. I dont remember a lot but my father has some great pictures. Most of the construction process and the builders hoisting up these very large beams. Some of around the camp and of the builders. I'm now in my 50s and would love to visit this magical place again. I will be taking all the photos with me to compare.

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."

An awesome spiritual spot to visit. Please be respectful.read more

While we were driving along the freeway to Big Basin, we saw this temple and decided to stop by for…read morea viewing. See my photos.