A warm, welcoming, and inclusive community, ever-evolving while offering refreshing teachings and…read moreopportunities to reflectively cultivate engaged practice as applied to daily life. An oasis.

In 2007 I had the good fortune to attend a Qigong workship at the Berkeley Shambhala Center led by…read moreEva Wong. I was somewhat apprehensive about the physical demands of such a practice since I was 60 years old, overweight, and not in good physical condition. I found that the qigong was taught in a gentle way with great sensitivity to participants' physical infirmities. I was quite surprised to find that I felt better after six hours of Qigong than I did before I started and that I was not sore at all the next day. I was even more surprised to find that the second day of instruction was also invigorating and pain free. I have continued to practice this Qigong and have taken additional classes from Eva. My wife and I both have found that this Qigong practice has made us stronger, healthier, and more flexible. It has truly improved our lives at a time when we needed it. Why am I telling you about this old news? Because Eva Wong is returning to teach again at the Berkeley Shambhala Center on December 5-6, 2009. I hope that others can learn to improve their lives as my wife and I were able to.

Great Tibetan Buddhist place to relax meditate and find yourself…read more Excellent teachers.

First off, let me say that this is NOT an actual temple or monastary. That does not take away from…read morethe fact that this is a beautiful & peaceful place that you can learn from. Ive been in an odd situation so out of semi desperation I took the liberty in making my stay into a "mini retreat". The workshop I took was a half day (10-1) intro to meditation, chanting & kum nye at $45 w/ accommodations of an overnight stay being another $45. If you stay overnight you get free access to to the morning meditation & kum nye session of the next day. The instructor Ken was a very light, open minded person who had a very peaceful vibe to him. While he did mention some overall basic tools towards meditation I found that I had gathered more information/knowledge on my own through reading books and articles online. I think the longest we sat was 15 mins w/ generally a couple of 10 min intervals. I did enjoy the chanting & the kum nye. Although chanting wasn't necessarily new to me kum nye was a whole new experience. Quite different from other yogas I had partaken in. It seemed that there was more focus on the entire body, paying attention to "smaller" details that other yogas (at least from my experience) tend to overlook. This definitely helped me to relax more and get into a deeper practice. Around 11:30 we took a 20 min break for tea and snacks. I thought this was a nice touch, but with such a short workshop I felt the break was a little too long. After our workshop we were served food in their dining room. Although there are signs everywhere in that room thanking people for respecting their requests to keep meals silent, I guess our instructor said it was okay to have "light talking". I still personally chose to eat my meal in silence. This of course is for people to become more mindful of their food/eating habits. If you wish to talk there is a separate room w/ a gorgeous view in which you can do so. After that I went to my room which had an absolutely BEAUTIFUL view. I cannot believe I had paid only $45 for the room considering that is generally motel prices. However i used that room to justify my overall purchase of $90 since i didnt think the workshop was worth the $45. It was on the very top of the "new house" (there are two buildings) w/ a view of both the bay & golden gate bridge, absolutely breathtaking during sunset! Their meditation garden is also very beautiful & peaceful. They had a large prayer wheel which spins 24/7 as w/ the rest of the prayer wheels that border the back of the main house. I found it peculiar that all of the prayer wheels were mechanical since it seems to defeat the purpose; however, as mentioned earlier this is not a temple. One of my favorite things about this place though was the library. They had quite a few number of books which can be overwhelming but I stuck with reading "The Way of the Bodhisattva" for hours and even almost finished it. The only odd thing was that they requested for people to leave the books in the library & said that if you wanted to take them to your room you should buy it in the main house (they have a little gift shop but i suggest you go to an actual Tibetan store/ amazon instead). Luckily the library is VERY comfortable so i preffered reading in there anyways. The library is in the new house, which you actually need to have a key to get in so I don't believe it is open to the public. Maybe if you offer a donation they'll let you in. That is another thing I'm not so sure about. With workshops being $45+ what are the needs for donations? There is no mention as to giving back to the actual Tibetan community or anything so this was something I was skeptical of..I should have asked so it's nothing I'll hold against them. They do not serve dinner Saturdays but there are options close by and downtown is about a 20 minute walk (maybe a good time to practice walking meditation). Even though they arr closed to the public they give you keys so you don't have to worry about getting locked out. This place is not wheel chair accessible. If you have bad knees or whatever there are quite a few set of stairs throughout the place. They have free chanting session and dharma talks Sunday evenings! You can also do a drop in for their Sunday morning meditation and kum nye for a decent price. If you stay overnight it is suggested that you wash your sheets. Quarters are needed and it's a dollar for both the washer and dryer (8 quarters needed, they have change in the main building). You are allowed to use their kitchen in the main house to cook meals. They have a small fridge & an electric kettle in the new house. While I did really enjoy my stay, if I had honestly had more time, not only planning but for retreat in general and had better means of transportation I would prefer to go to an actual temple. Also temples will often offer free meditation classes. But if you just need a quick getaway or are planning last minute I think this is a good alternative

I love this place. After unlatching the side gate and heading along the rock path to the second…read moregate you enter go around the porch and enter the third gate say hello to the dogs take of your shoes and enter the sliding door of the zendo. Sign in, then find a cushion and wait for others and begin.There is a small bulletin and schedules . The whole experience for me is very calming, with a bigger gathering on weekends. The Zendo is amazing as are its surroundings. It is a Soto Zen Zendo and is from this lineage /global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/index.html enjoy.

From the owner: The Oakland Zen Center at Kojin-an Zendo welcomes Buddhist beginners and explorers, though our…read morestyle is best suited to people who have an established Zen practice and want a community place to meditate, without much formal instruction or regular programming. That is because this is a family temple, rather than a training monastery or an American-style Zen center. Not all residents are involved in temple activities, and their privacy at home is respected. The zendo is open for zazen daily. However, Kojin-an Zendo does not actively recruit new members, charge membership dues, or offer regularly scheduled programs, donations are gratefully received. Japanese Tea Ceremony, and brush Calligraphy classes are offered weekly. Wedding, Memorial, and other Buddhist services can be arranged.

Empty Gate Zen Center is a true hidden treasure, an oasis of peace and wisdom. Still little known,…read moreit sits quietly, as in meditation, in a pretty street at a walking distance from downtown Berkeley. The folk at the Center are warm, welcoming and have no interest in having you believe anything. It is a rare place where I have received unconditional support along my journey and have been asked for nothing in return. If you are looking for gurus who will give you ready answers, then this is not the place for you. If you prefer to see by your self and find your own answers, then you found what you are looking for. The Center is a gate to become a more open, aware and generous person. Go to the next Wednesday welcoming meditation and talk at Empty Gate and check it out by yourself. If your heart is open you will probably sense the unpretentious power of this caring community dedicated to help all of us live more conscious, peaceful and compassionate lives. And take your time, breathing gently, after going to Empty Gate for three years I feel that I am just getting started. This is a place to cultivate the art of being, where you can nurture your love of humanity and a passion for the mystery of being alive. As good as it gets!

From the owner: Empty Gate Zen Center provides Zen meditation instruction within a kind and supportive environment…read more We offer a daily practice schedule and regular monthly retreats, as well as Dharma talks, and private interviews with our guiding teacher, Zen Master Bon Soeng (Jeff Kitzes). All of our programs are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience or background.

I came in for a float and returned a few days later for the sauna, very intentionally focusing on…read morenervous system regulation. Both experiences were exactly what I needed. The float was deeply calming and helped my body fully downshift in a way I didn't realize I needed. The sauna was equally restorative -- grounding, stress-releasing, and incredibly effective. The space is clean, quiet, and thoughtfully designed, which made it easy to actually relax. This isn't wellness for show -- it's a place that truly understands recovery and regulation. I'm planning to get a membership and will definitely be back.

I was gifted a float and this was my first one so I didnt know what to expect. I was greeted when I…read morewalked in. You sign a waiver. You cannot enter with outside shoes so you can do socks or bearfoot or they provide sandals. I started off by having tea. I was shown my room and all the do 's and don'ts. I love that it is personal rooms. You take a shower before and after. I was nervous at first but ended up falling asleep the ear bud did move so I did get water in my ear and a little in my eye. The salt water is really strong but they do provide water and a towel if this happens. I did sleep really good the next couple of nights. I think I'd have to give them another try. It wouldve been nice for a check in about it after the service but overall great.

April is amazing to work with! I have worked with her in both personal sessions and participated in…read moreher workshops. I have gained so much from her deep knowledge and profound intuitive awareness. She has a beautiful way of helping you pull out your own gifts while guiding you through a spiritual journey. She is a delight to work with and such a blessing to the world. Her goal of helping us all to achieve Bliss and connection is a true gift to humanity.

I have received massage and Reiki treatments from April for over 3 years. She is a very gifted…read morehealer, who intuitively understands exactly what I need in that moment. We usually start a treatment with a conversation, in which April asks simple yet insightful questions that help to guide the treatment course and also shed light on causes of stress that I might not have given much consideration. I really appreciate the collaboration, as it lends to an active healing experience during the treatment. She is attentive, gentle, and soothing. I leave each therapeutic treatment feeling well cared for, not just physically but as a whole person. I highly recommend April to anyone seeking meaningful and holistic therapeutic treatments.

The more Breema I receive, the more desire I have to bring my body and mind together in my daily…read morelife. Instead of passively "sleeping" through life and reacting to events of life, I can use those events (good, bad or indifferent) as reminders to come back to my body, be in the moment and raise my level of consciousness.

Every time I have the opportunity to visit the Breema Clinic for bodywork I always leave feeling…read morenoticeably more relaxed and renewed! It's a great place to cultivate presence and feel more attuned to your body. I love that Denise walks me through self-Breema techniques after the sessions so that I can keep practicing movement in-between bodywork sessions. It's a wonderful place & I'd recommend it to anyone seeking increased circulation, vitality...all that good stuff!

Total waste of time and money. I paid for a 2 hour reading. Lots of rambling on about tools, roses…read morewhatever those things mean. The student readers were cold, and rude. Also very manipulative they don't read you organically they ask questions about your personal life upfront. They are supposed to be professional psychics they should be able to read me without me telling them anything. The essence of professional reading is that they says is very little that is accurate. Maybe 5% of what they sis true. It is was generic mumble jumbo terms they use. If you are looking for a professional gifted psychic that tells you specific events and can provide accurate information without you spoon feeding it them, please don't bother.

Life Changing In…read more2008, I went to the Berkeley Psychic Institute (BPI) for a reading. Back then, they were on Gilman Avenue in Berkeley. It was an amazing experience. I remember some of the reading vividly, especially when the reader mentioned she saw many dishes in my sink at home and wanted to know if I lived with other people. I lived alone and had left a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, but I had decided to leave for my reading instead of washing the dishes. Imagine my surprise! They cannot make that stuff up. In 2020, I came back for another reading. After the reading in 2020, I decided to take the BPI course of Meditation 1. I thought it would be a course like other meditation courses for which I've experienced, but the course was very different; I thoroughly enjoyed the course. After taking several other courses at BPI, I signed up for the Clairvoyant Program, and I graduated from the Clairvoyant Program in January 2024. I was time consuming and challenging at times, but I couldn't be happier to have taken the plunge and completed the program. I have enrolled in another program at BPI which will start in July 2024. I'm excitedly forward to it. Everyone at BPI is very supportive, and some of the people I've met are friends now. My involvement in BPI has been a life-changing experience. I highly recommend BPI for spiritual fulfillment and for healing. BPI for life!

My mom and my aunt have been going to this holistic doctor's office. they really care for patients…read moreand offer acupuncture and many different classes. The Staff are always friendly and the place is always clean and never have to wait when you have an appointment, they take you right in. for looking for more than just a primary care doctors office this is the place.

I am a 66 year old man with osteoarthritis pain and other chronic health issues. I was with Kaiser…read morefor over 25 years and recently switched to Dr. Anas Hana's office more by coincidence. Man!!! what a difference. During out initial conversation and review of my health history I could tell that he actually red and knew a lot about what was in my Kaiser chart. We established a routine that includes acupuncture, which he administers himself. His entire approach and execution of the treatments are pure magic. I call him a magician. It is amazing how much more energy I have and how my pain is manageable within 5 sessions of his treatment, which is holistic, as in so much more than just acupuncture or just western medicine chart review. He is a true healer for me and I hope that his practice is doing well for many years to come.

VITA has changed my life! I started out only going to "VITA on the go" outings (hikes,…read moremeditations), and then I started going to classes. I also did health coaching with the owner, Katy, and went to a talk offered by one of the Barre teachers. With these offerings, VITA has changed my relationship with my body for the better. I appreciate the holistic approach to health/exercise and the sweet community VITA has created. Every community needs a VITA in it. I'm so grateful that mine does!

No one warned us that it was power barre! But somehow we survived. Perhaps it was that promise of…read morecheese and wine at the end of the line. 6 of us friends attended Katy's "barre, wine & cheese" night at vita and enjoyed ourselves. It's always a plus when you can combine torture with pleasure. I love one-off workshop type events vs regularly scheduled programming so when I saw this event on the newsletter, I recruited my friends and off we went. Payment online is a little confusing as is finding and paying for the special events Vs the scheduled on their website. These are under the "soul" category. We did not have to bring anything to class, but towel and water were optional. The sticky mats were provided along with weights and stretching bands. There's even a water dispenser on the wall like they have in airports. The unisex restroom in the back is large and clean. It sits opposite of a daycare room. Parking is street parking or you can park at or take the BART and walk up a few blocks. I had been to vita when they first opened 6+ years ago for a Pilates/yoga/barre class. I remember it being hard, so katy, the owner, who teaches the power classes must have been teaching, and I hadn't been back until now! Make sure to wear your tank top because the room is heated and only gets steamier with the huffing bodies. Otherwise the studio is bright and clean. There is a little merchandise to buy at the front and cubbies for your stuff. We all wiped down our mats after class with the wipes provided. The acoustics are terrible so when the music is on, and people are talking before, and after it gets very that you have to shout. After the 45 minute class, a foldout table was set up in the middle of the room with cubes of cheese, bread, crackers, salami and cups of wine. There was plenty of wine and some nonalcoholic, but the food was wiped clean. The tasting was educational and Katy is as passionate about her cheese pairings as she is about her exercise.