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.

Incredibly beautiful Tibetan monastery up on Highland Place! So aptly named! The space for…read moremeditation is incredibly peaceful and tranquil and the rose garden is just lovely. This summer I've been flirting with the idea of taking their regular classes, especially this "Time Space and Knowledge" series which sounds absolutely fascinating, but I haven't been able to bring myself to commit to it. So far, I've only been to their Open House, Sunday meditation (5-6pm) and talks (6-7pm) that are open to the public. Drop-in Kum Nye (Tibetan yoga) on Sunday morning (10-12) might be the next thing to try. So far they're all great. Always bring more peace and clarity to my mind. I'm really grateful that this wonderful sanctuary is located in Berkeley, walking distance from where I live! I have the Tibetan lama Tarthang Tulku who brought the ancient teaching to the West in the 60s and all the committed Westerners who keep this place up and running, to thank. I first "discovered" this place when I was a wide-eyed undergrad here long time ago. Found it really exotic; nothing like the Buddhism I was immersed in back in Taiwan. That got me hooked to finding out more about the Buddhism in the West. Then I found out that I really like Americanized Buddhism, be it the transplanted Zen or Theravada or Tibetan. Wide-eyed Westerners are really intent on personal transformation, if not the total enlightenment itself. It's amazing and moving. It's funny that while some Buddhists in Taiwan tend to be a conservative bunch sticking to strict rituals and morality and conduct, Buddhism in the West - free of the cultural baggage of thousands of years of tradition - is so liberal in contrast. Westerners I've talked to (a highly-educated bunch of people) really question things, are totally obsessed with meditation and mindfulness (something tragically lacking in where I'm from), and are quite insistent on going back to figuring out the Buddha's original core teachings. It's absolutely wonderful. I found that I started to meditate in the US of A, an activity I had NEVER done seriously back in Asia (which might be why I'm so bad at it). Never mind I'm from a Buddhist family; all we did was bowing and chanting and recitation. No one told me to watch my breath. No one taught me to observe my rising and falling thoughts. Just sit there focusing on reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha, whose presence and power I'd love to believe in but honestly, remain agnostic to. It's ironic that my complaints of the Pure Land school are similar to some white people's complaints of their enforced church-going or synagogue-going. Funny how I'm now rediscovering my faith here. Also funny how Christianity in the US (at least the evangelical type, at least in this part of the US) is sometimes perceived as redneck & conservative, while in Asia many Christians are highly-educated, cosmopolitan, "progressive," well-read and well-travelled middle-class intellectuals.. real smart just like some Euro-American Buddhists here in the US. Maybe people should just stick their heads out and check out what other folks are doing elsewhere from time to time. And reflect. Part of the mindfulness practice? Anywayz, I found the Nyingma Institute up on Highland a REALLY NICE place to meditate and calm your mind down. So well-maintained and so incredibly peaceful! I don't see any Tibetans here though. this place is very "white" in both its instructors and study body. I'm not sure what to think of it yet... don't know if the practice is in any ways benefitting the Tibetans themselves (who I think badly need some "transference of merits" since they're in such a screwed-up situation). Well, I sure hope some of the $$ they make here goes to the Tibetans!

I'm a long-term meditator and yoga practitioner and I came here for a personal retreat. Tibetan…read moreBuddhism has been close to my heart since college for personal reasons and I love supporting local non-profit organizations in general. My room cost (with fees) was approximately $2,800/month. Positives - The meditation classes with Mark Henderson (6:45am-7:30am M-F "The way of the Bodhisattva") and Hugh Joswick (Intermediate meditation) were worth the trip themselves.The morning class is definitely one of the most challenging meditation practices I have encountered, which is exactly what enabled me to learn more about my own personal meditation practice obstacles. The reminder of the Six Paramitas was both timely and deeply appreciated. - Eddie deserves honorary membership in the Department of Knowing Things. Whether I needed information, directions, or help figuring something out, he was consistently helpful and funny at the same time. - Beautiful hillside location with trees, birds and wildlife. - Quiet environment well-suited for meditation and personal retreat - Convenient access to classes and programs - Short walk (~20 mins at my walking pace) to downtown Berkeley (BART etc.) Accommodation & Facility Issues - The room contains a twin-size innerspring (spring coil) mattress. I found it uncomfortable for a month-long stay and would have appreciated more detailed information about the bed in the listing - The room carpet appears not to have been deep-cleaned for an extended period (dust, extensive stains) - whether you stay for a single week or a month, laundry detergent is not provided. Laundry fees still apply. Dish detergent, sponges, hand soap, toilet paper and towels are provided. I believe that guests are expected to buy laundry detergent and wash the towels themselves. - Room vacuum cleaning and dusting is not included, even for longer stays; guests are expected to clean their own room with their own cleaning supplies. - The balcony door is my room repeatedly opened on its own during the night despite being closed before bed. This allowed for cold air into the room. There may be an issue with a stroke plate and the latch. - Information provided to guests (i.e. both AirbnB app and the room printed materials) is inaccurate. - I was shown a pantry containing shared spices but it was not clear what was free to use (e.g. cinnamon yes, oil no?) All guests are provided two boxes (1 for their dry food, 1 for refrigerated food) - coffee beans and tea are provided, coffee cream, milk etc are not - I couldn't find a tea strainer for loose tea in the kitchen; it was handed to me that day and it disappeared again. I am now only using tea bags provided by the institute. - I wasn't able to find cookware compatible with the guest kitchen induction stove one morning. All pots were located in the staff kitchen guests do not have access to that day. - I received 7-8 AirBnB messages containing photos of dirty dishes left in the shared areas though it was not clear who was responsible. As a guest, I found this approach very uncomfortable and impersonal. Overall: This may be a peaceful retreat if you are looking for unanticipated daily challenges to get in the way of your practice. The Four Noble truths still stand in 2026. There is suffering (no laundry detergent on a Sunday evening before a busy Monday) and a way out of suffering. The path sometimes requires a pilgrimage and the return carrying a full-sized jug of laundry detergent up the steep Berkeley hills.

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 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.

I went to the Oakland location for the first time and had the pleasure of Isaac helping me with the…read moretreatment. He was kind, sweet, and gentle. I got the local cryo therapy treatment and it worked wonders. Felt similarly to having an ice pack on but times ten. He treated my affected areas of inflammation like my back and my sciatic area. It was fifteen minutes of bliss. Will definitely return to use my other two credits over the next few months.

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!

Highly recommend…read more Was a student, a teacher there and have been a reader with the church for over 30 years. No other psychic organization in the world like BPI.

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.

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.