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.

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."

Here we have two of the most brilliant and humorous Zen teachers in the Bay Area, Reverends Shinshu…read moreRoberts and Daijaku Kinst. As a former journalist from The Mercury News and their student, I highly recommend their wonderfully cogent and often funny talks. If you need teachers who are intellectually astute, caring, and generally awesome, this is the place for you. This warm-hearted sangha invites all to COME AS YOU ARE ZEN on Saturday mornings, great for beginners or anyone in serious practice. What sets these teachers and sangha apart is their ongoing focus on: * 'Skillful means' -- communicating effectively so that we have fewer conflicts with others and develop great relationships at work, home, and in our community. * The integrity of both teachers of 'walking the walk,' their lives often an inspiration to students and others. * Their dedication to the teachings of Dogen and Soto Zen; both teachers are erudite scholars who make the complex easy to understand. * Their commitment to each student to follow the wisdom of interconnectivity. * Dokusans which sharpen each student's practice and ease problems in their lives. Ocean Gate has simply have changed my life in so many ways and will change yours too. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend.

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.

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.

Bryce did a beautiful guided breath workshop/program last night. A very intentional, deep,…read morerelaxing, and stress releasing experience on every level - mind, body, and soul. I continue to feel the impact of the experience today. This morning my meditation was clearer and freer.

My first sound bath and reiki was amazing! I will definitely come back…read more The staff are very calm and welcoming and the person who played the instruments and the other person who did reiki were incredibly polite and very skilled at their jobs I could definitely tell everyone loves what they do