This group meditation was so peaceful, relaxing and just a wonderful experience. I will definitely…read morebe coming back again. Thank you so much.

A welcome relief to the stresses of life! Totally restful and restorative. Thank you guys for…read moreputting this on!

MDZG has been wonderful. Zazen with them over zoom each morning at 8 am has helped me start off the…read moreday with a very meaningful meditation practice (just sitting). Grateful to Myosho Baika and everyone at Mount Diablo Zen Group.

Mt. Diablo Zen Group is led by Baika Heaton, Zen Priest and Dharma teacher. This group meets…read moreWednesday evenings for Zazen (meditation), study and discussion. Once a month, one day or half day silent retreats are offered for a nominal fee. These retreats include Zazen, Qi Gong, rest period, a mindful meal, a short service and Dharma talk. All members are encouraged to establish a daily meditation practice, with consideration for their daily life schedule. Celebrating it's tenth year this May, Mt. Diablo Zen Group offers an intimate setting and access to the teachings in the Soto Zen Buddhist Tradition.

This is a very special place and a remarkable community. However it is you find the opportunity to…read moreget here, work it out and do it. I can't really compare this to any other experience I've had. Sidenote, there is outstanding Wi-Fi across the whole property, and my phone's 5G also did well (t-mobile). The grounds and various group rooms, the kitchen and food prep, all of this is personally handled by the diligent and caring staff. The thing they call cabins -- not really the name I would use, I dislike cabins, but this room was terrific. simple, but excellent bedding.

5 Stars - A True Sanctuary in Nature…read more The property is absolutely breathtaking, like stepping into a portal. From the lush, vibrant garden (hands down the most beautiful I've ever seen) to the peaceful meadows filled with wild deer and turkeys roaming freely, every inch of this place radiates natural beauty and serenity. My partner and I came here to unwind, and we left feeling deeply nourished, inspired, and recharged. We had some profound creative breakthroughs during our stay, and were finally able to get the kind of rest our bodies and minds were craving. Our dogs were in absolute heaven too, especially swimming in the river nearby! But what made this place truly unforgettable was the people. The hosts are warm, genuine, and full of heart. You can feel how much love and intention has been poured into this land and community. It felt like we were welcomed into a sacred little sanctuary, and we're already dreaming of our next visit. If you're looking for a healing, grounding, soul-expanding getaway, this is it. Thank you to everyone at The Land for creating such a special space. We'll be back soon.

Unfriendly. People talk to those they know. Went many times. Volunteered. Nobody as in nobody…read moretalked to me. Older congregation. As in mostly 70 and up. Edward is a great speaker. Sadly, Russ is not.

As a kid, I was curious about the idea of church and this was a place my parents took me to to get…read morea similar experience that was more in line with our values. I went back recently after visiting many other types of religious organizations and wanted to offer my thoughts. Disclaimer: Metaphysical New Thought stuff doesn't personally appeal much to me, but that has no bearing on my review. The music was great and the sanctuary space is beautiful! The speaker gave a wonderful talk that I felt like would resonate with people of many backgrounds! It was a little bit sleepy, but maybe that's just because I went during the 9am service. The congregants may not have the same outward enthusiasm as some of the practitioners at many Christian churches, but that was okay, it was a service about peace after all. My main critique comes from the system of classes they have. It was frustrating to me, as someone coming from the UU church for the past year, the way that everyone is encouraged to take classes that can cost up to a few hundred dollars just to be a part of what is essentially a spiritual book club. That gave it almost a pyramid scheme feeling as congregants spend hundreds to become prayer practitioners (people who can pray for you or help you pray) and experts in new thought philosophy or in a combination of other religious ideas, especially from Eastern religions. Most churches have bible studies or other book groups, and fellowship opportunities open to any members, but it seems that here they're either one-on-one meetings with staff members or paid opportunities-- which may only be waived if you have the intention on becoming a staff member. Great little spot, but I'm not sure it would facilitate the same level of comradery and friendship among members as other spiritualist communities.

So... would you like an update? It's worse. I am not knocking all the amazing teachers that come…read morethrough there, or Kornfield etc... just the elitism in the way its run. I mean, they say in their mission statement they're grounded in Buddha's teachings. I'm sorry, I still don't see it in action. I suppose I have to admit that this exclusiveness approach is serving some people in the community, and so I up my stars to two, but my heart knows this is anything but Buddha like. I don't wish to be negative, but I do feel, especially in times like these, that it's important to be honest and authentic. Small "elitisms" (if you will), are part of a larger dynamic. Its time we started looking at little closer at the reasons behind our choices. Thanks for reading. May all beings know peace.

First I'd like to say, Spirit Rock founding Teachers: Thank You for having created this wonderful,…read moremagical space for people to learn more about how to go deeply into ourselves. Learning how to focus is so important in the chaos of our world and I believe this is a path for Peace. Second I'd like to say: If you are planning to attend a retreat for more than just a few days, prepare yourself. It's important to know there are a people who don't know how to sneeze into their elbow or just stay in their room when they are ill. Wear a mask if at all possible to prevent getting a cold. There are no open windows in the meditation hall so make sure you protect yourself. I didn't and now I have a raging cold. If food is important to you, bring your own extra food. If you are just a little bit late to the food line for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will find most of it has been eaten. To be fair, they keep boiled eggs and dates for folks in the refrigerator. But, I was sorry I didn't bring my own extra food and was hungry most of the time. The coffee is wonderful, which made is bearable. I also had the misfortune of having an upstairs neighbor just over my head in the dormitory who kept late hours and dropped all kinds of mysterious objects during the night just as I was going to sleep, so I didn't get much sleep. The Manager of the retreat was helpful and created a sign for the door letting everyone know to maintain noble silence even in their room. Unfortunately, the neighbor didn't read the note on the door. The teachers were fine and the instructions were helpful, so it was worth it for me to go there. I wish I would've felt more protected, but maybe that's my job. That's why I'm writing to you so if you are planning to go you will be advised of what you might need to know to protect yourself. I've been to Spirit Rock many times and realize that maybe this is what happens when a business even a spiritual business grows and becomes more like a production line. Hope this is taken in a good spirit. That is my intention. Namaste

Not recommended. This center is not what it claims to be, and the teacher is not who he claims to…read morebe. Do not bring your children here, do not come here. I recommend no level of involvement with this organization. The teacher burnishes his reputation with various certificates and enthronements. I have spoken at length with an extremely high, recognized Tulku who explained that he and others of similar standing do not recognize this man as their teacher. The people described as monks and nuns, as far as I know, take no traditional monastic vows. The teacher does not live on the property. He lives in Maui. He follows popular wellness trends (red light therapy, carnivore diet) and presents them as his own teaching. The organization runs some charitable activity which gives a veneer of legitimacy that does not match what I observed from inside. Over more than a decade, in good faith, I gave a significant amount of money to this organization under the impression that I was supporting charitable work. I was only ever contacted for donations, and I gave on a false and misleading premise - believing I was helping those in need, when in fact much was going towards funding this teacher's lifestyle. Not once was I shown empathy or compassion, even to the extent of "how are you doing?" What I did experience repeatedly, from the teacher and from the attendant staff, was coldness, condescension, and open disdain. Sincere questions were met with dismissal. Students going through hard times were ignored or shamed. The relationship from their side was transactional, one-way, and demeaning. Run from this place.

Here's an update almost a decade after my last review…read more This Place never was finished and is still not open to the public. The empty promise of a retreat and healing center just never came to fruition. On the surface it looks cool with domes, pyramids, crystals, etc. Unfortunately it's a moldy facade of a monastery that's become a strange almost eerie place. Lacking vitality and any clear direction the droning music playing with the staff that appears nice with platitudes and word salad nonsense makes this fringe group and reality even more strange. Not a place I would recommend on any level, Buddhist ? NO not really. Christian- NOPE not Truly. NEW AGE Nonsense where you can give away your hard earned $ $ $ $ $ $ Not a welcoming place or group unless you want to be told what to wear & eat & act and that Gays are Evil etc. All and All weird, strange & Fanatical. Took a good long time to realize what was really going on here, AVOID going down this rabbit hole This is not my spiritual cup of Tea, thumbs down

I highly recommend Wild Oaks. I just can't say enough about them. Doreen is a professor in…read morenursing who has extensive training and knowledge with the body. Doreen classes are thoughtfully designed, easy to follow, and welcoming to all experience levels. Screates a calm and supportive environment while encouraging each student to work at their own pace. Her knowledge, patience,and genuine care for her students makes every session both enjoyable and beneficial. I always leave feeling stronger, more balanced. and refreshed. She is an exceptional instructor who truly inspires health and well-being. I've been practicing with Doreen for almost 3 years and I can't begin to tell you how amazing my body feels after each class. Every couple of months they will have a Sound Bath class which I highly recommend. I can't say enough about it. It's extraordinary and you won't experience this class anywhere else. All the teachers are great! And for Men who want to come to classes but are thinking it's just for women simply not the case. Yoga is for everyone ! Treat your body like your temple! Thank you Wild Oaks! RB

Dorene is an extraordinary yoga and Pilates instructor. Her vivacious personality, extensive…read moreknowledge, and background as both a registered nurse and a nursing professor shine through in every class. She brings exceptional expertise to her teaching while making each session engaging, safe, and enjoyable. Her energy is consistently uplifting, and she creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. Dorene is incredibly compassionate, understanding, and adaptable, meeting each person where they are regardless of experience or ability. She has a remarkable gift for helping every participant feel confident, challenged, and successful. I've attended this studio for about 10 months, it's become a lifeline for my wellbeing and health and I'd like to add that I have no previous experience with yoga... WildOak Wellness is equally exceptional. The studio is warm, welcoming, and filled with outstanding instructors. I highly recommend Dorene and Wild Oak Wellness to anyone looking for exceptional yoga and Pilates instruction.

This type of spiritual journey was suggested & I came across Singing Bowl Healing. This was a first…read moretime for me (& the hubs) and Jesse was kind, accepting & understanding. He spent a few moments before getting started, explaining what he does & what we might feel. We felt welcomed at all points! Experience is personal so I'll leave that for you, but I can say.... I would definitely do this again!! Jesse was fantastic! Thanks Jesse! :)

Morning meditation sound baths are healing for the soul!…read more Being newer in my spiritual journey I've researched different avenues to tap into my inner being. Sound baths are a must try experience to get you started. Jesse offers a peaceful space to relax, unwind and tap in to your inner conscious. If you're ever curious about meditation start here, Jesse is informative and talented in his craft Thank you Singing Bowl Healing!