Gorgeous lodge, wonderful retreats, kind people and a beautiful Sunday service including an inspiring message, meditation and beautiful music with instruments read more

Wholesome. Peaceful. Profoundly Spiritual I have attended Sunday services, various workshops, retreats, and the Kriya Meditation Courses at Sunburst Sanctuary for 14 years now. I can categorically say that this is the most beautifully exquisite and peaceful place with a loving and mature community I have ever encountered. The 4,000 acre grounds are perfect for unplugging and rebalancing oneself. I love the yoga and especially the meditations they provide. For example, in the Sunday Service which starts at 10:30am every Sunday, they'll drop into 15 minutes of silence, not the typical 30 seconds other churches extend. A Yogananda Center, The Kriya Meditation Technique is unparalleled in its potency. Sunburst has always been a farm-to-table enterprise owning and operating New Frontier health food supermarkets. They maintain a large farm that sources the delicious Sunday brunches they offer. Sunburst is more than a Center; they are a family. Many founding members are still with each other after 50 years, proving the success and sustainability of the Center. The consciousness of these members is simply beautiful. For all these reasons and more, whether for a respite, or to deepen your commitment to your spiritual path, I highly recommend Sunburst Sanctuary, a gentle and welcoming spiritual center for all. read more

I wanted to give ZERO stars but I am being nice. I drove 2 hours to get there, drove into the complex about noon for an event on Feb 10th. There was one "map" which I found useless. I drove around and around, saw only 3 cars in one area (hardly the event as posted). I never got out of my car bc there was nothing to go to.....and drove 2 hours home. Thanks a heap, never again. They could have had ONE sign, ONE balloon, ONE person, ....something! read more

This place, its pristine 4,000 acres of natural beauty, the teachings and especially the people that make it up are truly AMAZING! I just enjoyed (my second) New Years meditation retreat at Sunburst. They teach the ancient meditation technique called Kriya, it was an amazing experience. I'm grateful to have another tool that brings me closer to understanding the divine mystery of my soul. I look forward to returning as soon as possible and encourage any open-minded soul seeking individual to do the same. read more

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I love Sunburst and wish i found it years ago. It's such a beautiful community with scenery views beyond comprehension. The welcoming people and Sunday services are spectacular. This is a self realization group that walks the talk and all its members have been for many years. I definitely recommend a visit as soon as you want to feel the peace and serenity that spirit provides each and every day for each one of us. Sunburst helps to tap in to that powerful being within. read more

Sunburst is a Spiritual Community of loving & welcoming people living & sharing their path of consciousness Awakening, including meditation, service, & more. I came here after visiting about 13 other Intentional Communities in California, & I have now stayed for a month (July 2011) because it is my favorite of all of them. In the time I have been here, I already feel like Good friends with many of the people, which is easy because they are so open & helpful. This is a beautiful family of Souls uplifting each other for a higher purpose. Thank You everyone at Sunburst! Alleluya! read more

I love this place! Sunburst is the best treat I've given myself in years. I've come for two workshops and I'm completely in love with this place and the people here. Lodging is in cute clean cabins, food is homemade vegetarian deliciousness, the grounds are beautiful, the people are generous and loving and the information they teach is on-point. Sunburst is a hidden gem - it's so worth the trip here! read more

I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at Sunburst for two days and attend their Sunday service. I have always been curious about intentional community, Kriya yoga, and spiritual practices. Sunburst is a perfect combination of all of these things. I had a great time connecting with the members and on-site residents. I learned a lot about the history of this place through a few members that have been there since its early years. The Sunday brunch was absolutely delicious. The temple is a beautiful space full of meditative energy. All the facilities are open 24 hours including the temple. The gate is right on Hwy 1. You need to be a guest or a member to have access to the property. Check out their events and programs! read more

I recently attended a Kriya Yoga retreat at Sunburst and had an AMAZING time! The people were so welcoming. I stayed in a cabin that was very comfortable and the home cooked meals were delicious. The retreat was very well planned and carried out. I feel so blessed to have had this experience and I will definitely be going back for solo retreats and the Kriya Yoga II retreat. This place is an absolute GEM!!!! read more

This is the most serene meditation center I have every visited! I found it 4 years ago, when seeking a spiritual retreat center that was slightly outside the Bay Area. I "randomly" found this center on a spiritual retreat webpage, but truly believe there are no accidents. With no traffic, you can make it from San Jose to Lompoc in 3 hours, 45 mins but it usually takes about 4-4 1/2. This center is rooted in the philosophy of Paramahansa Yogananda. It was founded in 1969 by his disciple, Norman Paulsen. The center is an intentional community, as many of its long-time members have been with the community for decades. It is a true genuine, "safe space." I have been to numerous spiritual retreat centers which have lacked the authenticity of Sunburst. The people are extremely warm, and you can feel it the instant you walk in-it is truly built on sacred soil. A few times a year, Sunburst offers a "Celebrate Life Weekend," which allows outsiders to participate in a spiritual retreat which combines restorative yoga (given by Patti-the best); an art, music, or movement activity; meditation; hiking; and a church service. Sunburst also offers a variety of workshops, including Kriya I, which is a meditation technique, prerequisite for other classes, and a requirement for joining Sunburst. Sunburst is nestled between Beullton (known for Anderson's Pea Soup)/Solvang & Lompoc (on the coast) in a scenic environment with rolling hills. It is 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, so I have always visited SB when attending a spiritual retreat here. I highly recommend giving this retreat center a visit. I truly consider the members of Sunburst "my second family" and I cannot say that about a lot of places. read more