My experience of taking classes, workshops and community musical gatherings at Crave spans several…read moremonths. The offerings are diverse and well curated. My profession spans 35 years of teaching Yoga and mentoring instructors in Silicon Valley. We joyously welcomed Crave into our community when Helena began her new management role and opened the studio four years ago. This Yoga establishment is fairly young AND considered as a treasure to yoga enthusiasts living in Mountain View. The moment you step into the space, you will feel a warm welcome in the environment and from the exceptional teaching staff. Be sure to meet the owner, Helena O'Brien McLoughlin. ~ Marti Foster, Executive Director at Marti Foster Yoga

I've been going to Crave Yoga specifically for their prenatal classes on Saturdays with Marti for a…read morefew months now. It's such an empowering, fulfilling and amazing experience with other mamas who want to strengthen and prepare for birth. So glad I joined and have taken these classes Highly recommend crave yoga and joining this great community!

Very traditional Zen Center, at least for America. If you are looking for a democratically run…read moreorganization this is not it. The teacher is definitely the authority in all matters here. Having said that, it runs more or less smoothly and people treat each other kindly and respectfully. If your focus is on the meditative aspects of practice, and you'd like to interact with others that have that focus as well, then this is a fine place.

I have been doing a lot of general reading about Buddhism over the past year or so, and a friend…read moreconvinced me to stop reading and start doing, so last month I went to the Saturday morning beginner's class at Kannon Do. This center is affiliated with the San Francisco Zen Center, also founded by Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki,s o they are mainstream, excellent pedigree, nothing cult-ish here. Unlike the San Francisco Zen Center, the program for beginners was intense even for me, and I don't think my attention span is as gnat-like as some people. We began by meditating after about a ten minute talk. We sat for 20 minutes, did about 15-20 minutes of walking meditation, took a 10 minute break, did another 20 minutes of meditation, then another 10 of walking, then another 20 of sitting. I was overwhelmed. All the books I read said to start a few minutes at a time, and that even that would be a challenge. I was really struggling. And I had no idea what the purpose of the meditation was. What exactly had I been reading about? If I could focus, to what end? This class was mainly meant to get you started on focusing your mind, and getting your body used to the posture. The nun was very nice, the facility was clean, tranquil, and the gardens beautiful. But this was just too intense for me, and from what I understand, much more intense than the beginners classes at the SF Zen Center. The Wednesday night sessions also have beginner's session, followed by 40 minutes of sitting, followed by a service, then a dhamma talk, which I'm sure would be great to listen to, but I got the distinct impression you couldn't come for just the talk. I don't expect to be good at this overnight, or to gain understanding or insight even after a few years at it, but I think I may need more guidance and a more gentle beginning. If you want to start though, these people are nice and you'll have plenty of time to think, focus, and work on posture.

InnerSeed was definitely needed in this area. Step away from the chaos and noise into a healing…read morecenter of calm, and serenity. From the moment you walk in, you know you have arrived in a special peaceful place. No need to travel far and wide for a healing retreat when you need a tranquil space. My experience was simply incredible.. I attended for a Sound Bath, and it was one of the most calming, healing, and rewarding experiences I have ever had. Weiwei, the owner has the most beautiful energy; a truly special human. The evening started with a sage cleansing before stepping into the main room, where I silently gasped inside myself at the thoughtful setup of candles and soothing aromas. I walked to my designated space of mat, pillow, and blanket; and the class began... Weiwei began the class with an introduction of what was to come, which I appreciated. Then came the most magically led seated meditation which was truly magical. Then it transcended into us laying on our mats and she enveloped the room into a heavenly and tranquil sequence of musical bowls, chimes, gongs, and vibrations. I honestly did not want it to end. Like the moments you are receiving a massage, and hope the hour has not ticked by... I haven't felt this level of ease in quite some time. For those who find it challenging to turn off their brains, and step out of the day to day to-do lists, step into this sacred space. You will find your peace in a short period of time. This experience was tremendously soothing to the spirit and mind.This was my first sound bath, and I cannot wait to return. Thank you Weiwei, for creating this space, and curating it as you did.

Love this place! I highly recommend treating yourself to a sound bath. It's just magical!read more

I've always been curious about meditation and decided to give this place a try based on other Yelp…read morereviews. My husband and I enrolled in the Level 1 Meditation class, which is free, and lasts for 12 weeks. It definitely is a commitment, but we attended all but one class (due to Thanksgiving break) and really found it so enjoyable and fulfilling. To note, this is Zen Buddhism that they are teaching, so if you are particular about that, it's something to consider. The Shifu who runs the class is really insightful and funny. (I think he's absolutely endearing!!) He made the classes fly by. The way they go is that the first half of class is dedicated to teaching you the basics of Zen meditation (chanting, sitting, walking). The second half is lecture in the dining hall, otherwise known as Dharma talks, which teach you a lot of the practical and traditional aspects of Zen Buddhism and meditation. Overall, going here has helped my hubby and I connect a lot better and learn how to handle stress in a more calm way. We definitely would have joined the level 2 class if we hadn't moved up north. I try to visit and meditate here whenever I am in the South Bay :)

I've visited many temples in the past due to my Buddhist mother dragging me, but this temple is the…read moreonly one that I really enjoy and actually will go on my free will. :P I took the level 1 meditation class in English, which I find is really rare. The other temples that I've been to only speak Chinese or Vietnamese. I don't understand Chinese very well, so I was very happy to find English courses here. The teacher is Shifu JianYing, who is a happy and funny monk. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. The lectures are enlightening, fun, and enjoyable. I highly recommend taking the class if you have time (once a week for 2 hours for 12 weeks), and it's free too! :)

Being part of the Family Constellations Certification Program for over a year now has been an…read moreincredibly transformative journey for me. Initially stepping into this realm, I had little idea of what to expect, but a strong sense of trust led me forward. And what a journey it has been! One of the most profound aspects of this experience has been the sense of belonging to a community of kindred spirits. Surrounded by like-minded souls who understand me at a deep level, I've found a space where explanations are unnecessary; we simply 'get' each other. This sense of understanding and acceptance has been invaluable in my personal growth journey. I look forward to our monthly sessions because I know that everything that I share will be heard and accepted with grace. . One of the most profound lessons I've learned is the intricate connection between my present experiences and the echoes of my ancestral past. Family Constellations has illuminated the hidden threads that connect us to our lineage, showing me that the struggles and triumphs of my ancestors ripple through generations, influencing how circumstances unfold in my life today. As a result, I have a stronger acceptance of my family members and understanding why I have financial issues. Through this process, I've come to understand that my healing isn't just for me alone; it reverberates through the tapestry of my family line, touching those who came before and those who will come after. As I heal, I become a conduit for healing not just for myself, but for my ancestors. And while I do not have children in this lifetime, this healing impacts lives I will have in the future. In this journey, Hemla has been a guiding light, a true angel who embodies genuine love, guidance, and support. Her wisdom, intuition, trustworthiness, and honesty have been the cornerstone of our learning, growth, and journey. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher to walk alongside me on this path of discovery and healing. While I'm still not entirely confident in my ability to be a facilitator, I'm learning to trust myself more each day. With each small step, I'm gaining confidence that I can lead and facilitate a constellation for a client. It's a journey of growth and self-discovery that I'm grateful to be on, knowing that I have the support and guidance of Hemla and my community every step of the way.

I've worked with Hemla for several months both in groups and individual sessions. She is an…read moreintuitive guide who knows just the right questions to ask to spur personal growth. She has a vast reservoir of knowledge from which to guide. I've benefitted from her detailed explanation of the enneagram and various methods for meditation. Hemla is so very good at bringing the esoteric down to reality, encouraging practical application of time-honored techniques. She is a good listener, patient and compassionate. I have benefitted greatly from her wisdom and highly recommend others make a similar commitment to themselves by utilizing her services.

This retreat exceeded my expectations!!!…read more After falling into a serious illness that left me stuck to my bed earlier on 2018. I decided I would look into a retreat and get away as far as I could. As I was searching I found this wonderful woman Salila, whom posted a brief description about her services and different retreats. I knew right then that I should contact her. Our first scheduled call I realized that this retreat was nothing like a regular get away. I instantly felt her genuine heart to help. She is very familiar with retreats and doctors and she was able to matched my needs to the perfect doctor and retreat. Salila also helped me get in contact with Dr. Devraj via video chats on multiple occasions. With his advice I was able to ease my conditions at home since my conditions was worsening and doctors still till this day do not know what I had. In the beginning I was super excited , and at the same time didn't have any idea how I would come up with the travel expenses since I had been out of work for a while and Salila help me to figure out my money situation. She made sure she checked up on me as often as she could with helpful advice. On top of all this Salila took care my flight and booked the air tickets for me so I wouldn't go through the hassle. She also walked me through the visa process, and she scheduled someone to pick me up and drop me off at the airport. Weeks before leaving, I talked to Salila about a friend who was in New Delhi and how I wanted to visit them before leaving back home . She was able to switch out my tickets to include New Delhi and also gave me some important advice about traveling to New Delhi. If this wasn't enough , throughout my 28 days stay at Sitaram Beach Retreat she texted me to make sure all my needs and concerns were met by staff and the doctors. I cannot thank Salila enough for going out of her way and beyond to make my stay as special as it was. I really got a sense of peace and I also want to thank every one who works at Sitaram retreat for making my stay so much better. Words can only express so much which is why I'm leaving some pictures of this awesome retreat here for who ever is inspired to take some well deserved time for self care level 50! It's been 3 months since, and my health is back on track. I would do this all over again through Salila. I recommend Salila to book any flights and retreats to anyone that wants to have a beautiful experience Contact her ASAP

Pancha..what??? Salila and AYURGAMAYA ... the perfect…read moreanswer for a much needed reboot, reset, in my life. Feeling physically and mentally sluggish, foggy brain so to speak. "...if I could just be taken care of for a couple of weeks...unplug, no one to answer to, focus on my inner self to re-balance my body and my mind......." AND enjoy an incredibly interesting part of the world ??? Salila was stellar in organizing a 2 week ayurvedic retreat and beyond. Totally safe, seamless ( stress free) and enjoyable !!!!! First, her close connection with Dr. Vignesh Devraj, the ayurvedic trained doctor at Sitaram , made it possible to have a one-on-one Skype conversation to get first-hand information about Ayurvedic treatments, what to expect, any concerns...so easy to talk to, so knowledgeable. Being trained in clinical pharmacy, everything made perfect sense to me. Next...the magical 2 weeks at Sitaram Ayurvedic Retreat began..with herbal hot oil massages every day, special herbal drinks for immunity boosts, meals to die for, specifically geared for each individual per their treatment regimen....and as I had dreamed of...nothing to do but rest, walk on the beach, do yoga, meditate.....( yes, they have internet..but, really,... UNPLUG..its worth it) After the retreat the journey was SEAMLESS. Salila arranged for transportation, drivers who were great guides with local information and found us AWESOME Homestays (per our request) , cozy, friendly, with fantastic food (instead of high cost hotels ) throughout the rest of the trip. Met incredible locals who treated us like friends, experienced genuine local life feeling completely safe and at ease. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!!

I have been coming to Ananda Tenple for more than a year, and I found all what I need for my…read morespiritual growth. Classes , satsang support in my journey , meditations and friends. The Sunday service is very inspirational with music , readings, short meditation and very meaningful sermon . I highly recommend for everyone , starters in the yoga path as well for more advanced practitioners. Love , peace and friendship is the fragrance in this holy temple .

The Ananda Teaching Centers in Santa Cruz County were my spiritual home for decades. That all…read morechanged in September 2020 for obvious reasons. As sad as it was to lose my local Ananda community, I had the chance to move to the Ananda Community in Mountain View and become part of the most dynamic, centered, compassionate, self-aware group of people I have ever known. I love the opportunities to be of service to others as they find their spiritual path. The Ananda Temple is not really the physical structure on the corner of El Camino and College. The congregation of Truth seekers who come together to serve, meditate, practice yoga, and have fun...those people are the true Ananda Temple. I love the diversity. I love Sunday Services. I love the yoga classes. I love the classes on how to be happy in a chaotic world. I love being in a space with others where I can close my eyes, be still, and feel the presences of the Divine in me and all around.

Dada is a really insightful guy and genuinely cares for his students and his practice - I'd…read morerecommend him if you are looking to learn through meditation!

I have not visited the center in Los Altos yet but I have been following his work, reading his book…read moreand I recently met him and have been getting to know him. I am very impressed with Dada Nabhaniilananda and all he does, I look forward to visiting him at his center!