I heard about the day of mindfulness from friends who went so I decided to try it. I loved the…read moreexperience and will be back. It felt like an escape since I was unplugged from my phone and silent for a few hours. The grounds are beautiful and the pond was my favorite view to take in the beauty of nature watching the dragonflies, bees, fish, and birds. I loved the songs, calming bells, meditative walk, and dharma talk. It was long though and my old body had to keep changing positions on the mat. I felt so relaxed and peaceful that I wished a nap was included. The translator was terrific! I enjoyed hearing about everyone's experience during the sharing opportunity (yet it was fine to pass the mic and not speak too). Then we ate a freshly prepared vegetarian meal at the end and had some free time afterwards to revisit the pond and bookstore/gift shop. Before leaving, I got a few photos after the event ended (since it would ruin the mood, be distracting to others, and defeat the purpose if phones were used during the experience.) It was a great to focus on breathing, quieting thoughts, and being present. Thanks for offering this tranquil opportunity to the public. I definitely encourage anyone who visits to make a donation if able.

Beautiful and so peaceful!! This place is stunning and so wonderful. The people are so wonderful…read morewho are there.

A must visit if anyone is in the Escondido or San Diego areas, locals or tourists alike…read more I can't describe enough how beautiful this place is. One has to stop by to see for oneself. Orchids, Epiphylums, yellow mimosa trees, peach trees, and various other flowers provide such greeneries against the backdrop of some great structures and marble statues.

Beautiful temple, we came on one of their off days, and the temple worker granted us access. We…read moredidn't stay long, but I really appreciated them letting us. The temple grounds were very well taken care of and the statues and buildings were very beautiful and peaceful to take a moment to breath and meditate. So thank you to the workers here.

Lunch served til 3 pm. Impressive watching them grind up the many ingredients to season each papaya…read moresalad order. Doc and hubs ate chicken skewers, and iced Thai coffee with their papaya salad. I opted for boat noodles(soup dish) choosing beef instead of pork. The lady also added these whitish round delicious items into my bowl I'm guessing was perhaps fish cake. Still full from breakfast I ate maybe 1/3 of it. Hoitobo(glutton) you know who alias Pugsley finished the rest of it. Very Unique experience. Doc said next week they are having a special food event. Two of the gentlemen were very welcoming and very friendly.

First time visiting the Thai Buddhist Temple in Escondido…read more Parking: -Situated in a residential neighborhood, you can easily find street parking. There were also some parking stalls at the temple itself Food: -They serve food and drinks here on Sundays. I came a little after noon. Unlike some other Thai temples I've been to in the past that served food, this one had no lines which I appreciated. -today when I visited they had two different types of noodle soups, papaya salad, bbq chicken, Thai tea and coffee, as well as things like fried fish. -you can pay with items via cash. They have menus around the temple with how much things cost. You order at the various stations and place your money in the wooden donation box. -they have a self serve condiments section with spices and vinegar. There are also utensils that you help yourself to. -when you are done, you discard any leftovers you have by the sink. Pros: -lots of regulars come here so it's nice to see the strong community. Some of the regulars were really friendly and introduced themselves to me and introduced me to others -they have outdoor seating so you can enjoy your food Cons: -none

I just completed a 13 week course with Joe where we would meet virtually once a week and wow what a…read moretransformation I have made! When I look back at the first day I spoke to Joe, I was all over the place mentally, just chaotic! I had been meditating and trying to go within but really needed assistance. I struggled with anxiety, confidence, handling emotions and just dealing with life. Joe is such a kind and loving soul and I never felt judged but rather safe and understood. He offered a space where I could truly express myself and not feel insecure in doing so. I discussed some of my deepest fears and emotions that I had held onto for many, many years and didn't even realize it. Now that I've completed the 13 weeks, I have grown more than I could've imagined. I learned how to breathe (correctly), how to immediately calm my nervous system, to be more self aware, to believe in myself (confidence), to go deeper in my mediations, I have more patience and I'm continuing to focus on my heart chakra and love. It's truly been an incredible experience! This type of work is a team effort and if you are willing to put in the work, Joe is an amazing spiritual guide/teacher that will light the way for you to grow and support you on your journey. He deserves more than 5 stars!

I experienced an amazing reiki session/heart-led life guidance session from Joe. He was so…read moreinsightful and intuitive, compassionate, and clear. He brought up some things in a way that I had never considered before, allowing me to shift the way I'd been looking at it. I felt completely safe and supported throughout the entire session. I could feel energy shifting within my body during the reiki portion and saw imagery, visuals (similar to what I've experienced during intense hour long breathwork practices). In a world filled with a lot of spiritual posers, Joe is the real deal. I trust him, and to me that is one of the most important attributes in a guide and helper. I highly recommend Joe.

This Rinzai Zen center is so beautiful in concept. The Zen teacher, however, left me really wanting…read moreto never go back. I'm not willing to outright slander anyone, this person included, but I could. Let's just say that it's a shame a lovely place like this has to be ruined by such a person. There are other Zen centers in the region that most people are going to find more welcoming, serene, and accepting.

From the owner: -- Before visiting, please attend one of our monthly INTRO to Meditation Half-Day-Workshops,…read more9am-noon. Please check our online calendar for the next one. You'll get a thorough introduction to the practice and our wonderful place, get to try it out and ask all your questions and share with fellow travelers. Please fill out and bring an application form, which you find on our website. -- After that we advise to begin a daily practice at home and join one of our sittings at least once a week to receive guidance and support from our teacher and fellow students.