An Indonesian friend introduced me to this place. I have to admit I thought the white monks were…read moreweird. Not because they did or said anything weird. Just because they were the first white monks I ever met. But it was good to know I was wasn't the only Buddhist born person there. I trust they don't use Buddhism for commercial profit. How could they be Buddhist if they did? My brother goes here every time he comes to visit from the east coast. He's not Buddhist anymore, but still likes the meditation classes. I wish they would convince him to stay Buddhist. I also wish they had more Sri Lankan monks, more kids activities, yoga, and female monks. The location is perfect for kids. The temple is in between 2 elementary schools. Teaching children how to meditate would be so nice! The space would also be good for family yoga. I hope they take these suggestions into consideration.

We went here recently to sit with Ajahn Amaro, a Theravadan monk in the Thai Forest tradition. He…read moreteaches here once a month. It's an interfaith Buddhist monastery, and there is a variety of stuff that happens here -- sittings, classes, ceremonies, etc. The space is absolutely gorgeous! The main temple room is like 3 stories high, with gorgeous stained glass. There are cushions and chairs, the chairs being quite comfortable and sturdy. You have to remove your shoes, and there is a nice plush carpet (light blue, no less!) in the temple room. If it's winter and you're going to sit here, I recommend wearing a lot of clothing or bringing a blanket. We were freezing when we were there. I imagine it's hard to heat a room that's 3 stories high.

This is such a cool, community experience in the East Bay. I've heard about Wat Mongkolratanaram…read morefor quite some time from friends in the area, and both read about and viewed so much content about this local Sunday event as well. Finally was able to go and experience it! If you've been, would love to hear about your experience too! Essentially, Wat Mongkolratanaram is a Buddhist temple located on Russell Street in Berkeley. They serve lunch to the community (I believe 10a to 1p, although do research ahead of time to ensure they're serving the day you come). I would recommend coming earlier than later, as some items do go quickly. Bring cash with you because your cash = how many coins/tokens you will receive to give the food stations. Right by the coin checkin area, you will find the beverage area of water/Thai tea, and other bevvies. The Thai Tea goes fast too, so also recommend grabbing one early if that's your go-to. There are community-style tables/chairs and also a grass area to enjoy your meal. I noticed several groups bringing blankets and picnic baskets for their afternoon set up. A great idea! For vegetarians or those looking for a more veggie focused lunch, there was a separate line for that. We arrived a little late, so the food stall I waited in line for only had minced pork, yellow curry, and rice, although that alone was filling enough and so delicious. My husband stood in a line for a beef noodle soup. I noticed a food stall with papaya salad, potentially fried chicken, and I believe a mango sticky rice. For dessert we waited in line for the Thai coconut pancakes or Kanom Krok, in cinnamon and plain flavors..they also were serving chive too! I love that you can 'leave a bag/take a bag' if you want to grab these items to-go, as well as grab plastic to-go containers too. There are napkins, utensils, and a sauce station. This is run by all volunteers I think, and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Parking isn't impossible, but because this happens only on Sundays, it did take a few minutes additionally to grab street parking nearby. All in all, a lovely afternoon paying homage to the beautiful Thai culture through food and community. Would def do it again and just prepare to arrive closer to the beginning of the event.

CASH ONLY! Sunday brunch…read more Just based off sheer selection, the Thai temple in Berkeley is the place to go to eat on Sundays. Came on a rainy day and the place was still pretty packed. I really enjoyed the plate and all the sides were pretty solid. Well-spiced and perfect with rice. The soup noodle was good, the celery kind of threw me off but it's filling and warm. The mango sticky rice is classic. Definitely going to stop by again.

I came a few weeks ago for the first time and really liked it and was interested in returning. But…read moreI decided not to return, because everytime someone associated with the temple was talking to me about it, they were also touching my shoulder. It made me very uncomfortable and I was never asked by anyone if I felt okay with touch. I was unresponsive to the touches, but on most days, this would be extremely upsetting for me. While I have this experience many places I go, I was shocked to be having it at a Buddhist temple, and this has inspired me to buy and wear accessories that spell out to people that they need to ask before they just start touching people. It should not be necessary to point out that not everyone is comfortable with unconsensual casual touch, but BBT has helped prove to me that it is, and that even in the Buddhist community I'll be treated this way if I set foot outside. Not quite the experience I was hoping for in my first visit to a Buddhist temple.

I will admit this review is a little bias. I've been going to this church and working this bazaar…read moresince I was in the second grade which is a long time. But it's totally worth the 5 Stars. Things I know: -It's small. We're a small church but very family oriented church. - We don't serve Alcohol. Hey, we're a small church and those permits are expensive. Reason why this bazaar is better then others: -Our food: All of our food is prepared w/ lots of love and personal touch. I have personally squeezed the age for the inari. Meaning we use the real stuff and yes, it's fresh. None of that canned stuff. We serve loco mocos and portabella mushroom burgers, which I have never seen at any other Bazaar. The Steak Dinners, Chicken Dinners, eggrolls, manju, and baked goods are all very good as well. -Our Silent Auction: We always get some good donations for the silent auction. This year I got a box for the A's game's Japanese Heritage night. We also had a bunch of bonsai trees, beautiful art, and every year one of our chef members donates a sushi dinner for 30-40 people. The donations change every year but we always have some pretty good items and I always seem to spend more then I hoped for. -Our Sunday Entertainment: On Sunday of the Bazaar we close the street down and set up a stage for a number of different performers. This year, Grammy Award nominee Anthony Brown and acclaimed Bay Area writer-performer Brenda Wong Aoki headlined the entertainment. Also, Kalena Gregory's Hawaiian dance group, Hui Hula o na Pu'u i ka Noe; the Destiny Arts Center's youth hip-hop dance group; and the Dii Lewis Band, featuring Lorin Kagehiro all had some awesome performances. I go to a number of bazaar's throughout the year and i must say ours has the most personal touch. Many of the bigger festivals mass mass produce their food and it's made poorly. I've even been to one where they made their veggie sushi w/ celery.. GROSS.. its supposed to be made w/ a nice blanched string bean. I mean if you don't want to spend the money on the string bean at least get cucumber, not celery. So, if you're not doing anything next year during Bay to Breaker time, check it out. I'll be sure to greet you at the Hamburger booth.

I love this temple Every time me and my husband went to…read morethis temple always make me feel happy and want to praying. Some temple we attend it make me feel scared and not happy, but this one we always go. I recommends this temple because they are always welcome everyone not like some temple at Stockton and sacramento.

I am so glad that the temple is open post Covid. I needed a place to quiet the mind and practice my…read moremeditation and Wat Buddhanusorn is a perfect place for anyone seeking peace. The temple is open for anyone who wants to practice meditation inside or outside of the temple. There is a nice pathway that circles the temple and not a lot of people come here during the morning or afternoons. It's free and open to the public, social distancing is practiced and everyone wears a mask (even the monks). I have been back to my Tuesday evening meditation group here for almost a yr, thanks to Covid (jk), via Zoom. We still meet through zoom bc it is so easy for anyone who lives far away, or can't make it with the commute. I really enjoy talking to Ajahn Maha Prasert, the Abbott at the temple and he is so kind and easy to talk to. The Abbott really cares about the well being of people and I am so blessed to be a part of this community. I really feel so welcome every time I come here. I'm non-Thai and it doesn't matter because everyone here is so kind and will help you if you are new. It's a really lovely community between the sangha and lay people. I really feel like I'm in Thailand at times, lol! If you're missing Thailand and the beautiful Thai community this is the place to be! I'm so glad it's available to anyone for free.

i have attended church here for 20 years. my son joined church basketball league. we travel 18…read moremiles to come to church but the community is warm, fun, and supportive. i'm treasurer of the women's group for 8 years now. we have alot of fun. you should join us and learn how to prepare japanese mochi, chirasushi, inarisushi, tsukemono, and other foods for the bazaar, and when we support the church fit special holiday luncheons. membership luncheon is May 2025.

Starting in the spring, the churches of the Japanese American community in the East Bay each pick a…read moreweekend to hold their annual food bazaar. This one at the Buddhist church is one that I never miss! Starting on a Saturday night and into Sunday, the bazaar features a white elephant sale, games for little kids, and I think the best homemade Japanese and American foods. From burgers and hot dogs to Japanese favorites, it is all made with love. The simple bowl of udon is delicious. Skewed pork deep fried is great with beer or sake. There's chili and rice, manju, strawberry shortcake, and chicken teriyaki box dinners. All proceeds benefit the church and it's programs.

"To Promote Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, as well as to propagate the Jodo Shinshu teachings," this…read morebeautiful center is a fantastic resource for the Buddhist Churches of America. In addition to housing the Center for Buddhist Education, the Institute of Buddhist Studies, and the BCA bookstore, the Jodo Shinshu Center (JSC) holds many activities, sessions, and conferences. There are multiple classrooms, a gated parking lot, dorm/hotel rooms for overnight stay, a library and kodo for services. The wonderful and helpful staff is always more than willing to help, welcoming many guests to tour the JSC and learn about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. I always jump at the chance to attend the conferences/reunions/activities at the JSC and have been to talks on Shinran Shonin, TechnoBuddha, YAC Retreat, College YBA Conference and many other events here. I have not only formed great memories and relationships with lifelong friends, but also expanded my knowledge of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism through this awesome center. I definitely encourage anyone to drop in and check it out, keeping an eye on courses and outreach offered by the JSC.

I think they need to have more information available for first time visitors... There were not many…read morestaff available, and the information was about specific events, not the facilities there. Basically, I wanted to know if I could go to the kodo (but I forgot the word, sorry), but basically got mixed messages. I think because I'm Boricua, the staff working there thought I did not know it was a Buddhist center... but I know that; I am a Pure Land Buddhist, lol. Anyway, it is too bad because I think it is important for everyone to know about Amida Buddha. It seems there are other Jodo Shinshu churches/temples that might be more inclusive, but I can't say for sure. 実は、日本語を勉強しましたが、昔だったから、急に言語をスイッチするのが難しいです。私がちょっと恥ずかしがりやし, この頃近毎日英語だけで話しているので, 日本語の言葉が出てこなかったんです。ちゃんと話せなかったのが問題を引き起こしたと気がしました。すみませんでした。

Love the concept of getting authentic Thai cuisine but also knowing that those funds goes toward…read morethe temple!! Open Fri-Sun during lunch hours only. All entrees are set price of $12 and desserts $5. Ran out of mango sticky rice but Im glad they had sakoo which was one of the items I came for! Payment is through either Venmo or Zelle transfer. You order at the front and they give you a number. When everything is ready, they put it in a cardboard box for you to carry. There's also the option to enjoy it at the tables Sakoo was a perfect combination of nutty from the crushed peanut filling, savory from the pork and fried shallots and slight sweetness of tapioca skin. Thai style papaya salad was refreshing, citrusy and crunchy. You can choose between mild or medium spice. The ground pork salad was a good portion but a little too wet for me - maybe from the condensation. The sticky rice included was good though! Ingredients and herbs were all fresh Staff isn't too fluent in English but still friendly and helpful. Would love to come back to support them and try their other items!

Friendly temple that sells food to the public. Cash or zelle…read more Text (415) 565-9650 weekly to get the menus of the week, I think they sell Friday-Sunday. I usually go during the weekends. You can walk in or text your order in advance, pay ahead or in person. The service and experience have been pleasant so it is a 4/5 for me but the food averages to be 3/5, but I just want to support them. Pricing is pretty straightforward: $12 entrees, $5 dessert, $3 Thai iced tea. They may have some items off the menu so don't be afraid to ask if you've seen something one week but not on the menu the next week. My favorite items to get: pork laab, pad see ewe (doesn't taste like the restaurant ones but that's ok), pork laab, saku (chewy sweet/savory dumpling with peanuts and ground meat), and mango sticky rice.

Empty Gate Zen Center is a true hidden treasure, an oasis of peace and wisdom. Still little known,…read moreit sits quietly, as in meditation, in a pretty street at a walking distance from downtown Berkeley. The folk at the Center are warm, welcoming and have no interest in having you believe anything. It is a rare place where I have received unconditional support along my journey and have been asked for nothing in return. If you are looking for gurus who will give you ready answers, then this is not the place for you. If you prefer to see by your self and find your own answers, then you found what you are looking for. The Center is a gate to become a more open, aware and generous person. Go to the next Wednesday welcoming meditation and talk at Empty Gate and check it out by yourself. If your heart is open you will probably sense the unpretentious power of this caring community dedicated to help all of us live more conscious, peaceful and compassionate lives. And take your time, breathing gently, after going to Empty Gate for three years I feel that I am just getting started. This is a place to cultivate the art of being, where you can nurture your love of humanity and a passion for the mystery of being alive. As good as it gets!

From the owner: Empty Gate Zen Center provides Zen meditation instruction within a kind and supportive environment…read more We offer a daily practice schedule and regular monthly retreats, as well as Dharma talks, and private interviews with our guiding teacher, Zen Master Bon Soeng (Jeff Kitzes). All of our programs are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience or background.

Small, low key temple. All in English except for a few chants that are not readily translated. In…read morethe Soto Zen tradition but culturally American. The atmosphere is simple and un-pressured. Friendly meditation instruction and accessible Dharma talks in plain English, often using sources from other traditions and paths in order to make some points more accessible. Have been coming here for years, except for the last ten when I was out of area, and have always found it a source of learning and inspiration.

From the owner: Buddhist meditation, Dharma talks, Buddhist services and spiritual guidance.read more

Happy that there's a local Thai buddist temple in the Fairfield area. The monks are friendly…read more Sometimes they have festivals where volunteers make authentic Thai food to get donations in for the temple. They also have events for Thai citizens to get their Thai passports and Thai ID cards renewed. Very convenient!

Beautiful temple with very nice monks. Come and see for yourself…read more Wat Chaimongkol is well known by supporting from the people in different locations such as Bay areas, Fairfield, San Francisco and etc. Later on, June 25, 2009 is regarded as the best auspicious day of the time 9 A.M. and 9 minutes. All monks officially moved in living until now. Nowadays, Wat Chaimongkol is also officially acknowledged as a member of Assembly of Thai Monks organization so that it is a legal institutation in both secular and religious views. The total area of the current place is nearly a half of an acre with two buildings. In the big building with 2,422 sq. ft., there are 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 reception room, 1 kitchen room and 1 dining room. In the small building with 900 sq.ft. there are 2 bedrooms 1 store-room and a 2 car garage. The space between two buildings is suitable for doing activities. Moreover, there is a large area at the front suitable for 10 cars parking excluded from the area of main road and than of informal education school.