I was asked to bring some mochi for my father's funeral, per the reverends request. But the only…read moreplace that sells funeral mochi in the area now is in San Jose. So on the morning of the funeral, I waited outside the San Jose mochi place for a half hour, first in line with my preorder. Came as fast as I could to this church but arrived 15 minutes late do to traffic. When I finally arrived, the whole place was completely locked and my wife and I were locked out of my father's entire funeral service. Someone finally let us in after it was over. My family has been having services here for generations. But that will stop with me. I will never forgive myself for going on a fools errand to grab some stupid mochi per some ridiculous traditions. And I will never come to support this place again, no matter who dies.

Date: 8/1/2015 Time: 5:35 PM 70° Sunny…read more Even though I grew up in Oakland Chinatown and attended Lincoln Elementary School (a block from this church), I have never attended the annual Obon Festival. Today is my first time. This is indeed an enjoyable and entertaining cultural event - the music, the Taiko drummers, the dancers in their colorful kimonos, the food, and the handcrafted greeting cards ($3.00 or $5.00 each). They also have chicken/steak/short ribs dinners and baked goods (cakes and cookies) for sale - fundraising for the church. I am highly impressed with the music and singing. Wow...jazz and beautiful singing in Japanese; CD's going for $15.00 each. Then hearing the song, Sukiyaki, brings back memories of my childhood days. I am glad that my husband and I decided to stop by to take in the festive celebration. Much appreciation to the members of this church for organizing and putting on this lovely event. Finally, the Obon Festival was worth attending - free entertainment at its best. It may not be as popular as the Art and Soul Festival several blocks away in Downtown Oakland, but I have to say one thing. I did not have to pay $12.00 to watch and listen to a cultural event.

Such sweet energy. I loved visiting the Shrine. It is lovingly cared for by community members. We…read morestayed about an hour - there is so much to see in each little shrine. I was glad to see GuanYin so prevalent in each shrine. Thanks to all who hold this space

Beautiful place. Very peaceful. Creative and fun way to beautify this neighborhood. Really love…read morethis place. Highly recommend visiting

My mom comes here for the festivals and holidays to pay her respects to the monks and our…read moreancestors. The people are friendly here and welcomes visitors. I am amazed at all the Buddhist statues every time I come. My favorite are the two Hell's Henchmen as my mom tells me. They are two men who comes collect your soul when it's your time to go. One has a horse's head and one has a bull's. It's rare to see statues of them, but in this temple, they have them displayed proudly. Go check them out on your way in.

Date: 7/21/2018 Time: 4:15 PM 70° Mostly sunny…read more Purpose of my visit: Obon Festival! It's my first time attending this event here in Alameda. These cultural events, and I have been to many different ones, are always fun for family and friends. I always enjoy them. It's the food, entertainment and being around friendly strangers. I found out earlier in the week about this event and shared it with my oldest sister. One of her classmates, Gordon, mentioned he was planning to attend. Thus, my husband, sister, friend and I met up at this temple for a weekend outing. We couldn't stay long for the entertainment, the Taiko drummers and the traditional dance before dusk. We all wanted to head home to watch the Bay Bridge Series between the A's and the Giants. However, we will get to see the performers at the Obon Festival in Oakland on August 4. My chicken teriyaki dinner was quite good. I must have lucked out because everybody else in my group said the chicken was slightly dry. Udon in the bowl looked yummy. Yes, I was looking at what other attendees were having. Even the aroma of the tamales had me yearning for one. I couldn't believe they had donuts for $1.00 each. Ooh, I want a French cruller, please. The Ikebana exhibit was eye candy - so pleasing to my eyes and so creative of the people who assembled them. The lucky cranes in various colors (3 or 5 cranes) were beautiful. When we left, we saw a childhood friend from our past. Ethel, whom we have known from elementary school (1960's), was there as one of the Taiko drummers. Definitely we will return next year for the Obon Festival. Good times, good eats and good fun for family and friends.

I loved the fundraising event yesterday. So much patience, love and unity here. Enjoyed my steak…read more& treasures!

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.

Even though I more closely subscribe to Theravadin Buddhism, this Chinese temple greeted me with…read moreopen arms. This temple is a diamond hidden in a sometimes, wild and chaotic Oakland. The chief monk chants beautifully! The interior speaks for itself (see photos). I lend my full support to this temple and have donated as much as I am able. I come by frequently during the day when it is open and often patrol at night to ensure this temple remains as vibrant and beautiful as ever. I learned Theravadin Buddhism when I visited "Ceylon" during a doctoral graduate course entitled "Into the Heart of Sri Lanka: Psyche, Culture, Spirit, and Healing." I am including photos from one of my trips to Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Please visit and support this temple if you are able!!! May the triple gem bless you. 儘管我更信奉上座部佛教，但這座中國寺廟張開雙臂迎接我。 這座神殿是一顆隱藏在時而狂野而混亂的奧克蘭的鑽石。 大和尚誦經好聽！ 內部不言自明（見照片）。 我全力支持這座寺廟，並儘我所能捐贈。 我經常在白天開放，晚上經常巡邏，以確保這座寺廟像以往一樣充滿活力和美麗。 我在博士研究生課程"進入斯里蘭卡的心臟：心理、文化、精神和治療"期間訪問了"錫蘭"，學習了上座部佛教。 我包括我去斯里蘭卡（錫蘭）旅行的照片。 如果可以的話，請訪問並支持這座寺廟！！！！ 願三寶保佑你。 Jǐnguǎn wǒ gèng xìnfèng shàngzuò bù fójiào, dàn zhè zuò zhōngguó sìmiào zhāngkāishuāng bì yíngjiē wǒ. Zhè zuò shéndiàn shì yī kē yǐncáng zài shí ér kuáng yě ér hǔnluàn de àokèlán de zuànshí.

I stumbled upon this temple while walking my dog. It's a local neighborhood Mahayana Buddhist…read moretemple inside a small storefront. The alters are elaborate and beautiful and the monks are very friendly. They love my dog and always wish to pick him up and bless him. I love how much he can put a smile on their faces! I enjoy stopping by on my walks with him to take in the warm, positive energy and pay my respects to Buddha.

As a child, I used to go to this temple with my grandmother. After she passed, her name went up on…read morethe golden wall beside bodhisattva, which means she is a devoted follower. I can definitely attest that the leaders are good people. They mean well. They treated my grandmother well, and visited her when she was in critical condition at the hospital to comfort her. Recently I came as an adult and the elderly greeter was very enthusiastic. However, the things she said were very manipulative and unsympathetic. After teaching me how to pray for a baby, she demanded money for the temple when I got pregnant and warned that if I didn't, I would lose the baby. $300 in fact. She said it more than once without a smile and forced me to say it directly to Buddha while watching me do it. She also taught me that I should go up to pregnant women to inconspicuously rub their bellies. I did not need permissions to touch their bodies. I realize that you cannot control the things that people say, but if she is a greeter, she is not in touch with the standards of society. I was too shocked to realize she was threatening me with money. I hope this review gets through to the leaders and monks of 佛光寺 Fo Guang Si and that you prevent this from happening to other visitors. I know that you are a tight knit group, but from this interaction, I do not believe you are as welcoming to newcomers as you can be. No matter how devoted my grandmother was to this temple, I am never coming here again. For visitors, proceed with caution as your milage may vary.

I'm ringing in Chinese New Years writing a review for this temple. It's buzzing with people wishing…read moreand hoping for a good year. Happy Chinese New Year everyone!!!

Serene and beautiful monastery grounds. Happy to discover a hidden gem in the hills. When you first…read moreturn in you'll drive along a small tree-lined road and go up the hill to their gated entrance. You may have to call their intercom to enter through the gate if they are not currently hosting an event. When you first visit, go to the reception office for an intro about the monastery and their activities. You can join their regularly scheduled meditation classes and dharma classes. The building to the left of that is where they hold Buddhist classes and talks. To the left of that is a small hill and walking nature loop to see a Kuan Yin statue placed within a circular, eight petaled lotus mandala. The walk has beautiful views of the surrounding distance. Down towards the right is the temple, which is only open to the public during events. They recently finished some renovations inside their main temple and outside gardens. The gardens behind and below the temple opens to expansive views too, yet is still undergoing construction. You can see a small pagoda with a Kuan Yin statue and a rectangle platform with a statue of the Buddha. Inside the temple, it is common etiquette to remove your shoes, place them in a shoe cabinet along the wall, and wear socks inside (no bare feet allowed here) during events. There are bathrooms and a water station too. I joined a recent Friday meditation gathering and it was nicely organized and run very well. They have a welcoming sangha community too.

Beautiful scenery and grounds. The peace I felt was incredible. I love it here. I highly recommend.read more

Teo Chow Temple. Two floors open to public. Came here on 02/22 to pray for lunar new year…read more Folks are very nice and run by the older generation. Parking and drop off for elders can be tough since you can't park right in front of the temple due to a protected bicycle lane. I've parked on the street close by and never had problems but there are some homeless folks around. The praying over the speakers may be loud for some so I always try to pack headphones for my kid. They prayed in teo chow while I was here. They don't have a website but they do post a paper calendar for large events of the year.

Standing modestly at 2 stories tall, this establishment is far from big but it has what you need…read morefor worship in terms of incense, candles, the major deities and a spot for ashes if you cremated a loved one. There's a small fireplace for you to burn offerings indoors. Place is run by older people and they get crowded during the new year. Donations are accepted.

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.