Buddhist Temple [Junction City CA] Before heading home we took a detour and visited this Buddhist retreat center in Junction City CA, about 10 miles west of Weaverville. We parked and I explored. It was so peaceful and quiet and felt like we were trespassing but it said on the sign at the entrance that hours of operation were open to visitors daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm.. I did not see any human in sight until about 45 mins later or so when someone sounded a horn or something as if a sign of calling that meditation was about to commence. I walked up to the spinning Prayer Wheels, the Tara House, the Guru Rinpoche Statue and the Prayer Flags & The Eight Great Stupas (the eight stupas commemorate the eight major events of the Buddha Shakyamuni's life). Both the prayer flags and the prayer wheel contain many prayers, or mantras, written in Tibetan script. RITUAL MEANING: With the nonstop turning of the prayer wheel and the wind blowing across the prayer flags, powerful blessings radiate out into the local environment and the world, benefiting beings. We had just started to leave and at the sound of the horn we saw people walking up to the temple coming from everywhere. The people were friendly waving at us as we were driving off. Chagdud Gonpa Foundation is part of an international network of centers whose origin is Chagdud Gonpa in Tibet, a monastery founded in the 15th century Review #3782 read more

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Humboldt State University did a retreat here with lodging, food and workshops/prayers included! I can not thank everyone enough for their hospitality and kindness! Definitely looking forward to going in the future. Online on their website site people can rsvp to stay in one of their various beautiful homes on site read more

Was suppose to perform a formal two month retreat with their support. They failed so badly it was comical. Retreat never occurred and I lost massive income from the business I put on hold to accomplish a practice. They promise what they can't deliver. But they are happy to take your donations. AVOID!!!!! Message for the gonpa: remember when you promise something and can't deliver the karmic debt is yours. read more

You would not expect an authentic Thai Buddhist gonpa in Junction City, would you? This is quite the gem as this gonpa was founded by a lama from Thailand & his remains are still kept inside the property. The property itself is quite big with the temple, places for those on a retreat to stay, the prayer wheels & the stupas (spelling?). If you call ahead of time, you may be able to schedule a tour with one of the volunteers there. All the workers are very nice & are more than willing to answer your questions. Be sure to spin the prayer wheels & don't cheat! So much history hidden away here in Junction City so be sure to stop by if you're in the area, you won't regret it! read more

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An amazing experience. So many interesting things to observe and learn about in a tranquil and beautiful setting. I appreciate the hospitality and practical approach to the Tibetan Buddhist retreat center and offerings. From my experiences at the Gonpa, I have a greater appreciation, understanding and some meditation practices centered around Tibetan Buddhism spiritual philosophy. I highly recommend a visit to this place no matter what your understandings and practices are with Tibetan Buddhism. read more