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.

Randomly spotted this temple from the second floor window of the Ikea dining hall across the…read morestreet. Also just so happened to be Tet that day. Decided to stop by. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. There is a food stand on the bottom level under the main worship hall that serves vegetarian take out. The imitation chicken (made with tofu, tofu sheets, woodear, lemongrass, other spices) is very good. All and all a very peaceful, festive, and worthwhile experience.

Every year, our family looks forward to visiting Chua Giac Minh during the Tet festival! The people…read morethere are so warm and welcoming, and you can't help but feel at home. Plus, the vegetarian food is absolutely delicious and really affordable. If you're looking for a meaningful experience, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out this temple!

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.

Beautiful and serene place of worship. It was busy today because it is MLK day, yet it felt so…read morepeaceful and calm. Beautiful architecture and it was wonderful and centering to hear the monks chanting. They were also giving out free food for everyone, which was a nice gesture. Unlike some other places of worship that I've been to, where I am clearly not from the primary cohort of people who go there, this spot was very welcoming, and I did not feel out of place.

Tucked away in the old part of San Jose, Pao-Hua Buddhist Temple is visible from far away with its…read morebeautiful architecture but the entrance is easy to miss. The temple feels like a hidden oasis surrounded by an ordinary neighborhood. The temple is especially beautiful in the spring with its vibrant gardens filled with blooming flowers. The ponds add to the serenity and peacefulness. The temple itself is not very big and you can quickly explore all of it. Everything is kept clean and neat. There is usually plenty of parking and there are even restrooms for guests. On busy weekends and holidays you may have to park outside the premise. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Overall, I'd highly recommend visiting Pao-Hua Buddhist Temple whether you are spiritual or not. It's a peaceful spot to reflect and enjoy.

I've visited this monastery about 5 times but the last time I was there it was closed. Spacious and…read morebeautiful place to practice meditation.

This Vietnamese buddhist temple is a great meditation center set on Mount Madonna in Watsonville…read morewhere the street ends on Summit Road, a scary drive for sure with seemingly endless twists and turns. When we got to the top, the sign said "closed due to construction work" but the gate was open, so we entered, and there was plenty of parking and we found several other visitors on site as well. The monastery and surrounding area were beautiful with tall trees, lots of greenery, so many buddha statues large and small, peacocks, deer, a gazebo, a restroom, areas for worship and prayer, and a dining area where we were invited to share a meal with the monks. But the place seemed lacking in maintenance and cleanliness, even considering that it was "under construction". To make matters worse, flies and mosquitos were abundant making it hard to have a snack outdoors. Also, though the animals on site added some charm to our visit, the cawing of the birds was relentless during the hour we were there. Besides that, the main draw was still the quietude in our surroundings. With the current "under construction" condition, I'm not sure it's worth the scary winding roads required to get here. That being said, it's a lovely place to visit, and I would certainly return on better days.

I visited this temple when I was in the area, and I was very impressed with the gentle, kind spirit…read moreof the congregation and with the minister, Rev. Henry Adams. Imagine a white American guy leading a predominantly Japanese American temple--it shows how inclusive they are! We have no Buddhist Churches of America where I live. I wish we did.

I last reviewed the annual Bazaar five years ago. This long-winded review is about the process of…read moregetting Bazaar Food. Today, we arrived "early" to beat the crowds. Apparently, arriving just before 11:00am (the official opening time) is no longer "early". While we were able to snag a parking space in the lot, later arrivals had to resort to "creative" parking. We went toward the gym where the food tickets are sold. The gym wasn't open yet and there was a security guard thanking everyone for their patience. Although it was warm, people were very patient except for one youngster who was just having a rough day and wanted to share his displeasure by crying loudly. Just before the doors opened to the gym, a woman came out and gave clear instructions to those who could hear her that to order food, one had to fill out an Order Sheet. Those would be found inside the door. Then we had to be sure to get into the correct lines. There were lines for cash and lines for credit/debit cards. She must have repeated herself about six or seven times before the doors opened. There was minor chaos as guests rushed through the doors to get an Order Sheet. They were all in one location not too far inside the door. Many people, once they had their Order Sheets, proceeded to stand in place to fill out their forms, which in turn caused people to squeeze in to get their Order Sheets. There was somewhat of a line that led to two or three tables with numerous pay stations. There was no signage that distinguished Cash from Credit. They were obviously having problems with processing cards so then a couple of order takers called out for Cash customers. Once you got past the process of ordering and paying, you were given color tickets. Those who had been here before knew what to do. Those who had not been here before were left on their own to ask for help. Once they managed to find their way into the next room, it was a little bit easier. The first station was sodas and water. That person also gave you a tray to collect your food. Experienced guests knew to grab two trays to be able to carry all of their order safely. Not every food item was ready at every station and all of the stations were set up in a line. Each station had a color ticket taped to the front of the station. All you had to do was match your tickets to that ticket and collect your food, one ticket = one food item. Cold water and hot tea as well as utensils and napkins were back in the gym. Guests were to bus their own tables when done eating. There were volunteers helping guests throw out their trash into the correct containers. My suggestions to help create a smoother operation: 1. Have the Order Forms outside the doors instead of inside. Those who arrive early can get right into the pay lines with their forms. 2. Try to get the guests into one queue, regardless of payment method. 3. Separate the Cash order takers from the Credit order takers by spacing their tables a few feet apart. 4. Have one volunteer at the front of the line holding back guests to encourage them not to bunch up. As an order taker is available, the order taker can simply call out Cash or Credit and the Line person can let one person go to that station to pay. 5. If the person at the drink/tray station notices that a guest has numerous food tickets AND a helper, give them the second tray as necessary. They could encourage guests to place their tickets by color on a tray. This visual cue will help both the guests and servers. 6. If possible, also hang a color food ticket from the ceiling in front of the appropriate station. When, there is room, guests can leap-frog ahead to a station where their next item is. This could help clear the service area out quicker. We ordered quite a few items. Our favorites were the Curry Rice and the Udon. It would have been nice if they could have offered a Curry Udon. We also had Cabbage Salad, Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Bento dinner, Sushi Plate, Gyoza and Sodas. No, we didn't finish everything. We like leftovers too! Pictures of the food items are still in my camera and I'll try to post them later this week. We found some really cool cookbooks for $1 and $2 each. The cashier there was a hoot and suggested that rather than take our $2 in change, we should just donate it to the church. And of course, she said it with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She was non-plussed when I agreed. The Bazaar wasn't as large as it used to be in past years. We didn't notice any live entertainment and it seemed like there were less activities for the kids. The Silent Auction didn't have anything that drew our interest. We talked about how much we missed the guy who used to make the Chow Mein in a huge wok outside the building. Still, so long as they hold the Bazaar, we will try to drop by and support it as well as other bazaars around the Bay Area. The volunteers work hard to put these events together and generally do a terrific job.

This review is for the 2025 food bazaar. I found parking in the nearby neighborhood and walked a…read moreshort distance to the temple. The local fire fighters were there passing out plastic helmets to the kids and a large engine was there for everyone to admire. There were a couple booths with local agencies providing information to the community. There were game booths for the kids to enjoy. Plants and jewelry were on the sale. Teriyaki burgers, snow cones, and alcohol could be purchased outside. There was even a booth featuring the silent auction items and a place where you could test your luck and buy some pull tabs. Inside the social hall were lots of tables and chairs so you could enjoy your food indoors. There was an area where you could buy used books and another area where you could buy handmade crafts. The food order system entailed filling out an order form and then taking it to a table where someone tallied up the order and you could pay by credit card or cash. Little pieces of paper were handed to me indicating what I ordered. I then walked into an adjacent area to pick up my order and handed the volunteer the pieces of paper I was given when I paid for the food. It was a very organized system. One spot for the udon. Another spot for the chicken. Etc. This bazaar is a two day event. Check it out!