I heard about the day of mindfulness from friends who went so I decided to try it. I loved the experience 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. read more

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Beautiful and so peaceful!! This place is stunning and so wonderful. The people are so wonderful who are there.

Amazing place to come and meditate. You get three delicious vegan meals a day and the dorms are nice. Nice place to get away and recharge. The grounds are beautifully kept and the nuns are all very nice. Will definitely be back here again. Happy Yelping! read more

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I first came to the mindfulness walk at this monastery about five years ago when a friend introduced me to it. I recently visited again, and it felt much the same as I remembered. They welcome visitors on Sundays, starting with a peaceful mindfulness walk that lasts about an hour, followed by a dharma talk. While the talk was interesting, I found it hard to hear and understand--it wasn't very clear, though I'm not sure if others had the same issue. My favorite part was the dharma sharing session, where everyone splits into smaller groups and has the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences. Afterward, a healthy and delicious vegetarian meal is served. Guests are expected to wash their own dishes, and that wraps up the half-day mindfulness experience. The monastery also offers retreats where you can stay with a reservation. Overall, being there brought a deep sense of peace, calm, and quiet. read more

Day of Mindfulness at Deer Park Monastery Today, I attended the Day of Mindfulness at Deer Park Monastery. Check-in was between 8 and 10 AM, with an optional 9 AM walking meditation that lasted an hour. It was a slow, silent walk with a beautiful view, but I had to skip it due to a tailbone injury and significant pain. At 10:15 AM, a Vietnamese speaker led a talk, but headphones were available with live English translation. This was followed by a guided meditation on cooking, which lasted an hour. Next, the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings were recited by two monks, taking turns reading them aloud. This portion also lasted an hour. Afterward, around 12pm, we had lunch, which was absolutely delicious. The complimentary vegetarian/vegan meal included a curry dish, chickpeas, white or brown rice, stir-fry, beet broth, and homegrown mandarin oranges. The first 20 minutes of lunch were observed in silence, followed by dishwashing. A monk kindly offered to wash mine, which I appreciated due to my germaphobia--the idea of putting my hands in multiple communal wash trays without gloves was overwhelming. After lunch, people were free to socialize or visit the monastery's bookstore. My Thoughts: Overall, this was a beautiful experience, and I would love to explore Buddhism further. I appreciate the philosophy and values, as they resonate with me more than many aspects of Christianity, which can sometimes feel judgmental. That said, as someone who is naturally energetic and struggles with being still, the overall pace and hours of quietness was difficult for me. It's definitely something I need to work on. Logistics & Sign-Up Info: The Day of Mindfulness happens every Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM, though we finished around 1:15 PM. You can skip the walking meditation and arrive at 10 AM instead. Slots fill up quickly, so it's best to book at least two weeks in advance. Sign up here: https://deerparkmonastery.org/events/ Getting There: Google Maps will lead you to the entrance, but you'll need to drive another 3-5 minutes uphill to reach the parking lot. From there, it's a 5-7 minute walk up a paved hill to meet the group. read more

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I've been coming to deer park monastery on & off since 2016 and each visit has been so peaceful and welcoming. I love the fact that they offer a vegetarian meal at the end of their ceremony and their library offer a wide array of Thich Nhat Hanh novels & teachings. I usually donate between $10-$20 or more when I purchase from the bookstore, which I often do. If anyone is interested in deepening their mindfulness practice, I highly recommend the monastery. Although it is a 45 minute drive from central San Diego (the only reason I don't go here as often as I should), I truly appreciate how peaceful & beautiful this monastery is. Although this monastery is solely focused on the teachings of the buddha, it is open to the public, meaning anyone with an open mind is more than welcome. No religion affiliation is required (I've met many people of different religion affiliation in this monastery from christians to hindus to jews) but you must be respectful of the brothers/sisters who live here such as being on time (try to get here early especially for the lectures), dressing modestly and staying silent during meals. Parking: Gravel parking, please drive slowly & carefully Recommendations: Like a yoga class, please come here 10-15 minutes early as well as rsvp online for the day of mindfulness (the only time this monastery is open to the public) so the monks can have enough seats and food. read more

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Amazing. This place was lovely. The message is lovely. All welcome. You can feel the love. read more

Deer Park Monastery - Stay a minute. Breath. Feel bored .....breath. Stay a bit. - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Escondido, California

A truly transformative place. The mindfulness, compassion, and quiet beauty at Deer Park Monastery create an unforgettable experience. Perfect for anyone seeking peace and clarity. read more

A beautiful place of calm and rejuvenating energy. I have visited multiple times for days of mindfulness. They are welcoming and enlightening in their practice of Buddhism. read more

I attended their day of gratitude, Thanksgiving Day 2022. Looking forward to many more years to come. You can being heirlooms and photos to honor your ancestors if you choose. The talk was by Thay Phap Dung- very relatable, almost unconventionally, which helps me appreciate the personality differences of monks while the messages still remain the same. uses such a great mix of humor and realistic frameworks! Sister Dang Nghiem also sat at the table I was seated during the dharma talk. I attended a day of mindfulness on What to do when a loved one dies earlier this year; where Sister D shared profound stories and insights, and the community supported me with the brightest light of wisdom and love. This wonderful place turns tides. read more

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It was a bit confusing trying to locate, as it's in the mountains and somewhat hidden away. I came here for their "evening of mindfulness" for the lunar New Year. It started with a walking meditation which led to some very scenic views. As the evening progress I gradually realized I should have brought a heavier coat as once the sun went down it got quite cold. Thankfully they had provided some delicious hot soup, which helped a lot.It was a great evening. I definitely will be back. read more

It's a new year and it's only appropriate that I write about Deer Park Monastery, a beautiful place affiliated with Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village and nestled in the mountains a lil north of San Diego that brought me so much peace, joy and happiness in a way I never knew was possible. I spent 2 weeks at a retreat at Deer Park and learned first hand how to practice mindfulness and learned valuable things such as how to focus on being in a present moment, how to contemplate about life and being and how to effectively nourish my mind and body. The days spent there had parts of the schedule that were structured (waking up at 5am for morning meditation sitting, exercise walking meditation, working meditation, deep relaxation, evening sitting and in bed by 9pm) but also allowed for free time for own exploration and activities (sunrise and sunset hiking, movies, reading, relaxing and gettogether with friends or even participation in day of mindfulness). It's hard to describe how much peace and joy I feel towards Deer Park unless you experience it yourself. And to be honest, I had not so much idea about Plum Village or Thich Nhat Hanh's style of practice before joining. The monastic and laypeople who form the Sangha communities are probably the most valuable resources/assets of this practice. They are kind, supportive, lighthearted and super peaceful people (also...being a lil superficial but blunt, observant me...I swear the nuns there look 10+ years younger than their actual ages!!..better than results from all the facial creams out there :)). It's amazing how much peace and happiness there is in a community that those people live in. I'm not a super spiritual or religious person and these past days in a retreat were probably the most spiritually intensive time I ever had in my life. What I love and appreciate most about this practice is that it is very practical, easy to understand...and is inclusive. It does not discriminate against other religions/backgrounds (many mindfulness practitioners there are not Buddhists..but from other religions such as Christians and Judaism...and even many of the monks/nuns there are westerners/non-Vietnamese). After the retreat, I felt my mind was much more focused, clearer and simply more peaceful. My body also loved the clean, homemade vegetarian food there (I ate sooo much there that I gained a few pounds...oops :P). It was such a good change to be away from the normal hectic, stressful life that I was so used to. Now that I had experienced a retreat firsthand, I made it part of my resolutions that I wanted to attend plum village retreats some time again in the future, be it back in any retreat centers in the U.S., Thailand...or hopefully one day in France. If you are looking for a retreat to nourish your soul or to help focus on practicing mindfulness, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out activities at Deer Park (or other plum village affiliations). It's by far the best investment in time that I made last year towards self improvement. read more

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This is where I discovered the beauty and power of a mindful Community (satsang sangha). If you're looking for a five star hotel retreat experience, you better look elsewhere, but you'll experience something here that's much better than you'll get at a five star spiritual retreat. At this picturesque and serene monastery, you'll consume delicious vegan/vegetarian meals, enhanced by the mindful energy of the resident monastics and long term guests who frequent this sacred space. You will also receive a skillful orientation about the art of mindful living and have plenty of opportunities to practice alone and with others, several times a day, while sitting and walking, joyfully, and attentively. Places like this are becoming more rare, as more forests get cut down to build new homes or space for new roads which creates more noise pollution and toxic air.Come and cherish this oasis from the madness of the nearby cities. read more

Deer Park Monastery - Agave transformation - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Escondido, California

I came here with my cousin a couple weeks ago for a Day of Mindfulness. My cousin had been reading a lot of Thich Naht Hanh's books and wanted to visit the monastery. We were greeted with beautiful songs that literally brought me to tears. The lyrics were so sincere and it felt comforting to hear people from all walks of life singing together. We then went on a group walk. It found it to be difficult for me because I couldn't figure out how to pace my breathing and steps together. Afterward, we had a Dharma talk led by Sister Brightness. She was great and really explained things in a way that a Millenial (like myself) could understand. Sister Brightness should have a podcast or youtube series! After the Dharma talk, we had a nice vegan lunch in silence. The food was pretty good, not the best temple food I've had but MUCH BETTER than the food at Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights. Sorry/ no offense to Hsi Lai. read more

Deer Park Monastery - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Escondido, California

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I have known about this place for about a year, and have wanted to go. I did some research and found out there were weekend retreats. And all this time I have not yet been able to make it to one, but I was able to make it to the day retreat (which is open to the public on Sundays). You do need to check the calendar because it's not open to the public every Sunday as they have other events going on at the monastery. It was a wonderful experience, all of it! The meditation walk was so peaceful and so nice. Such a wonderful way to start the day. The dharma talk (which was in the ocean of peace meditation hall) was led by a monk that resides at the monastery. He was a very gentle soul and a very eloquent yet down to earth speaker. The lunch, which was all vegan (which is a perk for me since I am vegan), was delicious. I like that they asked for it to be eaten in silence, and I also like that we waited for everybody to get their food before we began eating. The relaxation in the meditation hall afterwards was so nice, I have decided in a perfect world that female monks will sing me monastic chants and lullabies after my lunch every day for the rest of my life. I kid..but one can dream! We stopped into the gift shop and bookstore and got some delicious vegan Popsicles and some souvenirs. I will definitely return, this is a beautiful place, and everybody was so kind and so humble. Truly felt like I got away from all of the chaos of daily life and found my centering again. What a gift. Thank you Deer Park monastery. read more

Deer Park Monastery - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Escondido, California

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Though I don't label myself a Buddhist, I do accept many of its teachings :) I also generally enjoy being Buddhist establishments more so than I enjoy the other religious house of worships; synagogues, churches, etc. Last time I was here, I was still a fat kid... My friends wanted to do something outdoorsy, and so I suggested basking in the calmness of Buddhist people and the serenity of nature... of course I didn't use those exact words, but whatever I said was enough to convince them to go! We left a little before 6am to avoid the horrible morning traffic; had we left any later, I don't think any amount of meditation or meatless food would've made up for that traffic. The Buddhist establishments around here, (south OC) aren't really Buddhist, in my opinion... they tend to involve more superstition into their beliefs. Deer Park is different; they are extremely nice, for one, they have better food, they're establishment is within a very green and lush environment, and they don't pressure you to donate money. Anyway... check their website for days with events :) I'm not sure what they do on "non-event" days. Food is decent... I wanted to get more but I didn't want to take away any amount of food from these generally small framed Buddhists! I volunteered for washing dishes as a way of repaying them for the food; the dish washing was fun; I had this hose thing that shot water when you squeezed the trigger. :) p.s. Don't bring meat! That's just not cool! OK! No more Yelp! Good night! read more

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I just come back from my retreat from Friday 01-07-11 to Sunday 01-09-11. I meet 5 more new friends. Some have been there for 3 weeks plus and some will stay until 2-3 more months. I wish don't have to go back to work so I can stay there longer. One of my roommate Rita is a Judge and she came from CO. This is her 4th retreats and said she will come back more. She know of the place from reading one of Thay Thich Nhat Hanh's book. She is the one who share with me Thomas Merton's "They have not came to the monastry to escape from the realities of life but to find those realities..." so beautifully words. This monastry is so blissful and are sounded by so much trees, birds, plants and etc..... I will load more pictures tomorrow. I will come back for to stay more. I love everything about it. If you can't stay for the retreat, come for one of the Thursday or Sundday mindfulness day. Make sure to plan a whole day so you have time do the walking meditation and free vegan lunch (just make a donation for your food) and plan to walk about after lunch. If you like nature, clean air, and beautiful views, check it out. read more

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I attended their college student retreat one weekend last fall and had a truly amazing experience. I thought the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn and maintaining silence for over 12 hours was completely ridiculous but found the entire weekend to be meaningful and enlightening. We practiced sitting, walking, and eating meditation throughout the day and learned the philosophies and educations of Buddhism through Dharma talks and conversing with the friendly monastics. They were careful not to impose too many religious facets but rather allowed room for us to observe and experience a mindful, peaceful, and understanding lifestyle. I understood little about Buddhism and the philosophy of it before attending the retreat and came out learning and appreciating so much. I would love to attend another retreat. read more

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Peaceful, quiet, and simply relaxing. I stayed for three days to "check out" from the chaos of every day life. I stayed in a dorm versus a tent, but you have the option to do both. Beware... lots of lizards and other critters all around and the nuns will ring the bell at 5am when it's still dark (bring a flash light) The sisters and the brothers are friendly and kind... a wonderful experience in a beautiful, natural atmosphere. Make sure to leave your electronics at home and be prepared for lots meditating, meditation walks, a little manual labor, vegan meals, and a lot of peace and quiet. Bring socks, it gets cold in the temple. read more

Came here with some girlfriends for their Sunday Mindfulness retreat and had a nice experience. We live in NorCal but a friend of a friend recommended it so we actually came into town to check it out. The retreat was free and open to all, no registration was needed you just show up. It started early morning with a group gathering and then moved on to a "mindful walk". The walk felt very peaceful and really cleared my mind. I really enjoyed this part and just taking in all my surroundings. After the walk we met again with the group and learned more and dharma talk and then eventually broke into small groups to have discussions. This part was very intimate and for several people was a very emotional moment to just let out whatever was going on in people's lives/minds. After that we had a "mindful lunch" where we ate in silence and just thought about the food we were eating.. the lunch was actually really yummy.. I would recommend this place to anyone who needs a break from the day to day hustle that we all so easily get caught up in. It was a nice reminder to live in the moment and just be present. Come with an open mind and I think anyone would enjoy it. Glad we came and experienced this. read more

Had the most amazing experience. The walking meditation didn't bore due to movement around the beautiful grounds here, and the ceremony/chants before were good to refocus. The dharma talk by the Senior Monk (forget his name!) was really inspiring. He was also funny too! I truly learned mindfulness today. The food - A+. Super fresh, vegan, but really filling. Think seasoned veggie soup, curry, browned tofu, steamed rice, very yummy. The monastics here are welcoming and the atmosphere is not intimidating. They are very welcoming to all those interested in participating! Can't wait to go back again. PS The bookstore has hidden gems and the Koi pond and the Pagoda with the outlook and the walking circle are all must dos. read more

Ahh.... Words cannot describe the Peace I feel here. So instead I will share the poem that started it all! I read this as a teenager and it stuck with me, helped guide my life. It's written by Thich Naht Hanh, who established this wonderful monastery. (This poem also inspired me to water the flower of my inner poet). If it resonates with you too, I encourage you to visit. Also check out his "Being Peace" or "No Mud, No Lotus." A documentary just came out on his life and work too, Walk with Me, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch. CALL ME BY MY TRUE NAMES Do not say that I'll depart tomorrow because even today I still arrive. Look deeply: I arrive in every second to be a bud on a spring branch, to be a tiny bird, with wings still fragile, learning to sing in my new nest, to be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower, to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone. I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry, in order to fear and to hope. The rhythm of my heart is the birth and death of all that are alive. I am the mayfly metamorphosing on the surface of the river, and I am the bird which, when spring comes, arrives in time to eat the mayfly. I am the frog swimming happily in the clear pond, and I am also the grass-snake who, approaching in silence, feeds itself on the frog. I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones, my legs as thin as bamboo sticks, and I am the arms merchant, selling deadly weapons to Uganda. I am the twelve-year-old girl, refugee on a small boat, who throws herself into the ocean after being raped by a sea pirate, and I am the pirate, my heart not yet capable of seeing and loving. I am a member of the politburo, with plenty of power in my hands, and I am the man who has to pay his "debt of blood" to, my people, dying slowly in a forced labor camp. My joy is like spring, so warm it makes flowers bloom in all walks of life. My pain is like a river of tears, so full it fills the four oceans. Please call me by my true names, so I can hear all my cries and laughs at once, so I can see that my joy and pain are one. Please call me by my true names, so I can wake up, and so the door of my heart can be left open, the door of compassion. By Thich Naht Hanh http://www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=2088 read more

Deer park Monastery is a peaceful, inclusive, and beautiful place that welcomes people of all practices, beliefs, cultures, political views. I have been coming to Deer Park since 2006 and I have gotten different things from it each time. On some visits I may not have been as open minded (or ready for what Deer Park offers), making my time here challenging; on other visits I have felt deep suffering and transformation, and in the more recent years I have experienced great happiness and joy. The Brothers (Monks) and Sisters (Nuns) are kind, generous and always wear a smile on their faces. Everyone is welcome whether you want to come for the day or for an extended stay. Sundays (and some Thursdays) are Days of Mindfulness. People come from all over San Diego, LA (near and far) to practice. Days of mindfulness usually start with a walking meditation at 9am. This is not about rushing and accomplishing anything except being present with yourself and with your breath. If you want to run a marathon or rush to the next activity, that is NOT what walking meditation is, the whole purpose of it is to slow down, let go of all your worries, anything that you have to do later or something you did yesterday, and just BE with each step, with yourself, breathing in and breathing out. This can be very difficult for some people. It is difficult for me at times because my mind wants to be distracted and think of a bizzilion things. It's ok if this happens, it's just about having the awareness that it is happening and bringing yourself back to the breath. The more you practice the easier it becomes, like exercising, muscle memory, it becomes engrained in your cell body. The next activity on Days of Mindfulness are a Dharma Talk. These talks deal with current issues of the heart/mind but through a Buddhist lens. How to transform anger. How to live in peace. How to strengthen your roots, etc. Often with time for Q&A afterwards. These talks are insightful and make logical sense. You don't have to believe in Buddhism for the dharma talks to make sense. You just have to believe in self-awareness, Mindfulness and in promoting love, peace, compassion and understanding. And if you listen deeply, with an open heart and an open mind you will receive many gifts from these talks. The next activity is Mindful Eating. Much like walking and sitting, when practicing mindful eating visitors are invited to sit quietly with their meal, and really be present with their food. This is a lovely practice, and I can never tell if the food really tastes so much better at Deer Park, or if being so present with my food allows me to really taste all the amazing flavors in my mouth. Silence during mindful eating is not a punishment, but an invitation to really be with yourself, with your meal, and with your breath. Nothing at Deer Park is forced, everyone is "invited" to practice, but the monks and nuns practice compassion and non-judgement and they accept everyone at any stage of your practice. So if anyone feels like they must communicate about anything, you can do so. Post-mindful eating guests are invited to volunteer to help wash dishes and clear the dining hall. This is one of my favorite things at Deer Park - being able to give back to a community that is so so generous about sharing their food, their practice and their love with all. On most days there is Deep Relaxation which is definitely a favorite. People lay out on meditation cushions and a nun (or monk) with a soothing song, will sing Zen songs that sound almost like lullabies and most everyone in the meditation hall ends up passed out or snoring in the most restful and peaceful nap you might have ever experienced. After Deep Relaxation most people go home. Those "lay" members who are living in the monastery continue day to day with the same practice as the brothers and sisters. During this last visit I stayed for a week and it was just not enough time. It is never enough time to be present and fully alive. I am so grateful for this wonderful, generous, progressive, inclusive, diverse, always-smiling community that keeps its doors open to all people. I am not a religious person, I grew up atheist and sometimes agnostic, and most often spiritual, and i have never come across a belief system that makes sense to me. Zen buddhism and the practice of mindfulness is common sense, and it's not limiting, or fear-based, it doesn't promise me a better "after-life" or fill me up with fear about what will happen if I do/or don't do something. Instead it gives me real tools to be happy in the "present moment" and to listen compassionately to everyone, no matter their beliefs, no matter their religions, and it allows me to look at my own suffering, my own distress, and embrace it, accept myself as connected to the world around me. It promotes positivity through engaged buddhism and action. This is, therefore, that is - the notion that we are all intricately connected and dependent on one another. read more

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After reading many of Thich Nhat Hahn's books, it was a great opportunity to see him speak here. The facilities were nice and the mountaintop view reminds visitors that we're a part of nature, not the other way around. I'd like to go back again for a retreat. Be careful on the road just before you enter the grounds, there are many potholes and dips. read more

I went there empty, but left filled! I didn't want to leave. If it's your first time going to a retreat, make sure you get there in time for the introduction so you can learn how things are going to go. Our flight was severely delayed, so we didn't check in until after "quiet hours" - which we were totally unaware of. Needless to say driving through the grounds after dark in a rental with the headlights blaring and asking for directions in "full voice" was not the way I had intended to introduce myself to such a beautiful and serene place and people, but they taught me my first lesson in mindful patience through their demonstration. The monastics and staff are so hospitable and acommodating It's easy to forget that this is their HOME, and they generously open it up to the public out of love. I can't say enough about this place - but I will say that while I was there I felt no judgement, completely accepted and genuinely welcomed. How I wish that could easily extend to every inch of this planet. read more

SD people are sure lucky to have Deer Park nearby. You don't know what you got till you've been here. This is not the traditional Buddhist temple that people normally go to. Oh I guess it does label as monastery after all. For once, they don't display Buddha statues all over the place, to avoid all the praying and chanting. Because this place is all about mindfulness and meditation practice so it would be too loud if you folks pray all day everrrrday here! Whether you visit Deer Park for one day only or stay over the weekend, I'm sure it will benefit you in many ways after leaving. If you like the crowds, then check their schedule online for different kind of retreat throughout the year. I experienced with and without retreat before and I must say I like the peaceful environment more. Weekend Visit - Dorming: $70/Camping: $50 (meals included) - Family get to dorm with the brothers, aka monks. So if you're not married couples, you'll be separated when you come here! Male stay with the monks, female stay with the nuns. - I shared a room with four other ladies and I was very uncomfortable sleeping with strangers. Set Schedule - 5:00A.M: they ring the bell till 5:30 non stop till you get your arse up. And trust me it's pretty loud, where you will have to get up - 5:45A.M: Meditation in the big hall followed by some kind of exercise activity afterward - 7:30 A.M: Breakfast - 12 or 12:30: Lunch - 6:30: Dinner - 9 or 9:30P.M: lights off, bed time (There are some activities during the day but it's different each time, and you also get your down time. Oh btw, do your own dishes after your meal) What I LOVE about this place: 1. It's a whole different environment when you come here. Like a place to find yourself and get away from all the chaos in your daily life. 2. They welcome all kind of religion, ESP with their practice. This is definitely NOT the place where they persuade you why they're better than your religion. You come here because you want to. 3. The brothers and sisters are extremely nice!! 4. The food. OMG...You would not have a hard time being a vegetarian if you live here. 5. Hiking trails: they have a few short and doable ones just for anyone. If not, there are some hard trails too, which I didn't get to explore much Bell Reminder: We were having a convo with another brother and it went silent outta no where when that bell ring. Found out later that's the mindfulness bell, meaning stop and breathe. So don't you dare to move an inch or even squeak when you hear THE bell. Please forgive me but Phils BBQ is just right around the corner. Well, few exit from here at least but fairly close. read more

A great place to learn how to be one with our surroundings. My wife and I visited on a Sunday, they took us on a hike, maybe about two miles, then went into the meditation hall and listened to the Dharma talk. That day was different because the Monastery was celebrating that they had just acquired protection rights of some of the land around them. Most of the day was spent meditating, hiking, and explaining why it is important to respect nature. This is a great place to better ourselves in many aspects, be respectful, don't talk when you see people meditating, don't wear revealing clothes it's disrespectful to the monks and nuns, make sure you wear clean socks because you have to take your shoes off inside the meditation hall, and if you bring your kids explain to them that they must be silent while others are mediating, also tell them to be respectful of animals and plants, they live in harmony with the environment and want to protect it as much as they can. Bring a water container, sometimes the activities last a while and you may not want to get up in the middle of a talk. Buddhists welcome everyone from every race, culture, social status, and religion, so don't be afraid to visit. read more

It is an absolute peaceful magical spot. I've spent almost all Sunday there and haven't even noticed how time passed. I've done a walking meditation to the top of the mountain there's an incredible view on a whole valley and there the Buddha Monument is located. Then right after I've attended the Dharma Talk with more than 100 people who also were interested in or simply searching for answers or meanings in life. After a deep meaningful speech given by one of Monks, we've split to groups to discuss ideas, thoughts, listen to other experience in different faiths. And later I simply walked around Monks community to see and feel what they believe in for, for what reasons they've dedicated their lives for. Monks are super friendly kind and powerful at the same time. One of them just looked at me with a smile, but I felt like he was looking through me so precise and thoughtful that I even couldn't help but look at him silently. I've experienced deep connection with the nature, people and came up with so many ideas and questions about my life which makes it even more interesting and desire-full to continue to search for meanings. I am thrilled to come back and get to know more about Buddhism Philosophy. read more

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Beautiful place. Went for a Day of Mindfulness and it felt like an incredibly cheap Buddhist day-retreat. What a cool thing to have in the neighborhood. read more

Went on Sunday. Arrived at 10am. Missed the group walk but be able to listen to the Dharma talk. Such inspiring. The environment is fantastic, peaceful and relaxing. Went to the meditation room and walk to the Buddha statue all the way up. The view is stunning and incredibly beautiful! Had the group lunch in silent, quiet weird at the beginning but so great experience. I definitely will go back there as often as I could. read more

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When you think monastery, you think cold, sterile, boring. Not this place. This place is really sweet, in a loving sense. There are little reminder notes everywhere, like "smile, you have arrived" and "breathe, my dear". The nuns and monks put much care into tending the land, and they are resourceful with everything, from composting leftovers to using solar-panels that supply more than half of their electricity. They wash dishes using tubs, as opposed to letting water run excessively. Food there is delicious, and if you like Vietnamese food, you won't be disappointed. My only qualm is having to wake up at 5am to meditate, but that's because I love sleep. Once I'm up, I really don't mind. There is something special about seeing the early morning fog float along the mountains as I'm sitting quietly among a group of like-minded folks just trying to get our meditation on. The stay includes food, accommodations, activities and some downtime to read, hike or do whatever you'd like. It's set in a lovely space that's remote from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. read more

I just got back from a 1 week retreat at Deer Park, and couldn't recommend it more to anyone considering it. It was one of the greatest and happiest weeks of my life. I found that it was nourishing mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and even socially. The campus that the retreat resides on is absolutely beautiful, and will bring you immense happiness. I also know that all of my retreat companions felt the same way. Whether you have never meditated before, or have a strong practice and want to deepen it, this is the place to do so. Come with an open heart and a willingness to change and you will have a beautiful week. Finally, I was a bit worried about the food as I'm not vegan at all, but the food was absolutely fantastic. If anyone's on the fence about this, don't be. Jump in and allow yourself to be happy. read more

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I went for a 2 week retreat here and ended up staying for 6 weeks. What a beautiful, calm place. The community is so warm and had so much to teach me about myself and healthy living. Deer park really isn't about being "Buddhist" or a "religious organization," it seemed to be much more about teaching a new way of living and relating to oneself and others. I can't recommend a visit here enough! Even if you only end up coming for a day of mindfulness, come and enjoy the peaceful environment and collective wisdom that makes deer park so unique. read more

Deer Park Monastery - Solidity hamlet - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Escondido, California

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So the directions they send say to not use gps. Use the directions they send. It said to follow ca rte 78 until it ended with a map showing the end well east of 15 fwy. I spent 4 hrs on 78. With no refunds, and admission only fridays 2-4, the only time anyone will answer the phone is 9-noon. Never in my life have i had to pee in my car; have the 3rd border patrol i come across escort me back across the border. Now they say they meant once the MAIN 78 ends. As if that is an actual direction. As a plus, i got to see parts of the world that dont speak english, have cow, deer, and RAM crossing signs, have radiator hose water turn offs every quarter mile, 5 indian reservations, 4 casinos, cows with embedded solar panels, a controlled burn in 115 degree weather with high winds, 100 miles of road with no signs or call boxes, and town upon town that had never seen a black person before. Im just glad im alive to be honest... read more

One of my favorite places on earth. A place of quiet, refuge, and transformation. A wonderful place to visit for anyone. read more

Deep gratitude for the overflowing generous & loving hearts that reside in and visit this special place, that is matched with damn good food and an amazing land. read more

Deer Park Monastery - By the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Escondido, California

My second time here one day last year on the weekend, during family retreat. During this visit is My first time for Family Retreat camping in July 8- July 12, 2015 . As we pulled to the parking lot , I see two tarp with signs reading, camping ground, another one read dorm area. We unload our tent, luggage etc. in the camping sections. Later I met Brother Ernest who assisted us with our belongings and drove it to our camping site. The camping site is a first come first serve basis. There are restrooms & shower stalls ( thank goodness for warm showers at night) we set our tent in the camping area. My children seem to settle in nicely, meeting other children near our tent site, entertaining each other on the play structure. The restrooms are kept clean by parents volunteers. My kids enjoyed the class activities with other children their age group. The Sisters and Brothers who taught those classes are kind and inviting. My kids felt at ease and they had a great time, interacting with their peers working on different projects. My children asked to do it again next year. read more

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I was there couple years old. This place really opened up my mind and brought peace and joy to my life. Even though I was there only for one day, the memories they gave to me last for years. I really appreciate the good teaching they offered to us all. Thank you again! read more

Wonderful place, great experience. Be prepared to learn how to be patient, very important. Great meditation, very delicious and healthy lunch. read more

Bulldog rock trail!!! One of my favorite hikes in escondido. Takes about 40 minutes to get to the top and totally worth the view.