This was my first time stepping into a Brahma Kumari meditation center. What an amazing way to…read morekick-off my solar return weekend! Everyone there was welcoming...the collective energy very positive. Atmosphere was peaceful...the harp added an angelic touch. Spirtual teachings were profoundly deep...the different exercises created a progressive relaxing and centered state. I was uplifted and transformed!! I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to enhance or to begin their meditation practice. They have weekly meditations, weekend retreats/workshops, courses, etc. This elevated experience made my first trip to SF very very special. Brothers and Sisters of Brahma Kumaris, I deeply appreciate YOU ALL.

This is a house run by people from India! They hold meetings and events everyday. You can find it…read moreon the website and sign up. I saw a harp recital the other day. It's a house with a meeting space. It's nice. India!

SFZC practitioners are friendly and serious about the practice. The teachings here are excellent…read moreand have helped in my spiritual exploration. Also the food is delicious.

Sexual harassment, psychological abuse, negligence, dishonesty, and poor ethics. Please please…read morebeware if you are looking for something real. They are not unbiased, are prone to dangerously self-interested thinking, and lack integrity. Unfriendly to meditation practice that is not thoroughly dominated by their teachers, who are less equipped than they want you to think. Very manipulation-prone and small-minded community - you are likely to be scapegoated and abused if you are internally healthier than the people who are running things. They will take any opportunity to gaslight you into hating yourself and doubting your sanity, if you aren't insecure enough. A few bright spots but not enough to assuage the aggressive onslaught of egotism and brutality from a few genuinely unstable people who want to run the show and mimic wisdom without embodying or truly respecting it. They have a hard time listening when it matters - will aggressively force you into sharing more of yourself than you want or feel comfortable with in order to exploit and dominate you. They will not tell you they're doing this. Serious narcissism and cult dynamics. They equate wisdom with social power, which is why they're so threatened by anyone who seems to possess any - because it could meaningfully topple their own place in a hierarchy they've built their sense of self on. They will do this with new students who mean no harm. Do not come with faith in their ability to wield power well - the staff and teachers abuse it, and they give you no options for dialogue, after claims that you're the problem to imagine that they don't. Please watch out for triangulation dynamics. Very very toxic, and it's baked in, so it's hard to avoid even if you just want to sit, work, and enjoy the beautiful setting - if you appear to have any openness to people, or if you unintentionally trigger them for any reason - for being too peaceful - they will draw you into intensely toxic dynamics you have no interest in, then blame you for their unhealed parts. These are the staff and teachers who do this - everyone here generally needs real therapy and a reality check, and you'll know because if you are sane, they will tell you you're the problem. The role of the scapegoat is to absorb and express the toxic dynamics in the environment - if I'm saying it, it's happened, and if they don't "see" it, it's because part of the toxicity is in their giving their dysfunction over to me. The abusive mechanism is to blame the one who holds the trauma - the messenger - and absolve true perpetrators of emotional responsibility - which plays into patterns of avoidance and manipulation others may also be prone to. Scapegoating is possible because of the amount of people benefiting from it, who choose to Dorian Gray their suffering instead of dealing with it. It is abusive and dysfunctional, not wise. This message is for anyone who may be seeking true refuge and who doesn't want to fall prey to toxic spiritual communities. My experience here was about 10 months cumulative in residence, ongoing close contact with a teacher, and friendships with others who have spent time in residence. Be very very wary of their ability to treat you well. Sexual assaults and suicides committed in residence, probably more than I know, without care for victims or meaningful resolution. There is something wrong here, and they work hard to cover it up - do not give them the benefit of the doubt and end up psychologically brutalized like I did. I came here at 25 on multiple recommendations, from a trusted friend and from my therapist, and I was immediately roped into their problems without mercy. I was sexually aggressed and assaulted as a new guest student, in 2019, and a good friend killed herself last spring after spending time here in residence - she may have been in residence at the time. They will not communicate with me about either of these events, following aggravated attempts on their part to get me to open up, be vulnerable with, and talk to them. If you have anything going for you, do not come here. They want to be able to eat your soul.

I've tried a few meditation practices. I found this one to be flat on my expectations. You're asked…read moreto give a donation based on income. I donated 1k and when I arrived the mediation coach was warm and friendly but she complained to me about the fact that she knows how much people make and that their donations don't reflect that. I found that strange to share. I wouldn't recommend this place - there are so many others in SF that are more effective imo.

Jane and Brett are wonderful teachers. I had heard about TM before and finally decided to try it…read morebecause I'd read that there are studies that show it can help with high blood pressure and anxiety. I'm always a skeptic but I figured it couldn't hurt! The cost of the program is not low, but I appreciate that they are very upfront about it (no hidden fees or add ons or upsells - just one course fee) and it does scale with income. No one has asked me to pay for anything since then and I'm always welcomed back for group check ins or meditations. About a month in, other people have already noticed positive changes in my mood and general anxiety. I also really enjoy the meditation sessions. And for what it's worth (small sample size, I know) my blood pressure is down about 8-10 points on average. The training was absolutely worthwhile for me. I'm really glad I decided to start doing TM and I highly recommend Brett and Jane as instructors.

I really love this meditation center. The meditation classes here are excellent -- after attending,…read moreI've noticed less stress and much better sleep. They also offer a variety of meaningful activities, and the staff are always warm, welcoming, and supportive. I've met so many people who genuinely enjoy meditation here, and I truly love this community. Their oracle readings and energy blessing services are offered for free, which is incredibly generous -- I highly recommend coming to experience it for yourself.

This place has been incredibly helpful for both my mental and physical well-being. The atmosphere…read moreis very welcoming, and after practicing Bodhi, I felt a deep sense of relief. Definitely recommended!

James teaches you a way to find consistent peace and inner happiness in your life. He helps…read moreintegrate meditation into your daily life (I still meditate twice a day after taking his Vedic Meditation course two years ago). The practice has helped me have a calm mind and live life in HD with a higher level of presence ... life flows, music sounds better, I appreciate the details of nature more. I feel very lucky that I took James' course and I hope you will too!

I like to describe James' teaching process as "mindfulness for the modern world". He focuses on the…read morehuman aspects of learning to meditate rather than the rigid, dogmatic approaches that are often put forward by focus-based meditation practices and even some of the mindfulness apps. The key differences are twofold: flexibility and ease. Learning skills through meditation that can be applied to everyday life helping to embrace change with poise and grace. And the practice itself is effortless and sustainably stress alleviating. If you're interested in mindfulness or already practicing and ready to accelerate progress, joining one of James' courses or events is a recommended next step.

I just took an intro to mindfulness class at the SF Buddhist center. I have to say that I was so…read moreimpressed by what was provided in the four week course. I'm really blown away by the quality of the class and what I got out of it. The teachers were both fantastic. Danadasa was an engaging teacher and really knows his stuff. Both teachers are very knowledgeable about Buddhist practice, as well as how to apply it in our daily lives. They were also so kind and made the class a joy to be in. We had time for discussions, practice, and even got a mindfulness book with the class.

I have been going to the San Francisco Buddhist Center for almost seven years. I started out by…read moreattending an introduction to meditation class and fell in love with the place. The people are friendly and down to earth and the center is a quiet retreat from the busy city life. A great place for new time meditators, as well as people with an established practice!

I said that I am trying to get into Buddhism now. Since I live in SF, this is possible because…read moreBuddhism is favorable in this kind of big city. Kadampa is suitable for me. I had been calling to ask about their events. I decided to spend a good portion of my day today at Kadampa. First they had a meeting at 5:30pm called "Heart Jewel Puja." This is the description: By engaging in the Guru Yoga practiced in conjunction with Je Tsongkhapa we can purify negativity, accumulate merit, receive blessings, and attain a very special compassion, wisdom, and spiritual strength....This involved silent meditation and some prayer that I didn't understand. You look toward the buddha. There were two people at this event other than me. After that, I stepped out of the building to walk around Valencia. I came back for the Happy Hour event. A Buddhist nun who works at the center made some nice slider sandwiches with pesto, cheese, and tomato. And there were some sweet potato chips, drinks, etc. It was a nice snack and you could meet some others. After the Happy Hour(6:45pm), there was "Drop-in Class with Gen Kelsang Choma." This went from 7:15pm-8:30pm. It felt like an extended period of time. It's interesting what can stretch an hour of your life. This is described: "Our Tuesday evening drop-in meditation classes provide a basic introduction to Buddhist teachings and meditation that are suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Each month we explore a new topic from Buddha's teachings and learn how to practically apply it in our daily lives." Basically, this is where you have a Buddhist preacher give a sermon about living life with Buddhist philosophy. Buddhists like love and kindness. Buddhists believe we need to relieve ourselves of jealousy and negativity. We need to find relationships we enjoy with people, so that we are not feeling lonely. Buddhists have basic lessons and I listened to this preaching today. The center seems to be run by older women who have gray, short hair and they wear Buddhist robes. The founder is from Tibet, but this western Buddhist. Most people were white and there was a nice black lady who has a family in Berkeley...and then there was me. It was for liberals. After that, I went home by taking the Muni bus #22 and before I took the bus, I stopped in at Manny's and there was a meeting by leftists who were talking about climate change and reform...something like that. So that is my day in San Francisco, CA. I am at home with my parents now. Good night.

Very lovely and welcoming community. The Buddhist teachings and meditations are very practical and…read morehelpful for daily life. They have certainly changed my life for the better. The center is very beautiful and peaceful and they offer many different classes for all levels. Highly recommend checking it out.

"You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop" (Rumi)…read more It's brilliant that SF Insight has added Zoom group meditations due to COVID-19. They're so convenient that I've made it to more meditations the last few months than the last few years. It's easier to meditate in a group. The process of meditation opens up a realm of aliveness within, enlivening the breath and elevating one's thoughts and vision. Led by Eugene Cash, a very skilled and kind teacher, the group meditations are suitable for beginner and advanced meditators alike. Happy meditating!

This review is for the San Francisco Meditation Community, otherwise known as SF Insight, which…read moremeets mainly on Sunday evenings but also at other times at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco at Franklin St and Geary St. The group is an independent organization and may someday be located at its own signt up near Fort Mason or in another area of the city (doublecheck the address on the website before you go!). To my knowledge, it was started as a spin-off sitting group for vipassana / insight meditation by Eugene Cash and is affiliated with Spirit Rock Meditation Center up in Woodacre, CA. In order to bring vipassana / insight meditation more into daily life (i.e. not just on weeklong retreats once in a blue moon), weekly sitting groups were brought into communities throughout the Bay Area years ago. I've been coming to the Sunday Night sitting of the group for about a year and really find it to be a helpful start to my week. I've also gone to the Wednesday night group a few times, which is smaller and more intimate - also very good. Each sitting follows a similar format - the group meditates for approx. 45 minutes, then breaks for 10-15 min. for everyone to grab tea and connect as a community, then sangha announcements are given, and a 50-60 min. dharma talk is given by the teacher - sometimes with room in there for questions and answers with the audience. The sitting and teachings are given freely, but attendees are encouraged to give a donation (dana) at the end of the evening to help with operating expenses and give a contribution to the teacher. I really enjoy the SF Insight community and recommend checking out - there is a wide amount of diversity in attendees and everyone is friendly and welcoming. I do not feel pressured when I am there to keep up appearances or to commit myself religiously - I am not asked to "accept anyone into my life" - many people there are either past or present participants of other religious traditions and find the meditation, mindfulness training, and observations about the nature of life given here helpful in their daily living - for me it is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. I encourage you to come and see what you think - on their website there are also free downloads of talks so you can explore before attending if you'd like. A few FYI's: 1. Once per month (usually the first Sunday), there is a potluck prior to the main event - very fun - great way to meet other sangha members. 2. Once per month (usually the second Sunday), there is an optional orientation for new attendees or those less familiar with insight / vipassana meditation. 3. Most Sundays when there is no potluck there is a free offering of Chi Gung (stretching) from approx. 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm in the main sitting room to help participants prepare for sitting meditation. I try to go whenever I can make it - it's a nice way to unwind from the day. 4. Eugene Cash is the founding teacher of SF insight (and an excellent meditation teacher). He was in a bicycle accident in Summer/Fall 2011 and is still recovering - his return date to teaching is unsure. Until then, Anushka Fernandopulle will be filling in for him (at least until Feb 2012), and the group is committed to keeping the group going with her and guest teachers from throughout the Bay Area. If you are interested in contributing to Eugene's recovery, you can do so at www.sfinsight.org.

I went in for a trial as I want to find a place to train but wasn't sure which dojo to join. The…read moremat fee is $15 for a one off session which is comparable to other locations. I've had practically zero martial arts experience aside from some wushu when I was a kid. Everyone was very nice and patient. The sensei and even other students that I practiced with were great teachers. What I really appreciated was how they would explain why you take a certain action and how that has an impact. It helps me remember better and makes it a more wholistic learning experience.

Prior to joining this dojo, I had never taken any martial arts classes other than self-defense…read moreseminars (2 hr course by campus safety patrolmen and women). I wanted to be active in a sport where I'm engaged physically and mentally, and so I started looking up different dojo in SF. I started classes in February 2009 at Pacific Aikido Center, with a Tue. & Thur. evening commitment. I practice regularly with other novices as well as with higher ranked brown & black belts. The people I train with are great, and so are the instructors. The dojo is run by Shiohira Sensei, who teaches classes on M, W, F. Other black belt sensei-instructors teach on Tu, Th, Sa. During class, we warm up and stretch, then we pair up with various classmates for 45 minutes. Both the sensei and partner-in-training go through techniques with me, with repetition and often with specific guidance on ways to improve. The instructors and classmates are incredibly patient and kind. Everyone is here to improve themselves and help others, and we all improve at our own pace. While it's amazing to see what the higher-level practitioners of Aikido can do, every once in a whie I look back and am amazed at what I've learned in my year at the dojo. If you have always wanted to take martial arts, Aikido is a great art to begin your practice. I recommend this school to any beginner.

My husband and I have been members for the last two years. The lockers and workout space are great…read more We both work out with Personal Trainer, Alyona Aikina. She is amazing and truly the #1 reason why my husband and I go to JCCSF.

Housekeeping: 5 stars! Professional and super hard working. (As other reviewers have said.)…read more Equipment and fitness floor: 2.75 stars: they have a few interesting machines, but they don't have enough of the more popular standard ones. There is one of each of the weight machines so the wait times can be pretty long any part of the day. They could repurpose some of the open mat area, which is unnecessarily large in comparison to the area dedicated to the machines. Group fitness classes: 3.5 stars: they have a lot of good classes. There is not enough variety, as other reviews noted. I remember when they had tons of Pilates mat classes. Now they focus mostly on Zumba, which is wonderful...we need more strength training (like Pilates or such). Spa and pool facilities: 2.5 stars. The women's locker room is well maintained, and is the main reason why we continue to choose this gym. They recently installed some very temperamental locks in the women's locker rooms, and the numbers on the locks are super small to read...seems like an ADA issue; As it is, the housekeeping staff needs to help with lock-outs all day. (And they still keep the place sparkling clean! Hence five stars in the first category above.) The women's steam room is offline chronically due to repair issues. And so women who use the pool need to walk, dripping with cold pool water, through a lounge/lobby area while the steam room is under construction. These conditions have been true for over two months now. And there is no good timeline for when the steam room and direct access to the pool area will be restored. The steam room was under construction in 2025, too. Security team is incredible. Bottom line: if housekeeping and security could run the whole place, this would be a five-star review; If you need to get through your workout efficiently, and don't want to wait in line for a shoulder press or leg press, maybe check another gym with more than one of each type of machine. If you want daily cardio-type fitness classes, and don't need machines or weight lifting work, this gym is a good option. Just don't bring a bag that you need to stow in a locker to avoid the hassle of getting locked out! (Bags of any kind are prohibited on the gym floor.) We have been members for a long time, and so we have a reasonable rate. I would not pay the current prices, however, as it feels like too much for what they currently offer. Hope this helps you decide on the best gym for your needs!