I began going to the Torrance Zen Center over a year ago. I had always thought of Zen as something…read morefound in books, or from the past, or something a few other unusual people did in far-away places. Enlightenment seemed like an esoteric, out-of-reach goal, and not one I was necessarily interested in pursuing -- not understanding, it had always struck me as an ironically self-focused pursuit. A Zen state of mind, with balance and equanimity -- that seemed interesting. But through the people at the Torrance Zen Center I found that the Zen path is not about the mind, but very much of the heart, and all the compassion the heart is capable of. The practitioners follow the Greater Path, with the intention of helping anyone and everyone through Zen to manifest a better version of themselves. And Enlightenment? It's about helping other people. Becoming in sync with the Greatest Good, however the name given by one's language culture. While the foundational practitioners natively speak Mandarin or Cantonese, they all make a dedicated and successful effort to speak English in teaching, sharing, and casual interactions, for which I am deeply and profoundly grateful. They have graciously and continuously extended a warm, including welcome. I have occasionally felt "odd man out," but: my doing. Their generosity of heart always surges back and I relax a bit more. Shortly after beginning meditation practice, I noticed, to my surprise, that many people - some I knew and some I didn't - suddenly seemed more comfortable around me, eager to talk and share whatever was on their minds. Positive feelings and experiences began to dominate my life, all while retaining and improving family relations, growing friendships, and more easily establishing new connections with people. Life is short. Five Stars!

The meditais a very peaceful place. And the people overs there are very friendly. The location is…read morenot too far from the Torrance city hall and parking is free.

I came here after a very big trauma in April 2019. I called ahead and spoke to someone who was very…read morekind regarding my situation and they said this was the place I should be and in the beginning I loved it. It really helped regulate my nervous system And I very much appreciated. Franz and the way he helped guide beginners. What I did not appreciate was a woman who was also a beginner and craved support on an almost competitive level. She was very much attended to and a bit of a trauma dumper. I left for a while because of her, she just kept showing up in my space, but that was my choice to leave. Fast forward to the pandemic I did try to rejoin online and I was met with that same woman who I did try to extend an Olive branch to, since she was struggling and kept "showing up". She was the same trauma dumper, yet didn't remember me. But something that came to light is that I was not allowed to join the book group that she had created. As I got better, I thought about going back in spite of this woman, but then I saw that she is part of faculty Ultimately I decided that a group that would support someone with that behavior, in the way that they did is not the right group for me. I probably should have and I thought about contacting leaders in this group, but at that time, my nervous system was not in a place to defend myself and it's somehow felt small and petty. Better to let her have her way. However, six years later, I see that this is not the Buddhist way, which is the way they follow. I was not shown loving kindness in a time when I really needed it.

I have been attending classes at Long Beach Meditation for years. The teachers are all wonderful,…read morekind, and knowledgeable. Most programs are donation based but they also offer fee-based retreats where you can apply for a scholarship. The facilities are clean and inviting. They serve cold and hot water for tea. You don't need to bring any sitting gear (though you can) as they provide cushions, benches, and chairs. LBM also offers classes online which is super convenient! The community is so welcoming. If you're looking to learn how to meditate or you already have a practice but you want to sit with other people, try one of their classes. I can't recommend this place enough. It has changed my life!

As a Buddhist of the Thai Theravada tradition, I was excited when I first thought I could attend…read moredharma talks by legit Thai monks here in CA. When I looked into visiting, it was quite odd to me that the website was asking me to pay to reserve a seat before ever even going. This struck me as odd. Only a bit of investigation was needed before I quickly learned this is a cult with tremendous wealth and power. Rather than accepting "Dana," a contribution made of generosity in Buddhism, where no one is turned away due to a lack of funds to meditate, they specifically charge and further proclaim, the more you donate, the 'better your merit. Be careful if you get involved with this group. They advocate for materialism and wealth, which is absolutely not in alignment with the ancient teachings of the Buddha. In fact, his views were *the very opposite*.

Beautiful guided candlelight meditation to honor Earth Day! I loved it so much! I practice…read moremeditation daily at home, but I really enjoyed the guided meditation that the monks did for us. It left me feeling grounded, naturally elated, and connected. Loved the message that the monk gave where he emphasized on world peace through cultivating inner peace. Also, loved how he reminded us not to force our thoughts away, but to relax and release into the experience that arises. Thank you so much for such a blessing! Also, the grounds are beautiful! I enjoyed and loved walking in the garden! The staff was also nice and kind as well! 10/10 will come back again for another free collective meditation event!

SRF Lake Shrine is a beautiful and deeply peaceful place to visit. Admission is free, but a…read morereservation is required in advance. The shrine honors many spiritual paths, with plaques and iconography representing different faiths, creating a sense of unity and respect. The lake is filled with huge koi fish, turtles, ducks, and swans, and the surrounding grounds are full of lush trees and colorful flowers. There are many lovely benches where you can sit, meditate, and simply enjoy the serene views. Being here feels incredibly calming and cleansing for the soul. Visitors can meditate inside the houseboat, which adds a very special and intimate experience. If you are spiritually sensitive or simply looking for a quiet, reflective place, this is highly recommended. There are restrooms on site, a small gift shop with items from India, and a small museum sharing the history of the shrine and the fellowship. The area itself is not large -- you can walk around the lake in about 15 minutes -- but it's a place meant to be experienced slowly, with time to pause and truly take it all in. We're already looking forward to our next visit.

Peaceful beautiful place to walk. I would say to wear closed toed shoes because I had sandals on…read moreand I got a splinter in my toe! You can bring water but no food or snacks allowed. There are 2 places to park. I parked on the upper level and had to walk down 102 steps, I was fine but if you can't walk that many steps, there is a lower parking lot near their main sign/gate.. No steps if you park there. I loved the grounds, waterfall and swans, and ducks you can feed. I've been to the self-realization center in Encinitas also which is overlooking the ocean. My favorite! Both are peaceful.

Walking up the stairs into this elevated airy space brings an instant sense of peace. I love coming…read morein early to pour my tea and set up my space with their beautiful meditation cushions and blankets. Their Accusound event (acupuncture/sound bath) is the perfect combination to allow you to recharge and leave feeling lighter than air. The intro class "The seed" with Chelsey was perfect with my parents who were in manhattan beach for the holidays. 30 min of guided meditation with visualization was just enough for them to get their toes wet. Plus, they were very happy that Rooted Beings had mediation seats (with back for comfort).

This studio is SO beautiful, comfortable and calming - everything you look for / need in a…read moremeditation space..plus its steps to the beach if you feel like extending your meditation post class! The instructors are all top notch - and completely take you out of your wandering mind and away from the stresses of living in LA. Soo glad there is finally a meditation studio in Manhattan Beach like this!!

If I could rate this practice infinity amount of stars I would do it. This body and brain practice…read morehas changed my life. I struggled for so long with ADHD which contributed to Mental Health struggles. That along with other things going on in my life sent me into a very bad depression which I had been sinking into for quite some time. The universe brought this option to me and I said yes. With the help of Master Kim I have learned strategies both physically, energetically and spiritually to take back my mind and choose what I want my life to be. This is not simply a physical practice; it's emotional.. it's spiritual.. it's necessary.

BODY & BRAIN Rolling Hills. It is truly one of the South…read moreBay's hidden gems. The best medicine ever, with no negative side effects. The only problem is that once you try one of their classes, and see how great you feel, it's hard to stop. There is something in this practice for everyone. Whether you're looking for basic tai chi and yoga classes, stretching, or just trying to delve deeper into the meaning of life, it's all there. You get many practical tools to help deal with some of those curve balls that life occasionally throws at you. Thank you M. Chris, for your guidance, and your wealth of knowledge, and also your willingness to admit when you're stumped. You are a very caring and compassionate instructor.

Vedic meditation has truly transformed my life. I am so grateful to Mike for his teachings. I was…read moreon the path long before I learned Vedic meditation, but I was not prepared for the amount of transformation this simple practice would have on my life. We all have everything we need inside of us, we just need to learn how to touch it. I had struggled with anxiety, depression, addiction, and boat loads of trauma, but this practice has allowed me to heal. I am forever grateful to the Vedic World View and Mike.

This is the first form of meditation that I am able to truly connect with and sustain, without the…read more"I can't do this" feeling. Mike offers insight and guidance into the "whys" and "hows" of this ancient practice that transforms it into a modern day habit that is easily incorporated into a contemporary/hectic life. His gentle nature and support allowed me to open up and understand quickly how to meditate using this simple technique. I am grateful for Mike and his wisdom and friendship! Highly recommend his course! And I look forward to working with him into the future as I continue to develop my own practice. Thank you Mike!

My place of zen. What a wonderful group of people brought together by a wonderful couple who…read moregenuinely care for the community. I am so glad I found this place.

Took their Monday yoga class for the first time last night. It was a very relaxed environment, the…read moreuse of props was great, the flow was very gentle and calming. Exactly what was needed for a Monday night. The room was warm but not uncomfortable and the scents used in the room and during the practice were refreshing. I am excited to go back and try a meditation class but I'm sure I'll be back for another Monday yoga class. What a great way to start off the week.

The location of the studio is great, there is plenty of free parking and I received a warm welcome…read morefrom the host. The studio is clean and well laid out, and the lighting was set perfectly. The Sound bath meditation was wonderful. An hour long session, including bowls and recorded ocean sounds, with a brief intro. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely go again.

The most complete and immersive sound bath experience ever!!! Erika and Nico are accessible and…read moreinviting. Their space feels safe and comfortable. With a multitude of instruments and 2 musicians playing throughout, the sound experience is powerful and healing.

I love this yoga studio and all of the teachers. You can get a week free trial to see if it's for…read moreyou. They have classes that are deep stretching, and slow moving, which are great for beginners like me and quicker paste tougher classes for more advanced students every time I leave a class I feel renewed.

I really like my local yoga studio Vive la yoga. The atmosphere is common and relaxing. I love the…read morewaterfall and the gong and the fact that the main instructor is so knowledgeable about not just the yoga practice but spirituality and life.