This is a Theravada monastery that primarily serves the Vietnamese community in Riverside County…read more I sat two ten-day silent meditation retreats there. [The last time I was there was four months ago - reposting an earlier google maps review is a tad overdue.] The emphasis is on insight practice (AKA mindfulness, or vipassana "clear seeing"). At this particular retreat the head teacher, the Ven. Khippapanno, offered instruction in anapanasati breathing (as a concentration practice) then moved on to the body sweeping technique taught by Sayadagyi U Ba Khin, and popularized by SN Goenka. We ended the retreat with some Metta practice. If you're used to western meditation centers, sitting a retreat here will be an interesting change of pace. While retreatants will spend 90% of their time in the meditation hall (there are three of them here), their (shared) dorm rooms or the dining hall; the grounds feature a large shrines, a stupha, quite a few interesting statues, and what looks like a large library/guest lounge. Some of buildings are quite impressive, and the shrine is beautiful. When you practice walking meditation, it feels as though you're walking through a small Buddhist city. Please note: Most of the instruction is given in Vietnamese. While the monks and nuns in residence do their best to provide translations of the instructions and talks in a timely manner; it's helpful to have some prior retreat experience, before going on retreat here. I imagine the experience is akin to that of the Europeans and Americans who travel to study at convents, monasteries and meditation centers abroad in the fifties, sixties and seventies, when those places didn't necessarily go out of their way to cater to the needs or whims of Western students. You were expected to make the effort to keep up with them, not the other way around. That said, the people are very, very nice (as one would expect in a monastic environment), the practice traditional and quite rigorous, the food is good and simple and the accommodations spartan but comfortable enough. If I had to compare, going on retreat here isn't as fancy or comfortable as sitting retreats at the Spirit Rock or Big Bear Retreat Centers (which are very nice, but pricey). In some ways, it's akin to the retreats sponsored by Against the Stream, which are held at summer camps that had been re-purposed in the off-season. I'm very glad to have sat retreat here.

This was my 2nd time attending the vipassana meditation retreat. I feel very blessed to have the…read moreopportunity to learn from the best meditation master. He's 95 years old this year and still very sharp. The compassion that he has for all beings really shows during the retreat. He worked really hard day in and day out answering all of our questions. Helping us with the meditation. All of the monks and nuns here are also very helpful. They're very kind with so much wisdom. I recommend this temple for anyone who want to learn meditation and Theravada Buddhism. Beautiful temple, very clean and peaceful here. I cannot wait to attend the next meditation class if they ever have another one this year.

We went there for the first time today. I was little nervous but as soon as the lady started to…read moretalk to me I was okay and everyone there was super nice!!!!

We just visit here from San Diego and the people here are very nice & very kind. Happy New Year to…read moreeveryone and have a wonderful & blessed year ahead.

This is a beautiful temple with many friendly people! I found this place from a local TLC New Year…read moreevent flyer. Guests received warm welcomes with flower pins. There were many food sellers and great options and prices. Laotian food is amazing and look forward to coming here again.

Beautiful temple and wonderful people! The monks are so friendly. I love Laotian food. I will…read moredefinitely come here with my family again.

My Sangha came here 2 buses, ~120 people, 08/14/11 to celebrate Vu Lan. The temple has so much…read moredelicious veg food for us. So much and so good. If ya'll in the area stop by to lay Phat and have some food.

Cleansing session anyone?…read more When you're looking for the perfect way to start the Chinese New Year! This is a temple which my mom's best friend who is Thai recommended as she comes here and brings food for the monks every week. During a Chinese New Year, as you may already know, Asian parents want you to wash all your sins so that you could have a prosperous new year. So mom advised me to visit the Virgin Mary statue in Long Beach and then to this Thai temple. Although I'm not Buddhist, I've been very interested in Buddhism lately as I've read a lot of scientific reviews regarding the affects of sound and prayer of specific séances which can actually heal the body and at other times destroy cancer. The temple is situated on a beautiful lot with tons of citrus trees and a bunch of oversized cock statues. There were three monks who worked on the day I visited. We removed our shoes and went in. We were then provided an envelope to write our name and place a cash monetary donation in. After that you kneel in front of the monks before they simultaneously start chanting. It was such a beautiful feeling and to feel the love and energy through their vibrations which really heals the mind and relieves stress. If you've into sound healing with bowls you'll like this! They then gave both my mom and I a necklace and a bracelet before we left. Traditionally monks are not supposed to touch a woman's hand or body so they delicately placed my bracelet onto my wrist carefully as to not touch my skin. They sent me home with some holy water to rinse in the shower and were so nice that they also gave me a huge serving of their freshly picked loquats and two grapefruits which were both organically grown in their lush front yard garden. The loquat skin was so sweet although the actual fruit was a bit sour. The head monk takes pictures with his guests and texts his guests pictures of their visit. The day after I visited he reached out to me and told me that he will be praying for three days to make me a special holy water. He also told me that when I come back, he had a gift for me and that it was a Buddha amulet from the infamous monk Somdej Watrakang from Thailand. This is the best therapy if you're looking to meditate and clear your mind. There's always a serenity that really cleanses the soul when you leave a temple or monastery. I'm definitely coming back here again and will try to be a regular.

Sometimes we all need reminders about the beauty in simplicity. My Sister took me to an event that…read moreincluded Monk Chanting, Spiritual Speaking, & Light Yoga workout. Blessed.. Monk's could not have been kinder and supportive of your being there. It's their religion to share space in humanity without Material or Current News Events. The talk was a clear attempt to shift our minds to a kinder way of living, which is LOVING... please remember our donations, although never requested, are greatly welcomed and worth the experience without doubt. Namaste & Please Support Love Today & Today Only!

Happy New Year!…read more This event was really fun. A lot more people than I expected to be there be prepared to have a hard time to find parking. Free entry. Allows donations at front. You can offer for blessings. The food is fresh in exchange for tokens but soon they ran out of tokens so you could just pay cash if that happens. If you have leftover tokens you can exchange it back for your cash back. Vendors were nice some were selling khmer outfits (traditional clothing), foods such as wrapped banana leaf dessert, boba and more. some were selling parasols for about 12-20$ fair price. I loved the experience fun for kids. They had a dance floor and a live band. Please check this out! :)

Met a girlfriend here during Khmer New Year weekend. I went on Sunday 4/26/15. I can hear live band…read moreplaying & singing traditional Khmer music as I tried to park along the side walk. It's kinda ironic as I enter, I see a monk sitting under a tent chanting and at the same time the live band overpowering him with the instruments, while the ladies singers screeching a tune lol!!! As I continued further in, many happy party goers dancing in the center of the tent. Food vendors selling noodle soups, meat sticks, desserts, one too many jewelry vendors. Toys for kiddos, art and paintings. My favorite vendors are the fashion one, from traditional silk attire to shirts with Khmer pride logos. Hopefully next year they will add a real restroom not a port a potty

A traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple. Always very clean and you feel the peacefulness as you…read moreenter the premises. The Monks are very friendly, pleasant and welcoming. You will always find peace to your soul every time your visit.

This temple is absolutely amazing! The monks are very friendly and knowledgeable. I attended a…read moremeditation class in English and although the teacher was somewhat difficult to understand the class was easy to follow. Parking may be a challenge during large gatherings at the temple so arrive early. Overall it was such a pleasure meeting such kind, sincere and welcoming people.

The area has lot of peaceful landscapes!…read more Unfortunately, the signage was not in English, and I think I visitors might only be expected during a certain interval. For example, I also went to another local Buddy temple, and I believe they are only open to the public once a month. However, if you know the appropriate day and time, then I definitely think it is worth a visit for those in the area!

I went there today with my daughter to celebrate Kathina wrobe offering ceremony. We really enjoyed…read moreit. There were monks from different temples. The atmosphere was very pleasant. We chant in pali, Vietnamese and Cambodian languages. There were a lot of food. We were able to take food home afterwards too. The temple is beautiful.

Temple 3 of 9…read more This Thai temple has one of the largest statue of the Emerald Buddha. Long drive+ Boonievillle+ small temple= definitely worth the drive to check out 1 of the most beautiful Emerald Buddha Statue in CA!

nothing can describe the feeling of people when i come hear. My grandmother loved this place and…read moreall the people here. Such and open friendly temple you can come to anytime, and someone is always willing to talk. my uncle and i stopped to talked to the monk, Pre Sun. so sorry becuase i know i spelled that wrong, don't want to sound ignorant but thats how it sounds to me. They spoke very fondly of my grandmother karen mallock. will be back again, time to meditate is everyday at 5.