Sambosa means "Three Jewels," and stands for the Buddha (teacher), Dharma (the teaching) and Sangha…read more(spiritual community.) This tranquil Temple was created in the early 70's, and is the first Korean Buddhist temple ever built in the U.S. They opened their doors to the public and on opening day, 400 people, including the mayor of Carmel and other prominent monks, flooded Sambosa. The Temple has had its shares of ups and downs, including an unfortunate fire in the 1980's that burned down the main Dharma Hall. But it has withstood the test of time and still remains a graceful and quiet symbol of peace in the Valley. The current abbot is Bom Hugh Sunim, and his teachings explore his particular vision of a nonsectarian approach to religion, philosophy, and life. My mother was friends with one of the followers of the Temple, and being the same age as her twins, we often played together. It's a beautiful place to reflect and slow down, even if you are not a practicing Buddhist...although it seems like the ideal religion for every walk of life.

My family visits Sambosa Temple once a month, and I feel really comfortable and happy.read more

My life Balance and Business have soared since I've tapped into what the Zen room has to offer. I…read morehave been visiting the Zen room for over two years now. My experience every time has been different and fantastic. I love that they offer group meditation and individual meditation as needed. Also I enjoy the fact that I can walk in to their retail store and purchase anything from Stone's, Crystals, Jewelry, clothing, Tea and much, much more. I highly recommend if you're in the area you should visit the Zen room and experience the wonderful atmosphere for yourself! If you have time make an appointment with Dawn and experience all of the wonderful benefits she provides...

Covid Edition: I had my first reiki session with JEN back in November. She is amazing and has…read morehelped me work through blockages in my heart chakra, as well as working through self doubt/worth. At the time I was able to schedule a session with Jen directly, she took all precautions to make sure I was comfortable during our 1 on 1 session. It lasts for about an hour and figure a session is about $100 they do take card and have really cute stones, jewelry, books to help with moving forward in your spiritual journey. I'm ready to make my next appointment (covid allowing)

WOW! What an experience! I have just returned from a 3 day retreat at Vajrapani led by Scott…read moreSnibbe, author of How to Train a Happy Mind: A Skeptic's Path to Enlightenment. I cannot imagine a better set and setting for such a profound condensation of this amazing book.   Vajrapani (or more formally Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture) is hidden high in the mountains above Santa Cruz at the end of a 4-mile narrow unpaved road that winds up through a coastal redwood forest where the drive feels like a passage to another world. The site is highlighted by a gathering hall decked with Buddhist icons that naturally lends itself to meditation, and the variety to accommodations range from private hillside cabins and inexpensive same-sex dormatories to campsites and campervan parking. A huge prayer wheel anchors the outside meditation areas, and a few short hiking trails on the 70-acre property are well maintained and open to adjacent Castle Rock State Park for the more adventurous.  Vegan meals are provided to all guests and delivered to the cabins for those in private retreat or served in the dining area below the main hall. There is also a large library of books focusing on all things Buddhist.   To this, add any of a variety of teaching retreats on various aspects of Buddhism and you have a phenomenal opportunity to deepen your spiritual awareness regardless of your religious orientation.   I had the great fortune to attend Scott Snibbe's inaugural presentation of How to Train a Happy Mind. Through storytelling, teachings, critical thinking and frequent short meditations, Scott led us through the Tibetan Buddhist lamrin "stages of the path," a series of analytical meditations that steer the mind away from frustration, craving and loneliness to happiness, connection and satisfaction. Scott is an amazingly skillful teacher using humor, anecdotes, personal experiences and years of study to weave together a training that is both dense and accessible on the essence of Buddhist psychology and philosophy without the dogma of ideas like reincarnation and karma that are so off-putting to Western minds. I am not a Buddhist but now have a much deeper understanding of the brilliance of this 2500-year-old tradition and its powerful relevance to creating a life well lived. It especially broadened my understanding of the value and virtue of cultivation compassion, which I can feel is already greatly expanding a loving connection with all that is.   Two big thumbs up for Vajrapani and Scott Snibbe! Both are very special.

The Kopan West Retreat in March was amazing! Staff were super nice and accommodating. Highly…read morerecommend

I did a thorough search for a good taichi school when moving to Santa Cruz, 2 years ago. I am so…read morehappy to have found Linda Gerson. She is a serious practitioner, continuously studying taichi. She is a kind, dedicated and supportive teacher, whether one is a beginner or advanced.

As a yong man I praticed martial arts. Now in my seventies I have found Tai Chi extremely…read morebeneficial as I age with its gentle flow and rhythm. Linda's inclusion of warm up stretching and Qigong sets round out a solid practice. Linda's ability to be funny and instructive during practice helps insure students learn the key basics as well as advanced movements. Her classes have made my life better and highly recommend you check them out on your road to health and longitivity.

This is an absolutely wonderful place to gather among like-minded people, learn and love . It is a…read moreprime example of practice what you preach. This place is filled with peaceful social activists and incredibly inclusive loving people who are truly trying to make the world a better place. I've honestly never been to a better church in my life. It is devoid of hypocrisy. It is the real deal. They offer classes as well. It's an amazing community . We also have lunch after service. It has truly given me the sense of community and the connection to source that I needed. Thank you!

There's spiritual wisdom, uplifting music and good community at every Center for Spiritual Living…read more There are three in Oakland. East Bay Church-A Center for Spiritual Living (ebcrs.org) was voted Best Place to Worship several times via the EastBay Express weekly newspaper's best in Bay Area annual survey.

My first sound bath and reiki was amazing! I will definitely come back…read more The staff are very calm and welcoming and the person who played the instruments and the other person who did reiki were incredibly polite and very skilled at their jobs I could definitely tell everyone loves what they do

Bryce did a beautiful guided breath workshop/program last night. A very intentional, deep,…read morerelaxing, and stress releasing experience on every level - mind, body, and soul. I continue to feel the impact of the experience today. This morning my meditation was clearer and freer.

I have lost 70 pounds so far in 11 months thanks to Brent. I 100% could not have accomplished this…read morewithout his help, guidance and support because I have tried dozens of times prior and failed every time. I use both Brent's nutrition coaching and personal training. He is the best! I have never worked out before so was super nervous to start but Brent was so patient, kind and encouraging which put me at ease and now I find it very enjoyable. Plus Brent is hilarious and keeps you laughing! I'm 50 and needed help with both losing weight and getting stronger and improving my mobility. I'm able to do things I haven't been able to in years and feel fantastic at the same time. I have never eaten better in my life and have finally learned proper nutrition and skills to eat healthfully. Brent has improved my life in many ways - thanks to his coaching and training I have never felt better or more confident. He is so knowledgeable about health and wellness and nutrition and fitness - he has many tips and tricks to share! I look forward to continuing to work with Brent and losing more weight and getting even stronger.

I have been working with Brent for 16 months now. He is the best personal trainer, I have made…read moregreat progress and most of all, really enjoy my training time with him. He is extremely knowledgeable about every single muscle in your body, form, function, nutrition, metabolism, and he knows just how to motivate you to keep going. I had never lifted weights before, but I see the benefit and believe it is the best way to stay healthy and strong. Brent makes it all possible, with his encouragement and attention to detail in the workouts, he plans the program to suit your specific needs and changes it up so it is never boring. I highly recommend Brent without hesitation.