Yesterday was my first time there. First impression: very unpretentious, intimate temple space. The…read morealtar isn't all that impressive if I were to use the standard of some really dignified, solemn, grand temples I've been to in Taiwan, cuz here, things are sort of random, sort of like a patchwork. There're Buddha and bodhisattva figures on stained glass; statues made of ceramics and wood; flowers real and (I assume) plastic; gongs and bowls and incense burners; small sculptures of Arhats in the glass cabinet, and Chinese calligraphy on the wall. Makes me think of some sort of mismatched collage. Obviously Mahayana / Chinese Buddhism, and clearly devotional in nature. Strangely familiar and comforting - for me, as a Taiwanese - yet different, and a little bit odd. Aesthetically speaking, it's not the most stunning where Mahayana / Chinese Buddhism is concerned. But there's something about it that warms the innermost cockles my heart. There's something touchingly sincere about this place... For one thing, I am familiar the ritual, the chanting, the recitation of the Buddha and Bodhisattva's names - it's what I had been doing all my childhood years back in Taiwan, and it's real nice and heart-warming to be able to do it here, in the US... For another, the vibes are really good, genuine and down-to-earth. Most participants are Asians: sincere, modest, unassuming, earnest, somewhat straight-laced - again similar to the Buddhists I know in Taiwan. There were also Caucasians and a few Jews wearing kippah in the audience (maybe because this is not only a Buddhist monastery, it's also the Institute for World Religions). Daily evening worship is 6:15 to 7:15pm. Every Saturday at 7:30pm, there's talk by Reverend Heng Sure, a very good speaker. Makes the Flower Garland Sutra come alive with stories and anecdotes relevant to modern everyday life. I always love white monks, but initially I was a bit worried if he would be too moralistic for my taste since he is the disciple of Master Hsuan Hua. Well, turns out that he is wonderful. I was really moved when he played his guitar and sang the song about the Buddha's encounter with Sunita. The song (which he composed himself) was about how this "untouchable" flower scavenger, who had been suffering all his life, was awe-filled upon meeting the Buddha; and, after being accepted into the Supreme One's community of monks, eventually attained Arhathood. By then, even the Brahmans bowed before him - this once outcast and rejected, the lowest of the low - with sincere reverence and respect. It was really moving. Beautiful experience. For me it's more cultural than spiritual, though Heng Sure balances it up. I wish I had discovered this well-hidden monastery earlier.

We went here recently to sit with Ajahn Amaro, a Theravadan monk in the Thai Forest tradition. He…read moreteaches here once a month. It's an interfaith Buddhist monastery, and there is a variety of stuff that happens here -- sittings, classes, ceremonies, etc. The space is absolutely gorgeous! The main temple room is like 3 stories high, with gorgeous stained glass. There are cushions and chairs, the chairs being quite comfortable and sturdy. You have to remove your shoes, and there is a nice plush carpet (light blue, no less!) in the temple room. If it's winter and you're going to sit here, I recommend wearing a lot of clothing or bringing a blanket. We were freezing when we were there. I imagine it's hard to heat a room that's 3 stories high.

I grew up in the East Bay but only heard about this place as an adult. It's been on my list and I…read morefinally got a friend to go with me. My friend and I arrived about 10 minutes before official open, but we were able to find parking two blocks away and start getting the tokens. We strategized and split up. I got in the mixed plate line whole she got in the beef noodle line. We got the panang curry, yellow curry, and pad thai for our three items. I also grabbed the mango sticky rice which was in limited supply and right next to the mixed plates. I grabbed a shady spot and hunkered down while she grabbed the beef noodle soup and the khanom. It was a lot of food for the two of us but we wanted to try everything. I also brought tupperware just in case of leftovers. We did not even touch the sweets so had to bring that home. The beef noodle soup was very fragrant and reminiscent of pho. The panang curry was a bit too spicy for my friend but I liked it. Yellow curry was good and so was the pad thai. We got there at a good time because people started having to sit on the grass. It got busy! It is a little confusing when you walk in, but once you get over the crowds, it's a good system. We also didn't use all of our tokens and I'm glad you can get a refund on tokens. The mango sticky rice was delicious, coconut milk was fragrant. Dessert was good, my favorite was the fried taro. I would absolutely return!

This Thai temple is such a hidden gem, was super grateful for friends who introduced us to it. It's…read morea legit Thai temple in Berkeley that has a Sunday morning/afternoon market. You trade in cash for tokens, and then trade the tokens for food that is worth different token amounts (I think that's how they get around the taxes and tip). You can always return the tokens at the end of your meal to get your cash back. My top hits were this pho-like soup with beef and I think bone broth? the Thai iced tea, and the kanom krok dessert (the coconut dessert pastries). CASH ONLY Pros: - the soup is delicious - my friend always brings a container to take the rest of the broth home if she doesn't finish it - all the food is super delicious, and all the workers are super nice - LOTS of options to choose from! Thai food everywhere. Decent prices for the amount of food you get - The temple is beautiful and the statues are gorgeous, even if you're not Buddhist it's a really cool environment to be in - They have covered and uncovered tables to sit and eat at, and you dump your leftovers and dirty dishes in a designated pile, the whole thing is a very well-run ship. Cons: - parking can be tricky - Food can run out if you come closer to noon - lines can be long because the food is so good, recommend you come early - can get loud and crowded - lots of dogs, families, kids, etc. this place is popular. an introvert's nightmare LOL I recommend coming with a party of 2-3 so that one of you can stake out a spot, one of you can stand in a longer line , etc.

I came a few weeks ago for the first time and really liked it and was interested in returning. But…read moreI decided not to return, because everytime someone associated with the temple was talking to me about it, they were also touching my shoulder. It made me very uncomfortable and I was never asked by anyone if I felt okay with touch. I was unresponsive to the touches, but on most days, this would be extremely upsetting for me. While I have this experience many places I go, I was shocked to be having it at a Buddhist temple, and this has inspired me to buy and wear accessories that spell out to people that they need to ask before they just start touching people. It should not be necessary to point out that not everyone is comfortable with unconsensual casual touch, but BBT has helped prove to me that it is, and that even in the Buddhist community I'll be treated this way if I set foot outside. Not quite the experience I was hoping for in my first visit to a Buddhist temple.

I will admit this review is a little bias. I've been going to this church and working this bazaar…read moresince I was in the second grade which is a long time. But it's totally worth the 5 Stars. Things I know: -It's small. We're a small church but very family oriented church. - We don't serve Alcohol. Hey, we're a small church and those permits are expensive. Reason why this bazaar is better then others: -Our food: All of our food is prepared w/ lots of love and personal touch. I have personally squeezed the age for the inari. Meaning we use the real stuff and yes, it's fresh. None of that canned stuff. We serve loco mocos and portabella mushroom burgers, which I have never seen at any other Bazaar. The Steak Dinners, Chicken Dinners, eggrolls, manju, and baked goods are all very good as well. -Our Silent Auction: We always get some good donations for the silent auction. This year I got a box for the A's game's Japanese Heritage night. We also had a bunch of bonsai trees, beautiful art, and every year one of our chef members donates a sushi dinner for 30-40 people. The donations change every year but we always have some pretty good items and I always seem to spend more then I hoped for. -Our Sunday Entertainment: On Sunday of the Bazaar we close the street down and set up a stage for a number of different performers. This year, Grammy Award nominee Anthony Brown and acclaimed Bay Area writer-performer Brenda Wong Aoki headlined the entertainment. Also, Kalena Gregory's Hawaiian dance group, Hui Hula o na Pu'u i ka Noe; the Destiny Arts Center's youth hip-hop dance group; and the Dii Lewis Band, featuring Lorin Kagehiro all had some awesome performances. I go to a number of bazaar's throughout the year and i must say ours has the most personal touch. Many of the bigger festivals mass mass produce their food and it's made poorly. I've even been to one where they made their veggie sushi w/ celery.. GROSS.. its supposed to be made w/ a nice blanched string bean. I mean if you don't want to spend the money on the string bean at least get cucumber, not celery. So, if you're not doing anything next year during Bay to Breaker time, check it out. I'll be sure to greet you at the Hamburger booth.

Such an honor to be invited for a Sunday event with my family…read more Buddhanusorn Thai Temple Fremont The temple was so beautiful and the vegetarian food for lunch was cooked perfect. It is a must visit.

I love this temple Every time me and my husband went to…read morethis temple always make me feel happy and want to praying. Some temple we attend it make me feel scared and not happy, but this one we always go. I recommends this temple because they are always welcome everyone not like some temple at Stockton and sacramento.

Starting in the spring, the churches of the Japanese American community in the East Bay each pick a…read moreweekend to hold their annual food bazaar. This one at the Buddhist church is one that I never miss! Starting on a Saturday night and into Sunday, the bazaar features a white elephant sale, games for little kids, and I think the best homemade Japanese and American foods. From burgers and hot dogs to Japanese favorites, it is all made with love. The simple bowl of udon is delicious. Skewed pork deep fried is great with beer or sake. There's chili and rice, manju, strawberry shortcake, and chicken teriyaki box dinners. All proceeds benefit the church and it's programs.

i have attended church here for 20 years. my son joined church basketball league. we travel 18…read moremiles to come to church but the community is warm, fun, and supportive. i'm treasurer of the women's group for 8 years now. we have alot of fun. you should join us and learn how to prepare japanese mochi, chirasushi, inarisushi, tsukemono, and other foods for the bazaar, and when we support the church fit special holiday luncheons. membership luncheon is May 2025.

"To Promote Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, as well as to propagate the Jodo Shinshu teachings," this…read morebeautiful center is a fantastic resource for the Buddhist Churches of America. In addition to housing the Center for Buddhist Education, the Institute of Buddhist Studies, and the BCA bookstore, the Jodo Shinshu Center (JSC) holds many activities, sessions, and conferences. There are multiple classrooms, a gated parking lot, dorm/hotel rooms for overnight stay, a library and kodo for services. The wonderful and helpful staff is always more than willing to help, welcoming many guests to tour the JSC and learn about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. I always jump at the chance to attend the conferences/reunions/activities at the JSC and have been to talks on Shinran Shonin, TechnoBuddha, YAC Retreat, College YBA Conference and many other events here. I have not only formed great memories and relationships with lifelong friends, but also expanded my knowledge of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism through this awesome center. I definitely encourage anyone to drop in and check it out, keeping an eye on courses and outreach offered by the JSC.

I think they need to have more information available for first time visitors... There were not many…read morestaff available, and the information was about specific events, not the facilities there. Basically, I wanted to know if I could go to the kodo (but I forgot the word, sorry), but basically got mixed messages. I think because I'm Boricua, the staff working there thought I did not know it was a Buddhist center... but I know that; I am a Pure Land Buddhist, lol. Anyway, it is too bad because I think it is important for everyone to know about Amida Buddha. It seems there are other Jodo Shinshu churches/temples that might be more inclusive, but I can't say for sure. 実は、日本語を勉強しましたが、昔だったから、急に言語をスイッチするのが難しいです。私がちょっと恥ずかしがりやし, この頃近毎日英語だけで話しているので, 日本語の言葉が出てこなかったんです。ちゃんと話せなかったのが問題を引き起こしたと気がしました。すみませんでした。

Love the concept of getting authentic Thai cuisine but also knowing that those funds goes toward…read morethe temple!! Open Fri-Sun during lunch hours only. All entrees are set price of $12 and desserts $5. Ran out of mango sticky rice but Im glad they had sakoo which was one of the items I came for! Payment is through either Venmo or Zelle transfer. You order at the front and they give you a number. When everything is ready, they put it in a cardboard box for you to carry. There's also the option to enjoy it at the tables Sakoo was a perfect combination of nutty from the crushed peanut filling, savory from the pork and fried shallots and slight sweetness of tapioca skin. Thai style papaya salad was refreshing, citrusy and crunchy. You can choose between mild or medium spice. The ground pork salad was a good portion but a little too wet for me - maybe from the condensation. The sticky rice included was good though! Ingredients and herbs were all fresh Staff isn't too fluent in English but still friendly and helpful. Would love to come back to support them and try their other items!

I came here just for their Mango sticky rice and it just perfect.. The place does take Venmo and…read morecard as well as cash. Parking here is harder during lunch time. The mango sticky rice was just perfect as you can decide how much sauce you want . The mango sweet and juicy and the rice was cooked to perfection. I will come back shortly to try their other dishes

Empty Gate Zen Center is a true hidden treasure, an oasis of peace and wisdom. Still little known,…read moreit sits quietly, as in meditation, in a pretty street at a walking distance from downtown Berkeley. The folk at the Center are warm, welcoming and have no interest in having you believe anything. It is a rare place where I have received unconditional support along my journey and have been asked for nothing in return. If you are looking for gurus who will give you ready answers, then this is not the place for you. If you prefer to see by your self and find your own answers, then you found what you are looking for. The Center is a gate to become a more open, aware and generous person. Go to the next Wednesday welcoming meditation and talk at Empty Gate and check it out by yourself. If your heart is open you will probably sense the unpretentious power of this caring community dedicated to help all of us live more conscious, peaceful and compassionate lives. And take your time, breathing gently, after going to Empty Gate for three years I feel that I am just getting started. This is a place to cultivate the art of being, where you can nurture your love of humanity and a passion for the mystery of being alive. As good as it gets!

From the owner: Empty Gate Zen Center provides Zen meditation instruction within a kind and supportive environment…read more We offer a daily practice schedule and regular monthly retreats, as well as Dharma talks, and private interviews with our guiding teacher, Zen Master Bon Soeng (Jeff Kitzes). All of our programs are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience or background.

Small, low key temple. All in English except for a few chants that are not readily translated. In…read morethe Soto Zen tradition but culturally American. The atmosphere is simple and un-pressured. Friendly meditation instruction and accessible Dharma talks in plain English, often using sources from other traditions and paths in order to make some points more accessible. Have been coming here for years, except for the last ten when I was out of area, and have always found it a source of learning and inspiration.

From the owner: Buddhist meditation, Dharma talks, Buddhist services and spiritual guidance.read more

Happy that there's a local Thai buddist temple in the Fairfield area. The monks are friendly…read more Sometimes they have festivals where volunteers make authentic Thai food to get donations in for the temple. They also have events for Thai citizens to get their Thai passports and Thai ID cards renewed. Very convenient!

Beautiful temple with very nice monks. Come and see for yourself…read more Wat Chaimongkol is well known by supporting from the people in different locations such as Bay areas, Fairfield, San Francisco and etc. Later on, June 25, 2009 is regarded as the best auspicious day of the time 9 A.M. and 9 minutes. All monks officially moved in living until now. Nowadays, Wat Chaimongkol is also officially acknowledged as a member of Assembly of Thai Monks organization so that it is a legal institutation in both secular and religious views. The total area of the current place is nearly a half of an acre with two buildings. In the big building with 2,422 sq. ft., there are 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 reception room, 1 kitchen room and 1 dining room. In the small building with 900 sq.ft. there are 2 bedrooms 1 store-room and a 2 car garage. The space between two buildings is suitable for doing activities. Moreover, there is a large area at the front suitable for 10 cars parking excluded from the area of main road and than of informal education school.