Berkeley Buddhist Monastery

Thank you for providing a safe space for all of us who need a break from this crazy world.
I have been to this monastery twice now and everyone here has been respectful, kind, and welcoming. I went to the evening meditation sessions and walked out feeling refreshed and collected both times. I have since moved down to the South Bay and have yet to find a monastery with the same feel that Berkeley Buddhist Monastery has. I hope to find one soon.

Beautiful peaceful healing place. I have traveled 4 hours to just sit inside the monastery and soak in the good vibes.

I’m a regular.

Both of the monks here have great vibes. I really like that they are promoting vegetarianism.

Yesterday was my first time there. First impression: very unpretentious, intimate temple space. The altar 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.

OMG I love this place, nevermind I am also a Catholic! ;) The history of the founder, Master Hua, escaping communist China’s persecution of «religion» and teaching multitudes meditation and a way to Enlightenment in the west is astonishing. The current monk whom I love, Rev. Heng Sure, is a wonderful scholar, lecturer at the Healthy Living Expo in Burbank, and even discussed with me: my Western and Chinese astrological signs with an uncanny, scorpionic depth of knowledge! He keeps it real… and with integrity. This place is precious and holds true to the primary precepts of Buddhism, including the vegan lifestyle and more. God Bless this Monastery and Rev. Sure — oh wait, there’s no «God» in Buddhism! Whatever, «it’s as good as it gets», and I only wish it were in San Francisco, too!

I’ve been to the Thursday pm meditation a few times.
After racing home from a sitting here the other night to watch the debut of Sober House on VH-​1, I realized that I have a long way to go on the Zen track. But, if anyone can guide me toward enlightenment and away from a fascination with celebs falling off the wagon, it’s James. He reminds me of the high school English teacher who inspires generations of students to become great writers.

Beautiful space, as everyone else has mentioned. And two blocks from my house! I go here for daily meditation in the afternoons, though I don’t make it as often as I’d like. A wonderful place for reflection and the occasional fallen-​asleep foot. :)

We went here recently to sit with Ajahn Amaro, a Theravadan monk in the Thai Forest tradition. He teaches 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.