Deer Park Monastery - Escondido, California

Allan Gaia Candelore

I went on a one week retreat in mid October and it was beyond words for me. It was the first week retreat I did at a Monastery and it helped me slow down and put my life in perspective. The Mediation, Mindfulness Practice, Buddhism teachings, Qigong and walking Meditation all helped created a great foundation for finding serenity from within.

The week allowed me to add and remove elements of my life's practice, and am so grateful I was able to be there for 7 days.

I really enjoyed the week there and will choose another one week retreat over the many other places I have traveled around the world, Thanks for being a location for peace!

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A wonderful place to reconnect and strengthen with the energy we all share! The Sunday service with Sister Dang Nghiem was very informative as well as peaceful. 7 Items that were covered in the service were: 1. Mindfulness (to be in the Now, the Mind and the Heart) 2. Investigation (Things for yourself) 3. Diligence (what seeds will you water in your life and in the world?) 4. Joy (Appreciate and offer Grace) 5. Ease 6. Concentration 7. Equanimity (Letting go).

The Dharma talk with Brother Peace as very open, inviting and community oriented. The fifty plus people was large enough that two circular groups of 25 participants were created to share. The sweet spot is about 20 people. The Dharma talk is an open circle where we are encouraged to share our feelings and thoughts on anything needed to be said. There is no judgement just active listening and you only share if you want to. The Dharma talk really allows for people to connect, be present and transcend the space.

Four years ago I was recommended to read a book called the Art of Communication by Thich Nhat Hanh, and since then I have gravitated toward his Deep Buddhism Teachings (not Popular Buddhism). I am currently reading the Art of Living and really resonating with it. We are all the Inter-Being in the journey of life, all doing our part in a unique way, to make it better than when we arrived!

The location and land is truly a special place. The animals around the landscape are as tranquil as the bells that ring to remind us to just, stop ,Breath and know you are here!
This Sunday it softly rained a few times, which added to the majestic feeling that emanates from the land.
Thank you all to those who tend to the Deer Park Monastery!

Emily Jones

I really wanted to attend a day of mindfulness here but I could not get transportation. I am travelling from out of the area and wanted to organise a ride share from the ride share section on the website. This page is not functional and when I emailed the monastery, it is a known issue. I really hope they can solve the is issue so more people can attend the monastery and it’s more environmentally friendly. I’m so disappointed I couldn’t attend!

Shriroop Parikh

Extremely mindful experience. Great opportunity to be with yourself and for self reflection in the peace and tranquillity of nature. Facilities are good but with bit more help and volunteers giving more time it will be better. Highly recommend it for self growth and mindful living.

Karen Evanek

Went for a Day of Mindfulness...walking meditation, Dharma talk, lunch. (Pre-registration required)

Beautiful, peaceful, serene atmosphere. Great message(s) in the Dharma talk. Bookstore on-site.
Bring water, and shoes fit for walking uphill. No shoes in the Ocean of Peace Hall, where Dharma talk is given. You may sit outside and listen in with headphones (provided). Dharma talk is given in Vietnemese, with English translation.

Donation based event. They prep and cook a delicious vegan lunch for hundreds of people. There are 2 locations at the monastery where you can leave a cash donation, or you may donate online, at time of registration for Day of Mindfulness event.

Tony Gandolfo

I attended a day of mindfulness in high hopes. At first it was a sweet and welcoming experience where we shared singing and mindful walking. After that was the Dharma talk. The speaker mentioned her political beliefs (disappointment in the upcoming cabinet) multiple times. Her ending statement told a story about someone who made an act of kindness towards her. She then asked the audience what race and sex they imagined the kind person to be. Someone responded 'anyone' to which the speaker responded, 'no, you need to be specific', then she ended her "Dharma talk" with 'it was a black male'. It felt as if she was insinuating that this would be the least likely category of people for the Sangha to imagine making an act of kindness. It felt incredibly rascist and accusatory. Shocked and very disappointed in my experience. Sangha is a group meant to share sacred space regardless of political/philosophical affiliation.

Caleb Bron

Amazing place and experience. Don’t be worried about being inexperienced or it being too hardcore. They are very welcoming and there are just a few rules to follow. Just come prepared to be involved. FYI Verizon gets ok service here, not that you should be using your phone 🙂

D M

A breathtaking experience one you should treat yourself to and worth the visit and drive be sure to bring a high-quality dish that you can share and make a generous contribution. It’s worth it.

Amir Rafati

Very pleasant, calming and informative experience.
Polite hospitable staff.

Worth visiting few times.