Location varies. Check calendar listings.
Arrive before 9:30 to get situated for a quiet meditation on the nature of mind/awareness. After a quick break to stretch our legs and make any needed adjustments, we sit back down for another 15-20 minutes of contemplation on various Dharma topics – lessons taught by the Buddha and the centuries of later Buddhist masters.

Participating in a guided, group retreat is a good way to learn how to do a retreat. The supportive structure of practicing in a group can help us overcome our lazy habits. Our spiritual guide, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche says that practicing in a group greatly multiplies the positive effect. See list of upcoming retreats…

We offer a regular schedule of pujas – daily, monthly, and on special holy days: Medicine Buddha Puja, Chittamani Tara Puja, Guru Puja (Lama Chöpa), Shakyamuni Buddha Puja, and others. Puja is a Sanskrit word which means to please. The purpose is to purify obstacles and to accumulate positive imprints so that we ourselves can become that enlightened being. See more about pujas…

Location varies. Check calendar listings.
Join us for a rotating schedule of practices led by experienced Dharma practitioners.- a rotation of various sadhanas. Here is the week-by-week rotation:

1. Vajrasattva
2. Green Tara
3. Chenrezig
4. Medicine Buddha
5. Leader’s choice (for months that have five Mondays)

Registration is not necessary for our ongoing meditations. Drop-ins are welcome. No background required.
See upcoming meditations and practice sessions.

Land of Medicine Buddha is one of the high-ranking hosts of Road Scholar Retreats (by Elderhostel Inc). A rotation of various themes is offered throughout the year with one or two retreats here each month. Participants learn about Buddhist philosophy, meditation, nutrition, aromatherapy, qi-gong, local herbs and medicinal plants, etc. They also enjoy the camaraderie of other like-minded, adventurous people. See listing of upcoming retreats…

Medicine Buddha Festival generally occurs some time between Memorial Day and Summer Solstice. It is usually our largest event of the year with activities spanning from the lower campus up to the Wish-fulfilling Temple where the huge thangka (painting) of the Medicine Buddhas is unfurled. Ksitigarbha Festival is held on or around Labor Day on the spot of the Ksitigarbha statue and the meadow. Both festivals includes chanting of religious texts, food, and performances. (edit)

Our main campus lodging provides 19 clean, comfortable guest rooms which can accommodate up to 52 guests. Options include single, double, and shared accommodations in single or queen size beds. All rooms include a private bathroom with shower; two rooms include bathtubs. Towel and linen service is provided.

You will be able to view images of each room when you go to the reservation site: Book a Room

(Seasonal May-October)

This walk-in campground, nestled in a quiet and inspiring redwood grove, offers double-occupancy yurts and a few campsites for up to 25 guests. Each yurt is furnished with a full sized futon and one single bed. Each yurt has electricity and the beds come with a heated mattress cover. All linens are provided.

In the center of the campsite is a central building with a small kitchen and two bathrooms which include toilets, showers and bathtub. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, tea/coffee making equipment, a microwave and sink.

In the interest of providing a quiet, relaxing experience while staying at Land of Medicine Buddha, our rooms do not include televisions, telephones, clocks, or internet access. A centrally-located payphone enables guests to use the telephone should the need arise. Wireless internet access is available in some rooms at the request of group leaders.

About accessibility: The Yurt Village is not suitable for wheel chairs. There is one accessible yurt (Yurt 8) in a different location, near the Wish-fulfilling Temple.

All yurt guests should keep in mind that:
– There is no shuttle service to the Yurt Village.
– You will need to carry your own luggage.
– The road is not paved.
– It is about 1/2 mile from the parking location to the Yurt Village.

We provide two rooms that are available for those who have physical limitations. We also have a yurt and campground with bath and shower facilities that was designed and built to support the use of wheelchairs. Guests may drive to this yurt.

The Lotus Spa includes:
– a large sunning area with seating to relax
– a full-sized sauna with outdoor shower
– a spring-water filled swimming pool
– two massage rooms

The area is dedicated to healing and as such is designated a quiet area.

Our certified massage therapists offer a variety of healing modalities for individuals or couples. To book a massage, you may contact the Reception office by phone, email or in person. Please give us at least 24 hours to coordinate your massage.
Phone: 831-462-8383
Or email the office at

*Note: Use of spa area and massage are for overnight guests only.

Important: Check your email confirmation when you book online. That is how we send you the gate code and if you don’t read it and you come after hours, you are locked out.

If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation, you have to pay for the first night. If you cancel within 30 days it is a $20 fee.

Dogs are sentient beings too! Land of Medicine Buddha provides 3 dog friendly rooms. We welcome dogs during retreats provided:

– There is someone who is not participating in the retreat who is available to watch the dog during the day. (Dogs are not to be left alone in rooms.)
– There is a 2 dog limit per room.
– Dogs cannot be larger than 50 pounds.
– There is a $50 non-refundable deposit per dog.

Note: We have lots of four legged friends who visit the center. In order to maintain harmony, all dogs must be on leash at all times.

Our vegetarian meals feature seasonal local produce and mostly organic ingredients. Inspired by diverse global cuisines, our chefs prepare meals that offer guests a gratifying and wholesome dining experience.

Our dining room is open to overnight guests 24 hours a day and includes indoor and outdoor spaces for meals. Filtered drinking water, hot water, tea, coffee and fresh fruit are always available. A refrigerator and microwave are also available for guests to use.
To make sure we prepare the right amount of food, guests should register for meals 24 hours in advance. Drop-ins will have to wait until the end of the meal time to see if there is enough food for extra guests. (Guests who are with groups are of course counted in already.) Contact us.

Prices:
$10 breakfast
$16 lunch
$14 dinner
(plus tax)

We specialize in holding space for a group wishing to do a partial or completely silent retreat.

Rooms
Our main campus lodging provides 19 clean, comfortable guest rooms which can accommodate up to 52 guests. Options include single, double, and shared accommodations in single or queen size beds. All rooms include a private bathroom with shower; two rooms include bathtubs. Towel and linen service is provided.

Yurt Village
(Seasonal May-October)
This walk-in campground, nestled in a quiet and inspiring redwood grove, offers double-occupancy yurts and a few campsites for up to 25 guests. Each yurt is furnished with a full sized futon and one single bed. Each yurt has electricity and the beds come with a heated mattress cover. All linens are provided.

In the center of the campsite is a central building with a small kitchen and two bathrooms which include toilets, showers and bathtub. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, tea/coffee making equipment, a microwave and sink.

Special Needs
We provide two rooms that are available for those who have physical limitations. We also have a yurt and campground with bath and shower facilities that was designed and built to support the use of wheelchairs. Guests may drive to this yurt.

Many of our groups are repeat customers and booking occurs on a first come first served basis, so please contact us quickly to ensure you get the dates you want.

When given advance notice, we are able to accommodate most requests. Unfortunately, due to local fire restrictions, we can not accommodate any requests for open flames, fire pits, or barbeques.

There are four steps to the process:

1) Submit an online inquiry, or contact us by phone: at 831-462-8366

What we will need to know:

Please be prepared to discuss:
– what kind of retreat you are planning, (i.e. meditation, yoga…)
– a few dates you are interested in
– the number of people who will attend your retreat
– what types of room accommodations you will need
– what kind of meeting room will work best for you

We highly recommend that you come by for a tour of Land of Medicine Buddha and stay for a complimentary lunch. We have found that people who come here to see how the land is laid out have an easier time in the planning process of their retreat. If you would like to come for a tour, contact Angelina at Facility Rentals or by phone at 831-462-8366.

2) Once we agree on a date, we will place a week-long, tentative reservation while we prepare your estimate.

3) Once you approve the estimate, we will email you a contract, invoice and our policies.

4) You sign the contract and policies and mail them back along with your deposit and a credit card number. Once we receive your completed paperwork, deposit, and credit card number, your reservation will be confirmed.

That’s it! Your retreat is booked. The balance of the invoice is due on the day of your arrival.

We offer a variety of environments to support your work. Our campus is situated on 108 acres of prime coastal land, with views of the forest and Buddhist iconography around every corner. Our meeting places accommodate groups both small and large. They are perfectly suited for yoga, qi gong, meditation, spiritual retreats and working retreats.

Each hall can be equipped with:
– Chairs
– Tables
– Sound system
– Audio visual equipment
– Meditation cushions
– Rugs
– Internet access (DSL or wireless)
– White boards and writing equipment

We have 3 Meeting Rooms:

The Pine Room
(50’ x 24’; 1200 sq.ft.) The Pine Room is our most popular meeting space, designed for groups of up to 60 people. A wooden floor, skylights and high ceilings create a warm, natural setting for workshops, meetings, yoga and other bodywork modalities. This room also has a large window seat which many groups use to create beautiful altars.

Gompa Chung Chung
( 33’ x 14’; 450 sq.ft.) The Gompa Chung Chung (or “Little” Meditation Hall) is great for smaller group meetings, meditations, and bodywork. With a wooden floor, it is perfect for an intimate yoga, meditation, or working retreat, holding up to 15 yoga, Qigong or Tai Chi students. Add area rugs and it is perfect for groups up to 22. Windows, French doors, and a small stained-glass window of Medicine Buddha provide ambient light. 

The Gompa
(50’ x 33’; 1600 sq.ft) The Gompa or Meditation Hall is our main meditation hall. It can accommodate groups up to 90 and is perfect for lectures or meditation classes.  It is also suitable for Tai Chi and some bodywork, though not suitable for yoga or dance. Complete with carpeted floor, high ceilings and skylights, the Gompa is equipped with a wood stove and a gas heater for cozy gathering in winter. This is a truly bright, inspiring atmosphere. This space is available for one day retreats and short retreats in the summer and longer retreats during the winter months.