Land of Medicine Buddha
A rustic retreat center in a beautiful redwood forest just miles from California’s picturesque Central Coast, the Land of Medicine Buddha welcomes Road Scholars to a tranquil setting for learning, healing and reflection. Holistic experts lead illuminating sessions on meditation and movement classes, as well as wise eating, peace of mind and newfound energy. Situated on 170 acres just south of Santa Cruz, the retreat offers beautiful murals with the life story of Buddha, three large Prayer Wheels, a Meditation Bell and a loop trail for contemplation and relaxation.
The Land of Medicine Buddha is a retreat center in a beautiful redwood forest that offers Road Scholars a perfect space to relax and connect to their spiritual inner being. Simple rooms have private baths. Most rooms have two or three twin beds; only a few have queen beds. The Pine Room is spacious and is used for most classes, while the Gompa is a beautiful meditation room, with exquisite paintings, statues and a sand mandala.
On the grounds of Land of Medicine Buddha is a spring-water fed swimming pool heated by a solar blanket and surrounded with tables, chairs and plants for a peaceful experience. There is a large sunning area, a massage yurt and a sauna with outdoor showers. This is a “quiet area” dedicated to healing. Certified massage therapists offer a variety of healing modalities for individuals or couples. Among the 170 acres of ancient redwood groves and sunny oak meadows available for walking is an Eight Verses Pilgrimage Loop, complete with signs comprised of teachings on transforming problems in spiritual practice and benches for contemplation and meditation. The upper and lower areas of the property have many holy objects, including prayer wheels to spin, bell to ring softly and temples to look at and circumambulate.
- No alcohol allowed on-site.
- Cell phone reception is limited; there is a public phone on the property.
- Wi-Fi in Pine Room.
- No TVs.
- Housekeeping once a week.
This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our Retreat programs offer a tranquil respite from daily life in locales that lend themselves to outdoor exploration, reflection, or study. The accommodations may be basic in nature, but the facilities offer communal spaces to gather and to relax. During the week, opportunities usually exist for some combination of light exercise, a locally sourced meal, or evening entertainment.