California
California Vegetarian Cuisine, Buddhist Thinking & Qi Gong
Program No. 7726RJ
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California Vegetarian Cuisine, Buddhist Thinking & Qi Gong
California Vegetarian Cuisine, Buddhist Thinking & Qi Gong
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Soquel, CA
Program Concludes
Soquel, CA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 (
5B, 5L, 5D
)
Activity Level
From
1,649Embrace your healthfulness at a retreat center in California’s redwood forest, immersed in three expert-led courses that explore wise eating, peace of mind and newfound energy. The Land of Medicine Buddha is your base to taste and learn to prepare delicious vegetarian cuisine through lectures and demos. You’ll also take a plunge into the pools of ancient wisdom according to Buddhist teachings. Finally, learn how to build energy and flexibility through the practice of Qi Gong. Be assured: When you return home, you will feel like a new person.
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover how to make healthy, flavor-packed vegetarian cuisine, including creamy soups, salad dressings, entrées and desserts, through expert-led lectures and demonstrations.
- Through Buddhist lectures, discussion and guided meditations, learn how to move your mind to deep peace.
- Activate and harmonize the “chi” — life energy — that flows through your body with gentle physical movements, mindful breathing and increased awareness.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Ingrid Mednis
Ingrid Mednis has taught numerous classes in herbology and frequently leads nature walks. She has been a docent at the University of California, Santa Cruz organic farm project for about 20 years and has worked in Henry Cowell State Park.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Ingrid Mednis
Ingrid Mednis has taught numerous classes in herbology and frequently leads nature walks. She has been a docent at the University of California, Santa Cruz organic farm project for about 20 years and has worked in Henry Cowell State Park.
Chuck Walbridge
Chuck Walbridge has been studying Buddhism under Tibetan masters since 1975. He has received teachings from more than 45 Tibetan lineage holders and has completed several retreats. He has taught Buddhist meditation and philosophy for 20 years and has been a favorite instructor in the Road Scholar program for the last 10 years.
Neal Hellman
Neal Hellman is a nationally acclaimed performer and teacher of the mountain dulcimer who has been active in performing, teaching and recording acoustic music for the past 25 years throughout the U.S., Europe and New Zealand. He is the author of many books on the Appalachian dulcimer, and received an award for his score for the children’s video, “Princess Furball.” As the founder, director and one of the primary artists of the Gourd Music record label, Neal has produced over 35 albums of folk music.
Breige Walbridge
Breige Gormley Walbridge has been the Road Scholar program coordinator and group leader at Land of Medicine Buddha since 1999. During this time, she has organized and hosted approximately 200 programs. Breige is known for her warmth, hospitality and organizational skills.
Venerable Yangchen
Venerable Yangchen is a Tibetan Buddhist nun, who has studied with many Tibetan Buddhist masters. Currently, she leads weekly meditations, facilitates a cancer support group for women, and teaches introductory classes on Buddhist concepts and meditation in the Road Scholar retreats at Land of Medicine Buddha. Venerable Yangchen also leads some meditations at Ocean of Compassion center in San Jose.
Susan Pandolfi
Susan Pandolfi has been practicing physical therapy for over 30 years. She is a certified Vinyasa Flow and has also studied Hatha, Shaolin and Iyengar yoga and learned from many dedicated teachers. She is a BASI certified Pilates teacher, and at present, studying Wild Goose Chi Gong. Susan offers yoga classes in a kind, respectful way to allow the space for each individual to find new ways of loving and expressing themselves in a safe and beautiful environment.
Ramona Richard
Ramona Richard graduated with honors from the University of California with a B.A. in Psychology. She holds a teaching credential from the State of California, is a state certified Nutrition Consultant, and was a senior instructor at Bauman College from 1996-2005. She now owns a nutrition consulting company, is a Practitioner at Way of Life, a research assistant in the medical field, and an on-line nutrition instructor. Ramona teaches classes on aspects of nutrition in Road Scholar programs at Land of Medicine Buddha, CA.
Richard Prinz
Richard Prinz completed a degree in psychology at UC Berkeley while experiencing the social unrest of the late 1960s. After living in India and Nepal, he met Tibetan Buddhist Lamas in 1974, which led to an interest in their psychology. Returning to California, Richard got involved in building a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center, Vajrapani Institute. While he was director, a visit from the Dalai Lama inspired Richard to go to graduate school, leading to a career in counseling and therapy.
Joshua Gefroh
Joshua Gefroh is head chef at Land of Medicine Buddha. Joshua began cooking vegetarian food in 2002. After completing a macrobiotic culinary training program in 2007, he continued developing his skills and creativity while working in European retreat centers. He loves cooking, eating, and exploring the diverse world of food. With training in plant-based wholefoods, he believes that good food begins with good ingredients. It is from his family’s strong tradition in home cooking that he learned food is always better when shared with others.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking up to 1 mile per day over hilly terrain with uneven ground in places, including an unavoidable steep hill of about 35 feet or 13 steps to the dining room. Standing up to 1 hour per day. Sitting up to 3 hours per day. Program will require approximately 5 miles of walking over 6 days. Additional nature walk with steep inclines around the grounds according to personal choice. Due to unavoidable hilly terrain, this program is not suitable for walkers, scooters or wheelchairs. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Helpful Links
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
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