The Land of Medicine Buddha was opened as a Dharma and Retreat Center in 1991 by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) in Soquel, California near Santa Cruz. Under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1946-2023), it was established to become a place of benefit and inspiration for all beings, to help all to heal, develop a good heart, find courage, develop compassion, loving kindness, and patience—all precious qualities of the mind. It is a beautiful peaceful 108-acre refuge in a redwood forest that offers meditation retreats and has many examples of Tibetan art and craftsmanship including numerous large prayer wheels filled with billions of mantras, Tibetan-style temples, and even a replica of the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya, India. It is also contains “Tara Home,” a hospice that offers compassionate care at the end of life as well as a bookstore and gift shop with Dharma books and practice items.
I have visited many times and often taken others to visit as well. After attending the Medicine Buddha Dharma Assembly at Hua Zang Si on October 27, 2024, we took another quick drive through to see what had been accomplished with their 100,000 Stupa Project that was under construction the last time I was there in 2015. It is usually open to the public, but I recommend you call to make sure and be prepared for very tricky and sometimes scary roads and limited parking. It is well worth the trip. There are hiking trails and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome including a Pilgrimage Trail with Dharma quotes and commentary and benches for contemplation. The video below mostly contains photos from the most recent trip, but has some from 2007, 2014, and 2015 as well.
CLICK for visit to Land of the Medicine Buddha, March 2015.
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