8447, 2499 Melru Ln, Escondido, CA 92026
https://deerparkmonastery.org/
Intermediate - Advanced
$-$$T
ucked within the hills of San Diego resides a collection of Vietnemese nuns and monks and a beautiful retreat center developed under the guidance and direction of the famous Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. Driving down the driveway of the center, amongst the tall Eucalyptus trees are hand painted signs with reminders such as “You Have Arrived”, “Smile” and “Breathe”. The center is run by mostly native Vietnamese and is a working monastery. This means you get the opportunity to live amongst the holy practitioners who seem to outnumber the visitors which create an incredibly unique experience where you get to become familiar with life as a ordained zen practitioner
Accommodations are humble. You are requested to bring your own bedding and have the option of either staying in a dorm style house with a couple of bunk beds and bathroom or to bring a tent and camp in designated areas. When I go again I am going to camp. I noticed platforms throughout the property they allow tents. This seemed the better choice, weather permitting, for privacy and the ability to be surrounded by nature.
Meals are vegan and basic. The dining hall is large in order to accommodate all the residents and visitors and is reminiscent of a cafeteria. Where the Dining Hall falls short in details and architecture, the Meditation Hall grandly makes up for. The massive hall is perched on top of a small hill and is spectacular. Each morning you are invited to an early morning meditation. This is one of the times I experienced both nuns and monks practicing together. In addition there was a group walking meditation through the grounds and a working meditation allowing us the opportunity to help keep the center maintained. On my visit we broke off to different groups, mine being the ones who were pulling weeds.
The women have separate living quarters than the men and most other spiritual activities were practiced with the nuns exclusively. There is a schedule each day but your attendance is optional. There were times I chose to take a long hike with a newly made friend vs watch a recorded teaching with Thich Nhat Hanh.
Little cell phone service and access to a town. You are in a remote area. There is tons of hikes surrounding the center which allow you to even further immerse yourself in nature.
