California
California Vegetarian Cuisine, Buddhist Thinking & Qi Gong
Program No. 7726RJ
Santa Cruz is a unique blend of coastal landscapes, world-renowned research centers and abundant art and culture. Come be inspired and learn a lot in this coastal California setting.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Soquel, CA
6
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Program Concludes
Soquel, CA
At a Glance
Embrace 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.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Short walking distances between accommodation, meeting rooms and dining room. Hilly terrain, uneven ground in places, fourteen stairs or a steep hill of 30 feet and then a ramp, to the dining room and meeting room.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn to make healthy vegetarian cuisine, through lectures and demos, that is low in fat and sugar yet high in flavor, including creamy soups, salad dressings, entrees and delicious desserts.
- 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 trip 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 this program.
Ingrid Mednis
View biography
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.
Jon Landaw
View biography
Jon Landaw is an instructor of Buddhist meditation and an author of several books on the topic including "Buddhism for Dummies" and "Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha." From 1972 to 1977 he worked as an English editor for the translation bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India. Jon has taught in numerous Dharma centers throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He currently leads courses and teaches in Road Scholar programs at the Land of Medicine Buddha retreat center in California.
Neal Hellman
View biography
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
View biography
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
View biography
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.
Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi
View biography
Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi first became interested in meditation and Buddhism after reading “Be Here Now” and early translations of Buddhist sutras. In 1991, she became a student of Tibetan Buddhism, studying in India and Nepal with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Venerable Tenzin took novice ordination in 2004 with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In 2006 she became a traveling teacher, teaching at various centers around the world, as well as visiting prisons on behalf of the Liberation Prison Project.
Stephanie Rentz
View biography
Stephanie Jean Rentz spent her teen years in the 80s working with her sister in the catering business. She has always been a foodie. Her mother was Navajo Indian and Spanish, her father German Irish. While raising children, Stephanie went back to school to start a medical career and worked with two private doctors specializing in human identical hormones for women. She then trained at Cabrillo College Culinary School in Calif. and is now the head chef at Land of Medicine Buddha.
Ramona Richard
View biography
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.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
California Vegetarian Cuisine, Buddhist Thinking & Qi Gong
Program Number: 7726
Buddhism for Dummies
The Blooming of a Lotus
Awakening the Kind Heart
How to Meditate
The Book of Joy
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
Embrace 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...
- Learn to make healthy vegetarian cuisine, through lectures and demos, that is low in fat and sugar yet high in flavor, including creamy soups, salad dressings, entrees and delicious desserts.
- 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
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
Jon Landaw
Jon Landaw is an instructor of Buddhist meditation and an author of several books on the topic including "Buddhism for Dummies" and "Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha." From 1972 to 1977 he worked as an English editor for the translation bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India. Jon has taught in numerous Dharma centers throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He currently leads courses and teaches in Road Scholar programs at the Land of Medicine Buddha retreat center in California.
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.
Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi
Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi first became interested in meditation and Buddhism after reading “Be Here Now” and early translations of Buddhist sutras. In 1991, she became a student of Tibetan Buddhism, studying in India and Nepal with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Venerable Tenzin took novice ordination in 2004 with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In 2006 she became a traveling teacher, teaching at various centers around the world, as well as visiting prisons on behalf of the Liberation Prison Project.
Stephanie Rentz
Stephanie Jean Rentz spent her teen years in the 80s working with her sister in the catering business. She has always been a foodie. Her mother was Navajo Indian and Spanish, her father German Irish. While raising children, Stephanie went back to school to start a medical career and worked with two private doctors specializing in human identical hormones for women. She then trained at Cabrillo College Culinary School in Calif. and is now the head chef at Land of Medicine Buddha.
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.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Short walking distances between accommodation, meeting rooms and dining room. Hilly terrain, uneven ground in places, fourteen stairs or a steep hill of 30 feet and then a ramp, to the dining room and meeting room.
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 Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
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
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 5B | 5L | 5D |
13 expert-led lectures
1 expert-led field trip
5 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Retreat center check-in from 4:00 p.m. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. We will then gather in the dining room for refreshments.
Dinner:
In the retreat center dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. We will learn from our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts. Meals in the dining room or outside dining area will be vegetarian and made mainly of local organic ingredients. Filtered drinking water, hot water, tea, coffee and fresh fruit are always available. Wi-Fi is available in the dining area. There is a public phone available, and an office phone for urgent calls. Wi-Fi calls can be made from your phone. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Meditation, Vegetarian Nutrition
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.Qigong includes gentle movement, usually done standing, approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
Qigong (Chi Kung) is an ancient Chinese healing art that has been used for centuries to balance internal body energy and to promote good health. This method of internal energy work is a fantastic and easy practice that brings physical happiness, mental calm, and a general since of well-being. Gentle physical will be are combined with breathing and awareness, for energy building and flexibility. After a break, we will have a class in the Gompa on Buddhist ways. We will explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture, guided meditations and discussion, we will learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
We will have some “down” time then gather in the Pine Room for a class on vegetarian nutrition, led by a local expert. The class will cover all the basics of how to eat a balanced vegetarian diet.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Nature Walk, Nutrition
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong includes gentle movement, usually done standing, for about 1 hour; no special clothes or equipment required. Nature walk about 2 miles, approximately 1.5 hours; steep inclines.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will have a movement class and delve deeper into activating and harmonizing life energy with the physical movements and vocal tones of Qigong (Chi Kung). After a break, we’ll gather for another class on Buddhist ways. We’ll explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture and guided meditations, we’ll learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll set out on a healthful nature walk to appreciate the beauty and peace of our surroundings in this pristine environment where redwood forests and rolling meadows abound. Those who choose not to participate in the walk will have free time. After a snack, we’ll regroup for a class on nutrition for good health.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Vegetarian Cuisine, Music
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will gather for a movement class and delve deeper into activating and harmonizing life energy with the physical movements and vocal tones of Qigong (Chi Kung). After a break, we’ll regroup for a class on Buddhist ways and explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture, guided meditations and discussion, we’ll learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
We will have some “down” time then gather for a class on vegetarian cuisine.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
We will be joined by a local musician who will entertain us with a performance.
Day
5
Qigong, Buddhism, Meditation, Herbs for Vitality
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Land of Medicine Buddha
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will gather for a movement class and delve deeper into activating and harmonizing life energy with the physical movements and vocal tones of Qigong (Chi Kung). After a break, we’ll regroup for a class on Buddhist ways and explore wisdom and compassion according to Buddhist teachings. Through lecture, guided meditations, and time for questions, we’ll learn how to move our minds to deep peace and happiness.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Afternoon:
We will have some “down” time then gather for a class on vegetarian cuisine and herbs for vitality.
Dinner:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Evening:
We’ll end our final night with a closing circle for peaceful reflection. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Qigong, Buddhist Ways, Program Concludes
Location:
Soquel, CA
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Qigong with gentle movement. Grounds around retreat center include a 35-foot steep hill or 13 outside stairs to dining room and meeting room. Retreat Center check-out 11:00 a.m. Luggage may be packed and put in cars or fully packed and left in rooms by the door until after lunch.
Breakfast:
Dining room or outside dining area.
Morning:
We will gather for a final session featuring Qigong and Buddhist ways.
Lunch:
Dining room or outside dining area. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
- Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
- Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 3 Reviews
Sort By:
I learned new tools for coping to take better care of myself – moving energy to gain balance by practicing Qi Gong, different approaches to life’s struggles through Buddhist thinking, stress reducing meditation techniques, and healthy nutrition through vegetarian cuisine. Briege and the other participants were an integral part of my experience. It was an incredible group of women that I learned from, too.
— Review left February 25, 2019
Too long
— Review left February 24, 2019
come to the beauty and serenity of the Land of Medicine Buddha, learn, be refreshed and leave a better, inspired person
— Review left February 10, 2019
