Whenever I look at my camera sitting alone on my table, an urge to pick it up and get outside to a new place overcomes me often. And then something incredible happens. I end up exploring a new place; a new perspective. On our way to the Big Basin Redwood State Park in California, we visited a Buddhist temple, the Taungpulu Kaba- Aye Monastery – a hidden gem. It is situated amidst redwood trees. This place is a stark contrast to the otherwise high paced silicon valley of California.
Note the exact address: 18335 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
The road to Taungpulu Kaba-Aye Monastery
The road to Taungpulu Kaba- Aye Monastery is beautiful. Trees stand tall on both sides and the sun plays hide and seek through the green canopy above. Mind meanders through the winding road.
Taungpulu Kaba- Aye Monastery - a hidden gem. Click To Tweet Trees stand tall on both sides and the sun plays hide and seek through the green canopy above. Mind meanders through the winding road. #Travel #Wanderlust Click To Tweet
I often feel, our lessons come from the journey, not the destination
We put off the AC in our car. We opened the window and let the fresh air caress us. After a while, we stopped our car and stepped out.

Our chariot that takes us to nature
I was so happy to see beautiful spring flowers all around. It really takes less to be happy. Nature fulfills us; soothes us every time, everywhere.
Nature fulfills us; soothes us every time, everywhere. Click To Tweet
Gorgeous spring flowers
Taungpulu Kaba-Aye Monastery
After driving for a few more minutes, when I reached here I was completely absorbed, quite empty and was taking in everything. A bright white Buddhist temple amidst serene green trees looked vibrant.
A bright white Buddhist temple amidst serene green trees looked vibrant. Click To TweetThe adjective that comes to my mind for this picture is “Peaceful”

Some simple steps that we all must take!
To become the thinker of our thoughts, feeler of our feelings and knower of our knowledge, peace is paramount. I always yearn for places that can give me priceless peace. Taungpulu Kaba- Aye Monastery is one such place.
To become the thinker of our thoughts, feeler of our feelings and knower of our knowledge, peace is paramount Click To TweetA door that waits for all of us
While standing here I wished to live here; far away from the modern world stimuli.

Buddham Sharanam Gacchami
Travel Realizations
When I saw the sculptures of Buddha, I whispered,
“Buddham saranam gacchami” – I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Buddham saranam gacchami Click To TweetIt was a fulfilling moment! A complete one. I closed my eyes. Then when I reopened my eyes, I realized that in every walk with nature one receives far more than one sees.
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Chiera
Beautiful! I love going on adventures with my camera to see what beauty I can fine! lovely post
Hooda
I love temple, and I had no idea about this one in California. I’m not a Buddhist myself, but I love all things spiritual. I can imagine how you felt when you were there. I would totally feel an urge to meditate 🙂
Mariella
What an beautiful find! I had no idea about this place, a hidden gem indeed 🙂 I also love to encounter places that radiate nothing but peace… Safe travels. – Mariella
Anita
A thoughtful post about a sacred moment! We all need moments like this to come back to what matters most. I like your photos! Thank you for sharing.
Claudia
Hidden gems are always the best.