Shunryu Suzuki Roshi was looking for a place to build a Buddhist monastery that would be reminiscent of temple locales in the mountains of Japan. He found his ideal spot in the Ventana Wilderness southeast of Big Sur and built the center in 1967. It became the first Zen training monastery outside Japan. Now some visitors come as much for the vegetarian fare and the hot springs as for yoga and meditation. Here's a glimpse of this remote place to unwind, unplug and recharge.

--Mary Forgione