Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple
Main Gate entrance to Meditation Gardens: 17190 W. Sunset Blvd. (310) 454-4114; www.lakeshrine.org. Admission W-Mon at 10am & 1pm. Free. Reservations required.
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| Golden Lotus Archway at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades, California |
Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens
Situated on 10 acres that were once a movie studio and set, this peaceful facility was created by Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950 and is open to all denominations. I found it the perfect place to escape the outside bustle, and so did Elvis Presley and many others too numerous to mention. Visitors to the private Lake Shrine gardens come to enjoy the beauty of the manicured grounds that include flowers and lush greenery, statues, fountains, waterfalls, and a spring-fed lake populated with koi and swans. A flat, unpaved pathway leads around the lake. A “wall-less temple” memorial to Mahatma Gandhi holds a portion of his ashes, attracting people from around the world who come to pay their respects. A reproduction 16th-century Dutch windmill serving as a chapel offers a peaceful indoor space for meditation and prayer where visitors can rest and reflect; services are scheduled. Volunteers answer questions at the Visitor Center, where books and media on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda are available. Additionally, a Gift Shop offers devotional and gift items imported from India, and an adjacent small Museum displays personal artifacts of Yogananda.
Lake Shrine Temple
The hilltop Lake Shrine Temple on the upper level offers sanctuary for meditation and Sunday devotional services, when visitors can use the Temple Gate at 17080 West Sunset Boulevard.
Several flights of stairs connect the two levels. An overnight retreat facility is available.
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| pathway at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades, California |
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| Gandhi World Peace Memorial at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades, California |
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| floral display at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades, California |
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| Buddha statue at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades, California |
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| purple roses in rose garden at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades, California |
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| Madonna and Child statue in grotto at Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades, California |
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images ©2021 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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