Levitating saints, a swami materializing a palace in the Himalayas, the woman yogi who never eats: these are just a few of the wonders encountered by over 4 million readers of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi. The book has served many seekers as the first introduction to Eastern spirituality, including Steve Jobs who said he first read it as a teen andParamahansa Yogananda’s reach was immeasurable, elevating the consciousness of millions worldwide; and we are lucky here in LA to be able to visit sacred spots where he actually walked and taught. To see and feel the energy of these places quiets the mind and helps one center on what’s really
You’ve seen them – the people wearing all-white with turbans -- haven’t you? They keep to themselves but also seem friendly and unabashed to be walking around looking so different from everyone else. They are devotees of Yogi Bhajan, father of Kundalini Yoga in the US. In LA, their headquarters, Yoga West, is on
Venice Beach has long attracted artists and writers, the counterculture, and spiritual seekers of all kinds. Enjoy the bohemian vibe while it lasts, as Venice is rapidly gentrifying due to the arrival of Google and Snapchat. Here are some examples of Spiritual LA in Venice:
It’s clear from recent books, films, exposes, and testimonies from former members that the Church of Scientology since David Miscavige took over is abusive and nuts. (Uh oh, am I being monitored?) But what if the writings of L Ron Hubbard contained some of the most profound spiritual teachings around? What if the situation is similar of that of the relationship between the oftentimes abusive-and-nuts behavior of the Catholic
Most day-trippers to Ojai (pronounced oh-high) don’t identify as being on a spiritual quest, though nearly everyone will contend there’s something about the vibe. The restaurants, wineries, spas, charming Airbnbs, and quiet hiking trails are enough reason to drive an hour and a half north of LA to get away for a few hours. Many artists, hippies, rich people, and celebrities
Billing itself as “A Spiritual Oasis in the City,” the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens is a gift of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) (see pg xxx). A free meditation garden, there are numerous terraces with places to sit and contemplate, listen to the trickle of water fountains, or walk the labyrinth which is a replica
One would expect LA to have over-the-top and charismatic occult celebrities, and these characters who also took prominence on the world stage do not disappoint. All have fascinating biographies which would be worth your while to explore further:To the curious visitor, Scientologists are nothing but friendly and cordial. Of course, we’ve all heard stories of strange happenings for those who get further involved, but what you’ll witness if you visit is normal-looking people spending time and money to improve themselves and their
A mainstay of the Topanga Canyon scene since the height of the hippie days, the Inn of the Seventh Ray restaurant opened serving healthy organic fare in 1973. It is rumored to have been built on a sacred site of the Chumash Indians (see page xxx) and to have perhaps been a private retreat spot for Aimee Semple McPherson (see page xxx). And one of her lovers? We will never