27 Feb Tour of the LA Yogananda Empire
Paramahansa 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 important.
All of the Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) locations have beautifully landscaped meditation gardens, quiet, peaceful atmospheres, tempting gift stores, and friendly staff waiting to answer all your questions.
International Headquarters, Self-Realization Fellowship
(also known as the Mount Washington Center)
Back in the day Yogananda himself could often be seen sweeping the front porch of the Administration Building, a former hotel. Inside are offices, a Chapel, and a library with artifacts of Yogananda’s life such as hand-written letters and one of his tunics. The energy emanating from them is powerful if you tune in. Behind the building you’ll find a charming wooden bridge and a pond full of mouth-open, hungry koi fish.
The grounds invite meditation with secluded nooks spread all round. Look for the Temple of Leaves – a circular line of benches under a canopy of trees. Many claim to have had an overpowering energy experience while meditating there.
Three separate staffers told me to not miss a visit to the Wishing Well because, “all wishes made here will come true.” I wished really hard but mine hasn’t yet; maybe yours will.
Hours: Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm, Monday closed, Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
No services at this location.
3880 San Rafael Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 225-2471
Hollywood Temple, Self-Realization Fellowship
Smack in the center of Hollywood, next door to the behemoth Scientology Mothership, is the oldest of the SRF’s American churches founded by Yogananda. The staff is happy to offer an impromptu tour, and the one I took included visitors from Australia and Botswana. The temple is noted for its stained glass windows, and there is a special Children’s Garden with mosaics and stone rabbits.
Most people would never guess that that such a lovely meditation oasis lies in the heart of bustling Hollywood.
Be sure to snap a photo of the street sign of the alley named Ashram Drive.
Meditation Gardens are open Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 7:30 pm, Saturday – Sunday 8 am – 7:30 pm, closed Mondays
Check the website for a schedule of the many services, classes, and activities.
Free Parking: the entrance is on the east side of Edgemont St., about 50 feet south of Sunset Blvd.
4860 West Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90027
(323) 661-8006
http://www.hollywoodtemple.org/
Burial Place of Yogananda
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Forest Lawn cemetery is known for its flamboyant style and as the final resting place of numerous movie stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. It holds Michael Jackson’s grave although in a location not open to the public.
The guard at the front gate will happily direct you to Yoganada’s burial site. Park in front of the mausoleum, and enter the narrow passageway on the left. Ring the buzzer, and tell them you are here to visit Yogananda. Once inside you will be amazed at the sight of the lofty vaulted ceilings and long hallways, the cold refrigerated air. Turn right where the chain has been taken down: that is where Yogananda’s body resides, always accompanied by fresh flowers left by devotees.
Some say that because of the level of awareness Yogananda achieved before he died, his consciousness is alive inside the crypt. Whether or not this is true, being in his presence inspires great feelings of reverence and a quiet mind. It always brings me to my knees, bowing as we did in India before great saints. The energy of this powerful Master is palpable, one of the most powerful outpourings of shakti in our fair City of the Angels.
1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205
(800) 204-3131
Open Daily: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Lake Shrine is a sheer delight: meditative and calm, steeped in spiritual history and vibe, yet universally beautiful enough to bring your non-spiritual family and friends. Right up the hill from the Pacific Coast Highway, the 10-acre grounds are designed for a leisurely stroll around the lake. Some of the highlights on your path: ducks and swans, a shrine with a portion of Gandhi’s ashes, a windmill, an old boat, a chapel, little plaques with sayings from different religions, a gift store I can never resist, a museum, and quiet spots for meditation. A visit to the Lake Shrine is always calming and balancing whether you stay for a quick stroll or sit all day.
Sunday open noon – 4:30 pm, closed Mondays, Tuesday – Saturday open 9-4:30 pm
Self-Realization Fellowship
17190 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
To complete your Southland Tour of the Yogananda Empire, take a day trip down to Encinitas: See page xxx
© 2020 Catherine Auman
This is an excerpt from Catherine Auman’s book Guide to Spiritual L.A.: The Irreverent, the Awake, and the True
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