This is one of favorite places to visit. This is the perfect place to go to If you are
feeling stressed, need some alone time or just a peaceful moment. It’s a great
place to get away from it all for a short time. You will leave this place
feeling both re-energized and tranquil. If
you are in need of a spiritual rejuvenation, I highly recommend the Lake Shrine
Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades. Founded in 1950 by Paramahansa
Yogananda, the Lake Shrine Meditation Garden is a hidden paradise available and
free to the public. The Lake Shrine honors all the religions of the world, but
you don’t need to be religious to enjoy the Lake Shrine. Park your car in the
very accessible parking lot and walk right to the Lake. You will find yourself
surrounded by the lush greenery of the
Lake. There are a variety of beautiful
flowers to look at and various tall trees to shade you as you walk.
Walking through the garden should take you no more than fifteen minutes, but I recommend you take your time and discover the benches and alcoves hidden at various intervals. You will find people utilizing the benches reading quietly, mediating, or just sitting enjoying the beauty of the lake. At the center of the garden is a large lake filled with ducks, and koi. Surprisingly, there is a large Dutch windmill at one end of the lake. There is also a chapel about three quarters of the way around the Lake. The Chapel is a great place to sit and meditate and pray if the mood strikes you. There is an old but well maintained houseboat on the lake and right next to the houseboat there is a wooden sitting area where you can usually find a bucket of food to feed the fish. There are religious symbols from various religions around the world and plaques with messages of peace and love. There is a courtyard that honors the five major religions of the world-Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism.
Most Amazing to me was to find out that a portion of
Gandhi’s ashes is also enshrined at the garden! You will find Gandhi’s ashes in a thousand year old
stone sarcophagus from
China. Gandhi's ashes are encased in a brass and silver coffer.
China. Gandhi's ashes are encased in a brass and silver coffer.
The Lake Shrine is located
at 17190 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA
90272.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00-4:30 pm. Sunday- 12:00 noon to 4:30 pm.
The parking is free and the lot is open during visiting hours
