Lake Shrine and Meditation Gardens is a hidden gem and retreat from city life

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Self-Realization Fellowship’s Lake Shrine opened to the public in 1950. The beautiful ten-acre site was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda to share the ancient Yoga teachings of India.

Satyananda, a brother of the Self-Realization Fellowship, said, “He envisioned it as a place where people of all faiths, and no particular faith, can come to experience quietness of heart and mind, and feel like they are tuning in with our higher self.”

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Lake Shrine features a spring-fed lake, a Court of Religions, honoring the five principal world religions, a temple, meditation spaces, gardens and a Mahatma Gandhi Memorial containing a portion of the spiritual leader’s ashes.

“It’s like a paradise away from all of the noise,” said Liset Ramirez, a visitor and resident of Los Angeles. “It takes the hustle and bustle away and it makes you feel grounded.”

Lake Shrine is open to the public throughout the year. A reservation is required. For more information or to make a reservation, go to: www.lakeshrine.org.