Meditation at the Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tucked neatly off of Hwy. 101 somewhat hidden behind towering palm trees and eye catching domed spires lies a garden paradise clinging to the cliffs over Swamis Beach. The meditation garden is a place where anyone can retreat into nature and find peace. It is a part of the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center in Encinitas, which was established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1937. It is here that he wrote “The Autobiography of a Yogi,” his classic work that first brought the word “yoga” to the West and was selected one of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Century. The Self-Realization Fellowship temple is also on the grounds, where you can learn more about the spiritual organization.
The garden is generally open on Sundays, 2-5 p.m., except in inclement weather. The meditation gardens, which include a small waterfall and koi pond, are open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Read previous Is That You God? posts
Tags: ashram, meditation, peace, SDNN, self realization, swami, yogi
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Comment by: Christian Wysoudil Posted: July 28, 2009, 4:46 am
Nothing can describe the inner joy I got when I visited this place in the past.
Disconnecting with the senses and connecting with a source of the unknown joy and happiness – this happend!
Checking out of the body and sense limitations and checking in in a sphere which is beyond that physical existence …….. No description possible with words ……
Christian Wysoudil
Austria
Comment by: Lakshminarayan Posted: July 30, 2009, 2:30 am
It is a great experience for humans to share the divine joy that the Master has taught his disciples to attain through his Kriya Yoga technique.
Comment by: Anne Bromley Posted: August 5, 2009, 10:37 am
The SRF Meditation Gardens are a beautiful gift to all who enter- a sanctuary of peace and tranquility in this turbulent world. I have come here feeling restless and departed with much greater calm. The peace and beauty are a healing salve.
I remember when my father first stepped foot inside the gate. He closed his eyes briefly, then looked at me and said, “Such peace! God surely lives here.” How succinct and how true!
Comment by: david Posted: October 20, 2009, 12:12 pm
You can’t imagine how wonderful this place is. I have been on retreat here and it is permeated with LOVE
Comment by: Jennifer Posted: October 21, 2009, 4:49 pm
This is a beautiful beautiful place. Even if you are not a follower of the yogi or a practitioner of meditation, you will find great joy and beauty in the gardens, the peace and the beautiful views. I often take friends from out of town here and they marvel at this hidden gem. It’s also a great place for inner reflection. Please visit, but if you bring your children, please teach them to be respectful of this special place. (was once here and interrupted by two boys yelling and throwing things at each other – let’s just say it ruined the vibe). Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe on Sundays the house at the end of the drive is also open to the public, and this is where the yogi lived and entertained dignitaries. I’ve been there once on a Sunday.
Comment by: Miss Lewis Posted: October 22, 2009, 6:08 pm
Dad thought everybody had a yogi in their family! lol….
Comment by: Pamela (Sydney - Australia.) Posted: October 25, 2009, 12:59 am
I travelled all the way from Sydney Australia, to the Self-Realization Convocation in Los Angeles. After – I was absolutely PRIVILEGED to have the opportunity to be able to stay at the Encinitas Retreat in August this year – it was truelly wonderful! Such a wonderful peaceful place for Meditation & Reflection – I will NEVER forget the Hunbleness & Sweetness with which the Nuns & Monks served us, as well I will never be able to thank them all enough for the permeating LOVE spread to ALL alike…… Aum Peace Amen …
Comment by: Valerie June Baldwin Posted: March 19, 2010, 8:51 pm
I just discovered your SRF website mentioned in the winter 2009 magazine, and have put my e-mail on the list. Watching the slides of convocation last August gave me such joy, I could imagine being there, it made me smile all the way through. Thank you for being on the computer, it is wonderful. Love, VJB
Comment by: Doris McDonald Posted: May 1, 2010, 6:23 pm
My Guru preceptor Paramahansa Yogananda
is truly pure love to all soul seekers
Through his teachings My family and I have truly been honored to learn and experience God-Realization. We are so very grateful for his knowledge and wisdom.
Comment by: Mr. Rigo Posted: June 6, 2010, 6:00 pm
The beauty and tranquility of the gardens are heaven on earth. One of the few places I experienced bliss and inner peace.
When people asked me to define meditation I always say that prayer is when we talk to God and meditation is when we listen to God.
Encinitas is truly blessed with the spiritual vibrations emanating from this jewel by the pacific ocean.
This is place to be quiet and to meditate upon God and get to know ourselves as souls incarnated on this blue planet we call earth. To enjoy these spiritual gifts we need to be receptive and mindful of others. Wishing love, wisdom joy and peace from within.