SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation required)

Category: Meditation center

Address: 17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA

Phone: +13104544114

Opening hours

Sunday: 1–4:30PM

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 10AM–4:30PM

Friday: 10AM–4:30PM

Saturday: 10AM–4:30PM

Reviews

PeterSu Copley

Jun 15, 2022

This is one of the holiest sites on the west coast. It appeals to sacred and secular alike. The general public will enjoy the gardens, historic buildings, and pond full of Koi, swans and turtles. Spiritual seekers will enjoy the sacred vibration humming from every nook and cranny. Paramhansa Yogananda not only walked these grounds, he also swam in the pond, infusing his spirit into the entire property. Mahatma Ghandi's ashes (some, not all) are in an ancient Chinese crypt in one corner of the gardens. There are numerous meditation benches throughout the property for those so inclined, and there are altars honoring the 5 major religions (Jewish, Islam, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist). The windmill chapel is also open for public meditation daily. This is where Yogananda chanted for hours the evening before his death. I visit this pilgrimage site at least once a year. I strongly recommend a visit regardless of your spiritual inclination.

Rob Smith

Mar 4, 2022

What an amazing place. I'm totally non-religious but it's just relaxing for anyone to get their own space and take their own time in an incredibly tranquil setting. There's no pushing of any ideologies, but incredibly friendly staff for anything you might need. I think i was simly fortunate to go on the most beautiful morning. I was more than happy to make a donation to its upkeep (again, not pushed) with free entry (though reservations are required). Just be wary that while swans might look majestic on the lake, they can be mean!

Ruby C Wight

Feb 2, 2022

If you are looking for a quiet place to simply enjoy tranquility, serenity, peace of mind and the power of the moment, this is the place to go. I often come here as my place of refuge in times of stress or when I simply just want to meditate.

geo79 amg

Jan 18, 2022

This place is beautiful. It's a perfect place to come get away from work, and the crazy city traffic. It's quiet and so peaceful here I recommend coming here for meditation. Please respect the rules of the grounds.

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Questions & Answers

Are you allowed to picnic here? (Would it be disrespectful to do so?)

Judy Boiii | Sep 1, 2021
patricia cato-young | Sep 1, 2021

No. Not so much disrespectful. But, as a place of meditation and reflection, it wouldn't feel right. Remember, you're still at a church- the lake is just the outdoor sanctuary. That being said, the Lake Shrine is still very much worth the visit. Namaste🙏🏽

Are dogs allowed al lake shrine ?

custodian file | May 4, 2022
SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation required) | May 4, 2022

Only ADA trained dogs are allowed.

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I would like to know if the SRF center in Pacific Palisades is conducting regular group meditations now that all covid restrictions are thankfully lifted, OR SRF is planning to keep the meditation practices zoom in perpetuity!

ken behzadi | Apr 4, 2022
SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation required) | Apr 4, 2022

Hello Ken, There aren’t currently in-person meditations, but there are plans to resume them. Please continue to check our website for the latest information. In-person services have resumed on Sunday mornings at 11 AM. No reservations required.

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Is it a pet friendly place?

varaz aratoonian | Oct 6, 2021
SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation required) | Oct 6, 2021

ADA trained service animals only. No pets or therapy animals

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I'm interested as to the reason that Google has named the lake "Santa Ynez lake" rather than "Lake Shrine" on their Google Maps. Is this the name Yogananda wished?

Laurette Looney | Sep 1, 2021
SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation required) | Sep 1, 2021

The colorful history of the Lake Shrine began almost a century ago. In the early 1920s, the then-famous Inceville Motion Picture studio filmed silent movies on this site in Santa Ynez Canyon. Los Angeles real-estate magnate Alphonzo Bell Sr. later purchased the land, and in 1927 the surrounding hillsides were hydraulically graded to fill the canyon and make it level for future development. However, these earthmoving activities were halted prematurely, leaving a large basin that quickly filled with water from the many springs in the area, creating lake Santa Ynez. https://lakeshrine.org/about-lake-shrine/history/

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how do I visit these days? Thursday at noon

Bernard Bubman | Sep 1, 2021
Marie Richardson | Sep 1, 2021

You have to make a reservation (free) on their website (which takes you to eventbrite I believe). Reservations open at 10am for the week ahead on Saturdays. Slots fill up super fast, I'm sure everything is already booked for this week. I set my alarm for 10am the Saturday before I want to go so I can get a slot.

Is it open with all the restrictions due to Covid?

A Google User | Sep 1, 2021
Marcillino Abdelmalak | Sep 1, 2021

Yes, but you have to book an appointment before going

Is it open during corona

Celeste Belen | Sep 1, 2021
Sally P. | Sep 1, 2021

Yes, Lake Shrine is open during corona virus times. Just need to wear a mask at all time at the lake and you must go clockwise when walking the lake. It is so beautiful and such a serene location. A gem in LA. However, the temple is not open.

Are they open tomorrow?

Feliks Shostak | Sep 1, 2020
John Aldinger | Sep 1, 2020

Yes. Temple Service at 9:00-10:00. Then again at 11:00-12:00. Lake opens at 12 noon.

Why does Google call this a Hindu Temple when its actually a "Church of all Religions"

Carol Anderson | Sep 1, 2020
John Aldinger | Sep 1, 2020

It needs to be changed. I suggested an edit a few days ago, but it hasn't taken effect yet. You could do the same, maybe that would give it more weight.

Sun service time?

Marla Adams | Sep 2, 2018
Oz Nieto (Oz) | Sep 2, 2018

I suggest you to check their website for specific details, normally, services on Sunday are at 9 and 11 am, enjoy, its a beautiful, peaceful and lovely place.

Are there people buried at the shrine?

Brad Barthold | Sep 2, 2018
David Reid | Sep 2, 2018

No its lakeshrine it's a holy place read AutoBiography Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda

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Do you sell books like "the Lost Year of Jesus" and The Birth of Yogi?

A Google User | Sep 2, 2018
Sondra YeVette | Sep 2, 2018

They have a beautiful bookstore and gift shop that is open everyday but Monday. Check their website for hours and phone # and you can call ahead to see if they have the book(s) you are looking for. The grounds are so pretty and peaceful that after spending a little time there you may feel like you had a mini vacation or at least more relaxed.Some people do days of silence there since they also have a retreat center on the grounds. There is a certain level of study that one completes to be able to participate in the retreats.In my opinion the Center is a restorative oasis in the city. Enjoy.

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Hi dear, I have a question? Which Wednesday night is meeting in temple? Please let me know

Maryam tavakoli | Sep 2, 2018
Deneen Johnson | Sep 2, 2018

I've only enjoyed the grounds.... tranquil retreat for Solitude and relaxation

Good afternoon, I'm just wondering if digital cameras are allowed for personal use?

Ivan Hernandez | Sep 2, 2018
Surender Dhiman | Sep 2, 2018

Yes

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