Wow!!! This place is absolutely amazing. This review has been long overdue. My hubby and I visited…read morethis place last Oct. 25th and we had the Transformative Trio package. We truly felt rejuvenated/recharged. The place is clean and we love its aesthetic harmony. Its ambience is reflective of the services they provide-- truly soothing and relaxing. Good place to decompress. Sam was also very helpful and courteous. She was attentive to our needs. Would definitely come back!

Holy moly this place is great! I absolutely love coming here. Yesterday was our second time there…read moreand we made sure to take advantage of their special deal -- the meditation pod, lounger and tune table for $75. Wowzers! Everyone needs this in their life! You get to pick which type of meditation you want for each (guided, not-guided, inward, outward, etc) -- I opted for ASCEND and VITALITY this time, both guided meditations and they were phenomenal. The staff are so friendly and kind. We also got to meet Jane who was just wrapping up her sound bath with tuning forks who went above and beyond to chat with us and not only show us her whole setup, but thoroughly explain how each bowl, fork etc effects the body and aura. We will 100% be coming back for her sound baths!!! Huge fans now! I cannot recommend TBR highly enough. Everyone needs an experience like this in their lives. The world will be a better place if we all went there! (Pics of the pod and lounger included. Couldn't photograph the tune bed because it was in use, lol!)

I've wanted to go here for a very long time and since it was so nice over the weekend, we finally…read moreremembered and went. It used to be free but it's $6 per person and you have to park on the street, but no big deal here . . . yet. Our group of 3 walks up along with another person and we try to check in with 2 men at a table. One older gray haired man tells us the tour already started. I'm completely confused and look at my watch, and say, "it's only 3 minutes after the start time." Then he says, "We were looking for you!" I said, "Well, you weren't looking very hard because here we all are checking in at the start of the tour." After he checks us in, I ask if we can sprint to catch up to the tour and he says yes. I lean into the doorway and see the rest of the tour - 4 other women right there. So half the tour was 3 minutes "late" and they decided to start, weird but moving on. The woman leading the tour was really quite lovely and I wasn't expecting the house to be so amazing since I was focused on the garden part but I really loved learning about the house and original inhabitants. We are asked several times if we want to join the meditation but I'm getting culty vibes and we keep politely declining. Once we are outside, we are asked again if we would like to join the meditation and now the gray haired man is with us again and I said, "No, we really just wanted to see the gardens." At this point he says, "Oh the gardens are closed." I'm completely confused again and said, "What? But that's why we came-- to see the gardens & labyrinth." He then says, "Oh! well the labyrinth is open but the gardens are closed." At this point I think they asked us to join the meditation again. I asked when they expected them to be opened and the response was June of this year, maybe because there have been a lot of delays. Again, weird, but okay we just want to walk the labyrinth. There were a couple of other women walking it and then our group of three joined too. I'm halfway thru it and I look up and see the gray haired man STARING at us - which included 3 preteens/teens in halter tops posing and taking pix - and I was so incredibly creeped out. I had no idea what to do, cross the labyrinth? ask him what he is staring at? I came to this place to ground and do something calming and now I have a man staring at me and other women but since everyone else was looking down or at their phone, they didn't notice so I didn't want to disrupt THEIR experience. Eventually he went away, to join the meditation I guess. We finished the labyrinth and left. It was only $6 but since it didn't mention the gardens were closed on the website or ticket, I am asking for a refund. Would I go again when the gardens are open? Yes. Would I recommend to others? Yes. Would I advise against it as a single woman? Also yes. I will update if they refund us or not.

A spiritual center and meditation garden in Jefferson Park, it's off the beaten path for many…read moretourist things in Los Angeles but convenient if doing something around USC. It's hard to miss when driving but if you have a reservation you can park in their lot. Visiting days are Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and you have to pre-book. The entrance ticket includes a short tour showing part of the downstairs house and after guests can walk around the meditation garden with the Labyrinth. I thought it was peaceful and calm, it was like a very small version of Self-Realization as there were grassy areas and benches to sit and relax and meditate. I appreciated the fountains because the sound of running water is so calming.

The Vibe: You stay in the room, but everything moves. (This…read moreis the new theater. And yeah, it's your show.) The Space: There's a clear progression. Entry: A natural, open atrium Walk-in: Clean, gallery-like Meditation Room: Darker, softer, low to the ground. It mirrors the journey you're about to take. The Classes - Camila's Breathwork & Sound Bath: The container opened with a theme: Prune the plant. Remove what's dead so what's alive can expand. Breathwork: Open-mouth breath pattern. Belly chest (inhale, inhale) Exhale In Sync. Rhythmic. Effective. At some point, the music carried the message: You don't wait for life to change to feel better. You shift first. What you choose internally is what gets reflected back to you. (https://youtu.be/2GzFRyZxIkY?si=OwRNUXb_GPzBCMLH) Then Ruthie's Time Travel Meditation: We started with a slow body relaxation...feet to crown, and somewhere along the way...you disappear (ahhhh, yaaaaaaas!). Blissed out. The only thing that really stayed was the question: "What truly matters to you?" And the answer didn't come as thinking. It came as knowing. The Container: Both instructors clearly explained what to expect. Which translates to: Safety. Relaxation. Letting go. Feeling. Practical Notes: Wear something you can fully relax in (you're lying down most of the time) Expect emotional + physical release (it's not just "relaxing") Great if you're feeling full, overwhelmed, or in transition This is more inner work than "class" Bring a journal and markers for insight! Water Station (a must!) Free street parking and/or metered parking Wisdom: Clarity isn't found. It's what's left when you let go.

I quite like the vibe of this place and really enjoy a few of their classes. Their staff is super…read morenice. Unfortunately; though; I have to give this studio a lower rating due to 1. Their lack of cleanliness- it seems that their cleaning crew consistently forgets to sweep/vacuum/ wash the floors. The corners are filled with dust and hair. This has been brought up to management in the past yet not properly addressed. May I suggest that the staff mop the floors before the first class of the day to ensure that dust and hair are not an issue? 2. The lack of cultural sensitivity: yoga/mediation are ancient traditions that require not only cleanliness where one practices but also no shoes inside the studio. As most of us are appreciating and borrowing from elsewhere these ancient traditions, we also have a responsibility to honor them by adhering to their cultural context. Unfortunately, the studio consistently allows a few patrons and even instructors to wear their dirty shoes inside the studio and allow people to walk on others' mats. This is unacceptable and culturally insensitive as feet and shoes are considered dirty by the global majority and of course in India. 3. I would like to suggest a vocal sound bath class since their range of sound bath classes is limited. 4. They pack the yoga classes to the max. Patrons are packed like little sardines. I often have someone's feet within inches of my face. Or not enough space to spread my tiny arms (I am a shortie). I can't even tell you how many times I have had to ensure the smell of my neighbor's morning breath. Not the best situation. 5. Value; comparable if not better. Their monthly rate is great if you take classes more than twice a week. However, the most popular classes sell out weeks in advance. Perhaps they may consider having more than 1 yoga class per day.

They forgot to let me in on my first zoom. I'll try again but how unzen. I felt unseen and sad…read more Exactly why I need meditation.

Amazing teaching. TM has changed my life would highly recommend it. And this is the place to do it…read more! Monica was an amazing kind accepting instructor and answered all questions. She guides you through the learning and is always present.

Perfect for meditation. I have progressed so much. Very…read moresmall only 12 seats. Hours are posted on their website. No cost but donations can be made. Street parking is almost non existant. 204/754 takes you there on bus. The monk is very welcoming. Ask for Rain and Leo :). Dhamma talks every Sunday at 11am!

Peaceful , friendly , welcoming , insightful! I look…read moreforward to every experience there. Full of friendly faces and calm environment, the monks and partners there will answer all of your questions truthfully and to the best of their knowledge . They may also say "I don't know" and suggest options to discover the answer, and I love that about this Religion. Please wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders , there is no payment but donations are welcomed. Oh check out the back yard ! Bodhi Tree which is from the sapling of a Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka . There are also books you can take with you that have Buddhist teachings. Everytime I attend (weekly now) I leave feeling a step closer to the most vibrant and clear self I can be

The location of the studio is great, there is plenty of free parking and I received a warm welcome…read morefrom the host. The studio is clean and well laid out, and the lighting was set perfectly. The Sound bath meditation was wonderful. An hour long session, including bowls and recorded ocean sounds, with a brief intro. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely go again.

The most complete and immersive sound bath experience ever!!! Erika and Nico are accessible and…read moreinviting. Their space feels safe and comfortable. With a multitude of instruments and 2 musicians playing throughout, the sound experience is powerful and healing.

SRF Lake Shrine is a beautiful and deeply peaceful place to visit. Admission is free, but a…read morereservation is required in advance. The shrine honors many spiritual paths, with plaques and iconography representing different faiths, creating a sense of unity and respect. The lake is filled with huge koi fish, turtles, ducks, and swans, and the surrounding grounds are full of lush trees and colorful flowers. There are many lovely benches where you can sit, meditate, and simply enjoy the serene views. Being here feels incredibly calming and cleansing for the soul. Visitors can meditate inside the houseboat, which adds a very special and intimate experience. If you are spiritually sensitive or simply looking for a quiet, reflective place, this is highly recommended. There are restrooms on site, a small gift shop with items from India, and a small museum sharing the history of the shrine and the fellowship. The area itself is not large -- you can walk around the lake in about 15 minutes -- but it's a place meant to be experienced slowly, with time to pause and truly take it all in. We're already looking forward to our next visit.

Peaceful beautiful place to walk. I would say to wear closed toed shoes because I had sandals on…read moreand I got a splinter in my toe! You can bring water but no food or snacks allowed. There are 2 places to park. I parked on the upper level and had to walk down 102 steps, I was fine but if you can't walk that many steps, there is a lower parking lot near their main sign/gate.. No steps if you park there. I loved the grounds, waterfall and swans, and ducks you can feed. I've been to the self-realization center in Encinitas also which is overlooking the ocean. My favorite! Both are peaceful.

Learning how to meditate from Light was deightful. I had never before meditated in my life but I…read morewas looking for a teacher who really understood the concept and could show me a path towards consistent meditation that will help me achieve the inner peace and calmness I desired. I found all of this in Light. He provides his guidance over 4 consecutive days in 2hr lessons and I really felt after the classes that I had learned not only the fundamentals behind Vedic meditation but why it has such a positive impact in one's life and what to expect initially as a beginner meditator. I came out of the classes eager to meditate twice a day and I have not only consistently done it, but I look forward to my meditation sessions. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to meditate on their own and be able to understand meditation and its benefits.

If you are having thoughts about wanting to learn to meditate from Light take the LEAP and do it! I…read morepromise you will never regret it. Light makes the mystical journey of mediation so simple and easy to learn. I can say with out hesitation you will learn to meditate and it will change the way you look at the world. I learned 3 months ago and have been mediating 2x a day for 20 minutes ever since. I have had many friends compliment me recently on how calm and relaxed I am and also how great my energy is! Mediation works and Light is an amazing teacher.

CLOSED -- I received this, via email, in response to my query below:…read more Is this location closing permanently, as I've seen reported? If so, when and why? Shambhala L. of Shambhala Meditation Center - Los Angeles Business Owner Hi, We have closed all our locations in Los Angeles but continue to meet online. All programs and classes are currently held online via zoom. We will be sending updates periodically via email. If you would like to be on our mailing list, please sign up here: https://la.shambhala.org/sign-up/ Check our monthly calendar for updated information on online meditation programs and activities: https://la.shambhala.org/monthly-calendar/ We hope to open another location in the future! Los Angeles Shambhala I wonder how much the recent and ongoing controversies surrounding Shambhala had an impact on the organization, as well as the obvious pandemic issues.

Good morning, Los Angeles! I thought I'd write an update with more detail for people who have…read morenever been here before. The Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles is part of an international community of meditators founded in the 70s by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and now headed by his son, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Shambhala is dedicated to the practices of sitting meditation and "meditation in action", incorporating dharma arts and other contemplative disciplines with the view of creating enlightened society. Shambhala offers many opportunities for people new to meditation to sit with an instructor one-to-one or with a group of fellow newbies. If you're new to the practice and you'd like individual instruction, I suggest coming on Sunday morning anytime between 9:00 AM and noon. (The closer to 9:00 AM, the better.) You can receive brief instruction in sitting and walking meditation and then join the group for all or part of the group practice. Public group practice also happens on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and you can receive individual instruction at that time as well. If you'd prefer to meet other beginners and learn to meditate in a group setting, you can come to the monthly "Learn to Meditate" night, the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Other Thursday night programs focus on teachings by Pema Chodron, noted Shambhala Buddhist teacher, author and practitioner, or introductory dharma talks from senior students of Shambhala. If the initial instruction sparks interest and you want to go deeper, Shambhala is a feast of teachings. They offer a number of weekend and evening programs in meditation and contemplative arts such as flower arranging, archery, writing...there is something for everybody here. The Shambhala Training program is a particularly potent path of meditation study and practice, done over a series of weekends. It's not necessary (or even an advantage) to be a Buddhist in order to learn to meditate...Shambhala welcomes all.

Let me start off by saying I did not come here myself, rather I was planning a birthday party for…read moremy wife to have a relaxing day with a few close friends as a break from the chaos of our 3 little ones. I researched several spas, reached out to a couple, but Jana with Lotus Home was by far the most communicative. She responded to my emails with questions quickly. she took care of all the planning since decor is not my strong suit, and I didn't want my wife to have to think about anything. Jana put together a schedule where everyone got their treatments at the same times, so they were able to also relax and enjoy the facility together. When the car dropped my wife and her friends back off at my house, you could see how relaxed all of them were, just in their faces and bodies. I've heard from them all that the service and experience was next level and they will all go back when they want some pampering. Most importantly, the wife LOVED it, the service and attention was top notch. The treatments were calming, the food was plentiful, and the beverages were perfect. The Decorations were above and beyond and her friends have told her we need a floating fruit try for our hot tub at home now. I would 110% recommend this place, especially if you're looking for a private and relaxing event for a spouse or yourself. the cost is more than reasonable for what you're getting. They will plan everything for you, or will happily work with you if you want to plan it too. Thanks Jana, you made 40 my wife's best birthday yet.

Peace and tranquility on earth. I surprised my honey with a spa day and what an absolute treat it…read morewas. From the jump, Jana greeted us with genuine warmth. I made some last minute add-ons to the initial order and Lotus home was incredibly accomodating. Jana and her team work tirelessly to ensure a most zen and pampering experience. Couples massage: Jen and Jade were beyond professional and relatable. They first sat us down and asked if we'd had massages before, if there were any spots they should avoid or focus on. We had an actual conversation prior to the treatment and their delivery was spot on. I so appreciate how Jen and Jade allowed us to enjoy our massage in silence. And every so often, when I had a comment, they chimed in and laughed with my honey and I! Then back to silent enjoyment. Through the entire massage, I felt they were very present, engaging, professional, and kind. Couples facial: Amanda and Tamara were so knowledgeable and skilled in their craft! Every question that my sweetheart and I had regarding skincare, Amanda and Tamara answered. Personally, it can be a jarring experience for me, having someone work so closely to my face. But Tamara's energy was inviting and safe and she was so gentle! After the facial, Amanda and Tamara checked in with how my sweetheart and I were feeling and gave us privacy to slowly get ready for our next experience. Pool/Hot tub: Is there truly a better way to end the day than to soak in a hot tub with palm trees and cabanas? I think not. Part of the deal was a beverage tray and floating food tray. First, Jana knew that my sweetheart and I don't drink alcohol, so Jana prepared non-alcoholic champagne! This was a special treat for us, as normally, we simply deny the alcohol and swallow the cost (that's already included in the deal). It was incredibly thoughtful of Jana to have something else prepared for us to enjoy. Along with the non-alcoholic champagne, she prepared clarifying mint tea, coffee, and sparkling mineral water. So refreshing as we floated in bliss. Then came the food tray. Oh. My. Droooooool. Tiramisu birthday cake, the biggest raspberry macaron, a quarter pineapple artfully displayed in the shell, crisp green grapes, literally the best turkey/bacon sandwich, and a delectable grilled chicken salad. Y'all, literally every single bite was top-tier. To top off the surprise, turns out Jana is the masterchef behind this amazing spread! Everything she does is done with intention and the client's experience in mind. I was simultaneously blown away and deep in serenity. 10 out of 10 would recommend!