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!)

A peaceful oasis in the Historic Adams District. It used to be free, then COVID had to go and ruin…read morethat. But still, at $6.00pp it's very affordable. Plan at least an hour or two to wander around. As indicated by the name, it's very peaceful and there is a labyrinth to walk. Enjoy the gardens and water features as you marvel at this blissful hideaway in the middle of Los Angeles.

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.

I had attempted to go to an in person class here a while back but street parking was difficult to…read morefind so I ended up driving away. When I looked at the class schedule online I noticed they have live digital classes. Awesome! Now, I was so happy I could do my meditation class at home and not have to worry about parking or traffic. For me, this was the perfect situation! I chose the Miracle Meditation class. I emailed the front desk and they signed me up. Super easy. The class was a half hour long. I was e-mailed the Zoom link 15 minutes before class. Super easy. No technical issues. When I logged on I was relieved that they had already turned off my camera and microphone so I didn't have to worry about doing that. The class started right on time. Shayna was the teacher. She was very calming. We started with some breathing exercises and then did a meditation on the crescent moon and the rising sun. The class was relaxing and a nice way to start my morning. If you don't live close or you are a busy person like me I suggest trying out the digital classes at Unplug Meditation. It will ground you, improve your mental health, and increase your focus.

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 had an amazing experience booking a TM class as a birthday gift for my boyfriend. Not knowing a…read morelot about TM, and this all happening in the middle of pandemic, I had a million questions. They answered all of my many questions promptly, graciously, and kindly. When it came time to book the actual class and my boyfriend had his own questions, they responded to him with the same level of attention and kindness. I don't know a lot about TM, but I do know that the high cost can be controversial considering it's "non-profit" - but the fact that the cost is based on your salary and that it is an honor-based system makes me trust the process more (trust begets trust). They have special grants for people receiving federal assistance and then a sliding scale from $500 to $960 based on your income. They have decreased their class size and implemented COVID-19 procedures for the pandemic, which currently means up to 8 people per class. The course runs 4 consecutive days, the first one being one-on-one for about an hour followed by three days of group classes. They have two sets of courses during the week, one in the first half and one in the second half (overlapping with a weekend). They also offer free introductory sessions twice a week (currently Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings). I never at any point felt any pressure to purchase the course - they just invited me to come to an introductory session and learn more about it before committing. My boyfriend had done a lot of internet research and tried TM on his own for several months but never felt like he was doing it quite right. The way that he put it is this: it's actually quite simple, but in its simplicity is the challenge of learning and doing it properly. There are small nuances which are the difference between doing it right and doing it wrong, and those nuances are hard to discover on your own. He says that it's totally different after doing the course, and that just a few days later he feels more energized and overall just "better". I highly recommend the center at Los Feliz for anyone looking to learn TM!

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.

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

Farnaz and Kristin are gifted in what they do. If you've never tried sound baths, I would…read morerecommend White Light Sounds for your first sound bath experience. It'll make you want to do it again and again. Greg Horeczko

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.

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine gets a well-deserved 5-star review from me!…read more I came here on a Sunday afternoon to visit and check out the property for the very first time. I seriously can't believe I've never been here before! Just a quick tip for anyone planning a visit: you do have to make a reservation online beforehand because they strictly manage crowd control. While they host a service on Sunday mornings, we couldn't make that time work, so we booked an afternoon slot instead. Parking is free in their lot, but it can get really busy, so give yourself a few minutes. The grounds are absolutely stunning! The lake, all of the lush plants, and the unique buildings make it feel like you've completely left Southern California and entered another world. Everything is so calm, peaceful, and serene, and I instantly felt a profound sense of inner peace the moment I stepped onto the property. They also run various programs and group meditation sessions in the chapel. We were fortunate enough to attend one of the meditation sessions during our visit, and it was deeply moving and very beautiful. Overall, it was such a wonderful experience and a truly restorative way to spend an afternoon. I will definitely be back!

It is with great gratitude and respect that I write this review of Lake Shrine because I found it…read moreto be the best free experience that the Los Angeles Basin has to offer and this is not an exaggeration, nor is commentary sponsored by ad funds. I am feeling pure and substantial admiration and thus I will try to convey it on to page in hopes of celebrating the gift of serenity this place offered me without asking for anything in return, from me. The serenity that this place induced within me, so quickly and firmly, was so strong that I dared to think of scenarios that would challenge it. Meaning I was so in peace in the Lake Shrine grounds, that I wondered what would disturb this seemingly unshakable peace? And my mind went to a dark place. I will eventually know the heart-woe of being an orphan and I wondered if my biggest grief would be lessened in this environment. I know that this was a quirky maybe even macabre way of describing the grandiose peace of this place but I wanted to be honest to the experience because the serenity offered by this place was extreme and unique because I had never felt something quite like it. Thus the question becomes: How did this place achieve this new sense of peace/serenity within me? First, the ground themselves were tranquility in soft, barely moving stillness. As soon as I was walking down the 100 or so steps to get to the bottom of this sunlit, open-air cathedral I felt the calming colors of nature all around me, plus the absence of city sounds. Like the freeway was near the Shrine. And I could hear it. But the traffic was not a reminder of a city near, it was more like rumors of cities that were somewhere in the horizon but not near because the stress of these distant cities and their bills and heinous crime did not belong amongst the quietly pulsating, encompassing peace. As I walked the grounds, I saw koi fish and a swan swimming amongst its central lake that was clear as I hoped my mind would be while engaging in the meditative practices that this placed offer. In fact, in one of the videos I clipped I followed a white koi with my video camera. As it swam in the water that was not hit by sunlight the fish was white. As it continued to swim to the part of the lake that had water hit by sun, the koi fish turned a little bit green, like a turqouise shade. And I thought about why the fish would turn green, just slighthly? And that is is where I understood that the clear blue water and the yellow sunlight came together to make green. In fact, the play of light across the grounds was one of the reasons why I loved! this place. I took a picture of a tree drenched with sunlight. But to my eye, the tree did not get covered with sunlight, it was more adorned in sunlight. Like the green was present and the yellow light was present, but they did not become one, it was like the skin of a female was covered in golden lace. Take these moments and add the duo of mingling butterflies I spotted, the small but mighty waterfall, and all of the majestic roses around I feel great comfort in describing this place an Eden of curated nature. I was also fortunate enough to arrive at a time where I could wait an hour and attend one of their guided meditations, inside a windmill. And this was an experience that made me feel the power of meditation in full scope. At the end, the guide, asked all of us to say om three times. The first time I joined, the second time I did too, but in the third om I remained quiet. I heard the symphony of om's around me and together they made music that verberated within my skin. I did not feel goosebumps, instead I felt my skin shimmer with waves that come an in-rest mind. The meditation focused on feeling love from the heart and have it encompass us, our neighbors, our family, and all people who claim the world their earth. The words of the guide, the peace of the spot, the sounds that could not be heard but felt, made me feel like I was pulsating with love vibes that were being transmitted from me to all in golden, circular vibes. Like I said when I first started to write this Yelp, I am not exaggerating, those images and feelings came to my mind. What I fear is that I will visit this place a second time and not feel the wonders of my first visit. I mean that is a common situation, people will never feel the same pleasure they first felt, when they heard their favorite song. I asked a working gardener if he ever lost the love for the wondrous garden surrounding him. He said never. I hope he was right. I don't plan to go hear regularly, but enough for the peace to feel needed and true. I also took a tour of the garden with another guide. She described the lotus frame next to the lake as a "wallless temple" which made a lot of sense. I was at a pier not too long ago after my visit. And I was at the pier's edge facing the water and I realized this was also a wallless temple. I hope this Yelp is a peace pulse, too!

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.

My son and I visited on Sunday for open meditation. It was our first time at the center and…read morepracticing meditation. Renee gave us private instruction before we joined the group. Renee is a fantastic teacher. We loved the experience and will be back. I've been practicing at home for five minute segments each day and I'm feeling more present in my life. Yay! Cheryl

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.

This is the kind of place that makes you want to stay and simply enjoy every single minute. Thank…read moreyou so much for the wonderful service!

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!