An Oasis of Peace Survives the Palisades Fires
After learning last night that Elvis Presley used to visit Paramahansa Yogananda’s Pacific Palisades sanctuary and retreat for his own peace and spiritual experience, I wondered if it survived the fires. When living in SoCal, I visited Yogananda’s retreat in Encinitas frequently, and as a student of SRF teachings, I was particularly concerned.
I was relieved to find out that it did not burn, the main buildings, museum and gardens all survived the fire. The question was, did EVERYTHING survive?
What was damaged?
- A visitors restroom, maintenance shed, and neighboring apartments were damaged
- A large tree was lost, and some small vegetation was damaged
What survived?
The Lake Shrine Temple and Retreat buildings
- The museum, which houses artifacts from Paramahansa Yogananda’s life
- The swans and fish that live at the lake
- The meditation gardens
About the SRF Lake Shrine
- The SRF Lake Shrine is a sacred pilgrimage site that was established 75 years ago by Paramahansa Yogananda
- The 10-acre property is a sanctuary for people of all faiths
- The property includes a historic houseboat, shingled windmill, and a Chinese sarcophagus containing some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes
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Featured snippet from the web
But the Shrine’s main buildings, museum and gardens did not burn. “The Lake Shrine Temple and Retreat buildings are completely undamaged,” reported the shrine’s website this week. “With regard to the meditation gardens surrounding the lake, there has been no major loss to the beautiful landscaping.
