Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine: Spiritual Oasis on Sunset Blvd

Feeling disconnected? Or maybe you’re just looking for some peace and quiet away from LA’s traffic snarls? If so, the Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine in the Pacific Palisades is the place for you.



This hidden oasis covers 10 acres, but it feels smaller and cozier to me. The centerpiece is a spring-fed lake, which looks like it could have been part of the Fantasy Island TV series set.



Try to spot the turtles, ducks, swans, and huge koi fish. While the swans may appear serene, don’t mess with them at feeding time. We saw them double-team the volunteer bringing them food and rip his gloves off.



Surrounding the lake are hillsides covered in trees and colorful flowers. But the place is more than just a nature reserve. It’s also a spiritual sanctuary. It’s not uncommon to see people parked on benches with their eyes closed and their palms lying open on their laps. To some, this might sound freaky, but I just enjoyed watching them meditate and felt like some of their calmness was passed on to me.



Paramahansa Yogananda (I dare you to say that name three times fast after a few drinks!) founded the shrine in 1950 and believed all major religions share the same core truths. As a result, the shrine tries to honor the world’s 5 major religions and incorporates aspects of some. In addition to a Buddha statue nestled amongst the hillside flowers, there are plaques honoring the world’s 5 major religions near the entrance.



If you’re interested in finding out more about the swami/founder Yogananda, check out the museum on your way out. If you need some quiet inside time, head to the Windmill Chapel where you can hear a pin drop if you’re not in your meditation zone.

Last but not least, a portion of Gandhi’s ashes has been stored here. So if you’re trying to get inspired to nonviolently resist your obnoxious coworker’s snarky daily comments, set yourself down on the Gandhi Lawn for a spell.

Admission and parking are free, but donations are encouraged. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine
17190 Sunset Blvd
Pacific Palisades, CA
90272
310-454-4114

Bergamot Station: “Strange New World” of Art

LA gets a bad rap for being all mindless fun with no substance. But there are quite a few cultural activities worth checking out in La La Land, including Bergamot Station.


Nestled deep in Santa Monica, away from the tourist scene by the pier, lies a complex of art galleries masquerading as industrial buildings. Opened in 1994, the complex hosts a café, numerous private galleries, the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMOA), and even a beauty salon.


Hands down, the museum was my favorite stop. Glimpsing the spider-printed ceramic ware, the bright red roasted pepper cans, and the Jesus boxes as I sauntered in made me skeptical about forking over the $5 suggested donation. (While some places have a “suggested donation” that’s actually mandatory, here they mean it when they say suggested donation. So just give what you can.)

But in the end, I felt SMMOA was worth my $5. Unlike the typical museum, it’s small, interactive, and showcases relatively unknown artists. There’s no permanent collection, and exhibits are regularly rotated. I was lucky enough to catch “Strange New World: Art & Design from Tijuana,” on now through April 7.

Amongst the exhibit’s 50 or so works are portraits, paintings, videos, a photo collage, and my personal favorite – a muffler sculpture. That’s right, a sculpture made of old car mufflers. Apparently, roadside sculptures called monos mofle (muffler men), made of used car parts, are all the rage in the Mexican border area. Pretty darn creative!


After my hour-long visit to the museum, I stopped in at the Gallery of Functional Art across the way. One can’t miss item is the ukulele that has a small video screen featuring a strange couple in Hawaiian dress as Israel Kamakawiwo'ole’s "Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World” plays in the background. I’m not sure how this could be considered “functional art”, but it’s certainly avant-garde.

If you have the time, check out the William Turner Gallery that is currently featuring artist Jeanine Breaker’s works. This is the kind of place I imagine when I think of a modern art gallery. With only a dozen pieces, the gallery feels huge with its high ceilings, white walls, and polished concrete floor.

Try to spot Breaker’s characteristic tiny figure performing a circus act amidst what appears to be burning trees or a snowy landscape, depending on the work. I’m not going to try to describe them in any more depth here because I don’t want to take the “picture is worth a 1000 words” saying too literally.


To get the most out of your visit, skip Sunday or Monday since the museum and many of the galleries are closed these days. And if you’re hankering for a sandwich or salad after all this art appreciation, try the Bergamot Café where you’ll find ubiquitous outdoor seating.

Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Getting There:

• Head toward Santa Monica on the 10 Freeway
• Turn off at the Cloverfield Exit