Next >
< Previous
Meditation & Spiritual Self-Realization
A Couple Shares a Tranquil Moment
From its beginnings, San Diego's natural beauty always seemed to spark a quest for the spiritual side of life in people. It still does. On any given day, one can find a welcoming meditation center, an interesting lecture about cosmology, a course on quantum physics, or a gathering where philosophical discussions about the Universe and our place in it are taking place.
Following is a small sampling of the area's centers of spiritual quest:
Self-Realization Fellowship Temple and Ashram Center in Encinitas was established in 1937 by Paramahansa Yogananda, who introduced this centuries-old, monastic order to the West in the early 1930's. It is here that he wrote his Autobiography of a Yogi, widely regarded as a modern spiritual classic. The public is welcomed to the gardens and Self-Realization Temple for meditation, prayer and lectures services.
The Temple is located at 939 Second Street, Encinitas, CA 92024, and it is open daily, except Mondays, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. for meditation and prayer. Its Hermitage and Mediation Gardens are located at 215 "K" Street, Encinitas, CA 92024, and are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both are about a 25-minute drive north from San Diego. For information, including changes in visiting hours, call the Temple at (760) 436-7220; or the Hermitage and Gardens at (760) 753-2888.
The San Diego Kabbalah Center provides both free introductory classes and continuing courses in this ancient form of Jewish mysticism. The word "Kabbalah" is derived from the root "to receive, to accept" and in many cases is used synonymously with "tradition." Teachings consist of a large body of speculation on the nature of divinity, the creation, the origin and fate of the soul, and the role of human beings in the Universe and their relationship with each other and God. Regarded as an esoteric offshoot of Judaism, Kabbalah consists also of meditative, devotional, mystical and magical practices which, until recently, were taught only to a select few, although some aspects of it have been studied and used by non-Jews for several centuries.
The Kabbalah Centre of San Diego is located at 8895 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 101, San Diego CA 92122. For information, events and course schedules, call (858) 535-0447.
Exchanges of spiritual enlightenment between the cultures of America and the Far East are exemplified by the following two examples:
The Hanamatsuri Bazaar schedules seasonal events that
introduce guests to Japanese food, arts, drumming, Buddhism and demonstrations of cultural expression, in an effort to foster better understanding between the Japanese and American cultures. The Bazaar is located at the Vista Buddhist Temple and Community Center, 150B Cedar Road, Vista, CA 92083. Admission and parking are free. For information, call (760) 941-8800.
The Ohara School of Ikebana provides insight into the role beauty plays in spiritual development through the art of flower arrangements (Ikebana), bonsai tree cultivation and botanical demonstrations. The Ohara school meetis in Balboa Park's Casa del Prado and other locations. For information, call 619-276-4667. Admission and parking are free.
Next >
< Previous
Wholeness
