Get Your Zen On

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. For additional inspiration while on vacation, why not take in a spa treatment or two at one of San Diego's many spa locations?

Centers of Spiritual Quest

The Chopra Center for Wellbeing

The Chopra Center was first opened in 1996, in Carlsbad, California, to help people experience physical healing, emotional freedom and higher states of consciousness. For more than two decades, the Chopra Center for Wellbeing has served as a beautiful and nurturing place where people can come to heal their physical pain, find emotional freedom, empower themselves and connect to their inner spiritual life.

A typical week at the Chopra Center might consist of a wide variety of mind-body healing classes and programs. One of the most popular programs is the 10-day Perfect Health healing immersion. This is the only wellness program in the world that combines a renowned medical staff, the time-honored panchakarma detoxification process, and daily foundational teachings in meditation, yoga, and ayurveda.

Self-Realization Fellowship

Located in Encinitas, the Self-Realization Fellowship 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 Fellowship for meditation, prayer and lectures services.

The Fellowship includes the temple, auxiliary chapel, retreat and meditation gardens, which are spread out over several blocks in southern Encinitas; hours vary. It is about a 25-minute drive north from downtown San Diego.

Cultural Exchanges

Exchanges of spiritual enlightenment between the cultures of America and the Far East are exemplified by the following two examples:

Hanamatsuri Bazaar

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. Admission and parking are free.

Ohara School of Ikebana

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 meets in Balboa Park's Casa del Prado and other locations. Admission and parking are free.