Critique Welcomed Self-Realization Retreat Gardens

[Chris Dodkin]

Ferns

Roots

Red Bloom

Alien Fern

All shots taken in the gardens of the Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas, CA - A lovely spot on the cliffs, overlooking one of the best surf breaks on the Californian coast (Swami's).

The golden domes of the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center on Highway 101 near Swami's Beach are an easy-to-spot Encinitas landmark.

Not as easy to find is the entrance to the meditation gardens on K Street, just west of 101.

Open to the public, the gardens feature winding walking paths lined with flowers that lead visitors through tranquil meditative areas bordered by trees and shrubs, many planted by Paramahansa Yogananda himself.

Benches are placed throughout the property for reading or meditating, including some with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Koi ponds are connected by waterfalls, but a small swimming pool used by Yogananda sits empty.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Sounds like my kind of place, and if it looks as beautiful as your photos, heavenly. Love the B&W and the dof in the third - beautiful.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Looks and sounds like a lovely place!
But only in america would they think that the idea behind the place needs spelling out in such a way as "self realisation gardens"
whilst your there do you get to use the "evacuate your bowls" toilets ... Don't forget to use the "cleanse your fingers" wash basin on the way out

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... ... Only in England would someone have such a cynical and sarcastic response to such a thing ...

 

[Chris Dodkin]

You old cynic Hamish!

Rob, it's quite the little retreat from the world - apart from the crazy guy with the Fuji photographing everything

I'll go again and get some shots of the temple building at the front - looks quite spectacular

 

[Pete Askew]

Nice again Chris, especially the B&W roots.