One of my favorite places in North County San Diego are the Mediation Gardens in Encinitas, located at the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat & Hermitage. These gardens were created under the direction of Paramahansa Yogananda, spiritual leader, humanitarian and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.
On a sunny Saturday, such as the day I took these photos, I found the gardens full of families and couples. On week days, it is not uncommon to find people silently mediating on stone benches in lovely secluded corners or over-looking the ocean on the cliffs. During these times, other visitors tend to naturally flow through the gardens in silence and harmony with those meditating.
The gardens are lush and filled with indigenous plants, trees and flowering succulents. Several sparkling ponds, fed by small waterfalls, filled with vibrant fish can be found within the gardens. There are mediation stones next to the ponds to sit on or benches under the trees if you want to rest, listen to the water and watch the fish under the lily pads.
It is a photographer's paradise with the sweeping cliff side vistas of the Pacific Ocean and pristine surf breaks. It is also an ideal location to sit with a loved one or share the wonder of Southern California with a visitor.
The Mediation Gardens are situated behind the private grounds of the Self-Realization Fellowship campus which you pass on Highway 101 (look for the three large Lotus Towers). If you turn on to 3rd street, off Highway 101, heading west, you can park along the street and head in through the gates to the gardens, which are open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 9:00A.M.-5:00P.M. and Sunday 11:00A.M. to 5:00P.M. (Closed Mondays)
There are pamphlets available at the entrance of the gardens with more information about the gardens, Paramahansa Yogananda, and the Self-Realization Fellowship. The Self-Realization Fellowship also has a store across the street on Highway 101 with many books and beautiful gifts. You can also find more information at www.yogananda-srf.org.
I highly recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy this lovely treasure and gift!
