Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Garden

Exploring the Self Realization Fellowship Meditation garden in Encinitas. Perched cliff side along the Pacific Ocean, this garden is the original location of the Golden Lotus Temple, prior to it’s collapse in 1942.

Upon his return to the United States from India in 1936, Paramahansa Yogananda took up residence in the Self Realization Fellowship hermitage in Encinitas, a gift from his disciple Rajarsi Janakananda.

While staying in the hermitage Yogananda wrote his work “Autobiography of a Yogi”, as well as other writings. Creating a permanent foundation for the spiritual and humanitarian work of the Self-Realization Fellowship/ Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.

Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893 – March 7, 1952) was an Indian Hindu monk, yogi and guru who introduced millions to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his organization Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) and the Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS) of India, while living his last 32 years in the United States. A chief disciple of the Bengali yoga guru Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, he was sent by his lineage to spread the teachings of yoga to the West, to prove the unity between Eastern and Western religions and to preach a balance between Western material growth and Indian spirituality. His influence in the American yoga movement, and especially the yoga culture of Southern California, is the reason he’s considered by yoga experts as the "Father of Yoga in the West."

The Golden Lotus Temple along with most of the original pond collapsed from cliff side erosion in 1942. Spawning the birth of two following temples, one in Hollywood and one in San Diego.


4:53 - Koi fish pond

7:35 - Location of the original pond before it’s collapse In 1942, you can still see a portion of the bottom of the pond, a piece that didn’t erode away

7:57 - Several photos of the pond and temple before the collapse

12:07 - Where the Golden Lotus Temple once stood

13:02 - Several photos of the Golden Lotus Temple before it’s collapse in 1942

13:39 - Ariel photo of the garden and Golden Lotus Temple before the collapse. Notice the original pond to the left of the temple, and the pool to the right, which still exists. You can also see a portion of what looks to be an early 3nd st in the bottom right of the photo

14:13 - Several examples of the Inner Culture magazine.. which was published by the Self Realization Fellowship.. (the following article was not featured in either of these issues)

14:42 - An article from an April 1943 edition of Inner Culture discussing the Golden Lotus Temples collapse, and the birth of two new temples

15:01 - A photo of the Golden Lotus Temple after its collapse from cliff side erosion in 1942

15:59 - This side walk use to lead to the rear of the cliff side temple, also around the pond that use to sit along side it

17:35 - The pool

27:06 - A Gardner on the property said that this building is typically used when there is an overflow at the fellowship

27:32 - A glimpse from the north side of this building, notice the meditation benches

36:26 - Paramahansa Yogananda quote, “Harmony with nature will bring you a happiness known to few city dwellers. In the company of other truth seekers it will be easier for you to meditate and think of God.”

36:45 - Footage of Paramahansa Yogananda

37:13 - Paramahansa Yogananda speaking about Yoga, he says “Yoga is not magic, sward swallowing, or crystal gazing, but is the art of simple living, as discovered by the ancient days of India, in 1500 b.c., if the western brothers only could learn the methods of the Yogi, then they would learn to live a hundred years, in perfect health, happiness and great success..”

The ending of the recording cuts out before he finishes


Below is a link to the April 1943 Inner Culture article that’s featured in the video

https://yoganandasite.wordpress.com/2...

Several clips from other YouTube videos were used in this video .. links to the original videos are below

Gurudev Paramhansa Yogananda rare video

   • Gurudev paramhansa yogananda rare video  

“God Helps God” Paramhansa Yogananda

   • "God helps God" Paramhansa Yogananda  

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