Relax Meditate Smile

Today four friends and I made our way to the bodily resting place of Paramhansa Yogananda. It was a grayish day and the sky was calm. We all purchased a flower to offer to the master in devotion and gratitude for the sacrifice he made as all avatars do when they come into this world to uplift and guide the direction of man.

After practicing some energizing yoga exercises outside we all became inwardly focused and quiet, as we entered the mausoleum together. We were all alone and in silence we each prayed and offered our flowers to the master one by one.

As I sat down I felt resistant to chanting or doing anything. It was as if the subtle magnetism of this place had pulled me into my center instantly. I entered a meditative state with no effort at all. After a few minutes I forced my self to chant anyway, in case the others in our group were not having the same experience that I was. We softly recited an ancient sanskrit invocation and one of Yogananda’s favorite chants, “Door of My Heart”.

It also just feels good, to sing our devotions together. Such a wonderful group of friends!
We planned to meditate for one hour and the time just flew by for everyone. When I chanted aum to end our meditation (one of us had to work this afternoon) they all looked confused, and asked why I stopped our meditation so soon. But over an hour had passed. Everyone was surprised how quickly that hour flew by.

Here is what it looks like inside. Lots of beautiful marble and the stained glass windows are magnificent. It’s often a bit chilly and the marble benches can drain body heat from you pretty fast. A blanket is recommended. This is my dear partner and friend, Ashleigh.

Today was one of the sweetest days I have had in a long time. Los Angeles has many wonderful pilgrimage locations where one can feel the divine presence readily!

Paramhansa Yogananda’s resting place is located in “The Great Mausoleum” at Forest Lawn in Glendale CA. Visitors can get directions to his exact location at the main entrance.

Here is a map that has several other Los Angeles places of interest related to Paramhansa Yogananda.