Introduced to me by my good friend and fellow model Bruce Hulse, Lake Shrine has been my escape for over 12 years. I’m as captivated now by its beauty as I was on my first visit. The 10-acre site is a visual feast, home to plants and trees sourced from around the world. Towering foliage frames the manmade lake, while a scattering of benches invites visitors to pause, reflect and absorb the serenity. Swans glide lazily past the waterfall, and hilltop views stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean, a welcome antidote to the urban chaos.
But for me, it’s not just the scenery that draws me back; it’s the history of this place. The lake was acquired in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda, a Hindu yoga-master and one of the first Indian spiritual leaders to bring his teachings to America. He’s best known for Autobiography of a Yogi, a seminal book that, legend has it, was the first book included on the iPad and a lifelong favorite of Steve Jobs. Whether you’re someone interested in enlightenment or just looking for an interesting read, it’s a book I really recommend for everyone. Documenting Yogananda’s travels and time in India, it’s a difficult but rewarding read.
His legacy can be found dotted throughout the park with its Court of Religions, different religious imagery and even a museum exhibiting various artifacts from his life, including a photo of him with Mahatma Gandhi.
Despite its spiritual roots, Lake Shrine isn’t defined by religion. If anything, it transcends it. Every Sunday, in the shrine’s assembly room, the monks host a service. But it’s not what you expect; they are amazing and so contemporary, it’s a really fun experience. At the top of the temple there’s a large assembly hall where up to 400 people gather. The energy is palpable, and the atmosphere profoundly peaceful.
I come here to meditate, often sitting for hours lost in thought. It’s a space for introspection, for grounding yourself in the moment. After the devastating wildfires that ravaged so much of California, places like this feel more vital than ever. A refuge for the mind, body and soul in the midst of life’s challenges.
Interview by Farah Thorndycraft
