The Garden of Meditation - Poem

One of my favorite places to visit is the meditation garden next to Swami's beach near Encinitas, CA. It is a hidden gem that I recommend to anyone visiting the San Diego area. It is a serene, peaceful, calming, beautiful garden. There are many spots to contemplate and meditate. When you climb up a small hill with lush lawns on either sides, you get to see this breathtaking sight of the Pacific Ocean below you, lots of colorful flowers down the cliff side, and brown pelicans soaring above you. 

The beach that you see below the cliff is Swami's beach, named after the author of the famous book "Autobiography of a Yogi" - Swami Paramahamsa Yogananda. The meditation garden houses this Swami's ashram (hermitage) and is maintained by the Self-realization fellowship founded by him. The gardens are open to the public and the kids loved watching the fish by the calm ponds. 

Here is a poem that was inspired by my visit to this garden.

The Garden of Meditation

Standing at the very peak

Surrounded by wildflowers

Golden, maroon, blue

I drank the nectar of bliss.

Looking down the tall cliff

At the lone brave surfer

Saddling the crest of a wave

I pondered on the meaning of life.

Smelling the salty breeze

As jellyfish and teeny crabs

Walked the silvery sands

I meditated on oneness and unity.

Following the white clouds

As brown pelican flocks

Swooped to twist and twirl

I gasped in awe of such beauty.

Lost in the gentle flows of fish

Orange and yellow aplenty

Playing with love in calm ponds

I contemplated on truth and diversity.

Soaking up the energy of this garden

Of meditation and devotion

By the beach of the fearless Swami

I cherished this moment for all eternity.

For those who have not been to the meditation garden, here is a photo of the place. It was taken my colleague and dear friend, Barbara, to whom I recommended this garden during her recent visit to San Diego.

Peace and love to all!