Winding up Ladera Lane above Santa Barbara, California, leads to the peaceful and inspiring Vedanta Temple complex on 45 acres. Nine Sri Sarada Devi nuns are in residence.

Here is a photo I took walking up the gently sloping path to the front steps of the Temple where services are held and where you can sit for quiet meditation. Click here for another article on the BellaOnline Meditation Site focusing on Sarada Devi who was the consort of Sri Ramakrishna, founder of Vedanta. After he passed on she continued his work.

The atmosphere around the temple is permeated with the smell of sage which is growing in the local shrubbery and the hills and mountains behind the structures. I've found going onto the grounds an uplifting experience without even going into the temple or bookstore. I like sitting on the temple steps, facing a view of the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

So, this visit gives the best of physical treats, and restoration to the soul, with breathtaking sites of ocean in front, mountain peaks behind, immersion in the garden environment, clear and fresh smells of sage, singing of birds and helpful nuns and friendly visitors.

One could not help but be uplifted by spending time meditating in this environment.

An added advantage of the center is the bookstore in its own small building next to the temple - a complete source to buy books related to meditation and yoga and many world religions, as well as malas, incense, shawls, and all kinds of meditation and altar statues, pictures and other supplies.

The Vedanta Temple website provides a map and detailed driving directions. If you are already familiar with Santa Barbara and Montecito, follow East Valley Road to the east and pass Sheffield Drive and Ortega Ridge Road. Then turn left, north, up Ladera Lane.

The address is: Vedanta Temple, 927 Ladera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Phone (805) 969-2903. Visit the website listed below or phone for specific opening times during the year.

For more information and map visit the Vedanta Temple web site:
http://www.vedanta.org/vssc/centers/sb.html

Article and photo of Vedanta Temple by Susan Kramer

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