shambhala

Who knew the path to enlightenment was in Eagle Rock? This is another one of the city's little known gems. The Center offers all sorts of instruction and courses on everything from art to sex and relationships.

Obviously, the big focus here is meditation. They offer meditation instruction a couple of weeknight evenings and Sunday mornings for FREE. That's right boys and girls, no excuses. You can go here for a great group experience that's open (and suitable) for everyone from the novice to the advanced. What better way to unwind from work and life?

If you're not so sure about jumping into the meditation thing but want to check out the Center and learn a thing or two, they also offer a Thursday night public program (also FREE though donations are gratefully accepted) which focuses on different topics with various instructors (check their website for a complete schedule).

The space is great and the people at the Center are pretty wonderful too. It's a great way to get a taste of Eastern philosophy without feeling like someone may try to enlist you in a cult. If you haven't been, this should be on your "must do" list.

Check out http://la.shambhala.org for more info.

963 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 255-5472

elixir

** Update ** Sad to report, the rumors are true. Elixir is officially closed. (7/12/07)

If you're looking for a little zen on the westside, than this is the place to be.

They've got more tea than you could shake a stick at (well, I guess you could shake a stick at it, but I can't imagine why you'd want to), and a beautiful little garden to sit outside and enjoy it in, by day and (torch lit) by night.

They offer a slew of "elixir" tonics - Virtual Buddha, Liquid Yoga, Chi Devil and Morning After are a few of my pics - which can be had hot, or, cold and sparkling, (they seem sweet, but fear not, no added sugar) though for me, the real draw is their amazing variety of tea which can be enjoyed by the pot. Try the Gen Mai Cha or the Bengal Chai with milk and honey - they won't disappoint.

In the market for a little splurge or to take something home? They have an amazing selection of tea and teapots for sale, though unless money is no issue, you're probably better off looking for quality ceramics in J-Town. Sage, incense and all sorts of earthy goodies are also readily available, and at far more reasonable prices than their teapots.

You'll notice they're also a complete herbal apothecary with a full line of herbal tinctures and tonics for all that ails ya, and if you're lucky the herbalist will be in to help you navigate the myriad bottles of this and that.

As others have mentioned, it's worth checking out their calendar for events and goings on. Some evenings, there's live music out on the patio facing the garden or the card readers will be out doing their thing.

Tip: The Bodhi Tree bookstore is right across the way, so it's worth checking both places out if you have time.

8612 Melrose Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 657-9310