Bodhi Tree Bookstore

A life coach metioned that place and said it was going to close. a day or 2 later, I rushed to Bodhi Tree BkStore with my cam. I was amazed with the beauty, content variety of a lifetime collection of writings, artifacts, portraits, flags, sculptures, angels etc, and anything that could answer any esoteric question.
I was touched by the energy and then also very sad for the end of this incredible place.
here is a link if you want to see my footage on it.
Namaste ‚
Love and Light
to all Healers, Coaches and WorldChangers

I miss you!

I can’t believe this place is closed! I’d been wanting to go for — I guess — a year and a half and I found out it closed a year and a half ago!
It was there ever since I first moved to Los Angeles in 1973, so I just assumed it would ALWAYS be there…
And you know there is just NO WAY a new one will ever be the same, so homey, so comfortable…
If it re-​opens I will surely go. But I really cannot imagine it will be anywhere near the same in terms of comfort and homeyness.
This really makes me sad, finding out today that it is closed. I wasn’t ready for this at all. What a shame.

Wow –I cannot believe this store closed. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore was one of my favorite stores in Los Angeles. One of my very beloved friends took me to this store, after I moved to LA; I fell in love. I hope to hear of a new location, someday.
Until this store (possibly) reopens, I’d highly recommend the New Renaissance Bookshop –a store in Portland, Oregon. I fell in love with the New Renaissance Bookshop because it reminded me of The Bodhi Tree.

RIP Bodhi Tree.
One of my all time favorite stops in Los Angeles, for those days when LA felt particularly large, superficial and anonymous,
The Bodhi Tree was a little community all onto itself, with good feeling, good ideas, and good intentions.

I miss this place so much. It was a home away from home. I heard a rumor there was a new location in the plans for March 2013, although it won’t be the original it would be great to have another location.

Really? I had no idea this place was closed.
I’ve been several times… mostly for my philosophy classes… and this place has always been bizarre.
I have a jewelry box from here… made from some sort of wood… with carvings…
I don’t know. This place was interesting… a bit too «out there» for my taste… but something worth experiencing…
I don’t really know what else to say about this place.
The tea always was odd. I’ll just leave it at that.

We live in interesting times. The rate of change and, by extension, growth, accelerates every day; so much so that in just ten years, we will all live in a world we would scarcely recognize today.
Bodhi Tree, is just one of many examples of this «new reality» we all live in – it closed on December 31, 2011. To say I’m sad to see it go is an understatement. I feel like what I’m writing is a Requiem more than it is a Review.
Bodhi Tree represented a community focal point and a refuge that celebrated the full spectrum of the Human Experience. If you walked in there on any given day you could read books ranging from Physics and Politics to Theosophism and Astral Projection. This isn’t to say the same cannot be accomplished at other brick-​and-​mortar book stores, or even online, but the truth is that Bodhi Tree exposed these topics with a grace and sincerity that I have never encountered at any of the larger book stores out there and certainly not on the Internet.
I would take my dog in with me and the staff would gush over her and give her treats. There was always a complimentary pot of tea brewing and the place always smelled like… enlightenment.
Bodhi Tree was more than just a store, it was an anchor within a community. People congregated there to learn, to share, and to expand their nature. As the world changes there is so much to celebrate and infinite reasons for optimism, but all of this doesn’t change the fact that I will miss the Bodhi Tree Book Store.
I hope that the 21^st Century brings us back to the things that matter the most and that the pace of change is tempered with the pace of life…

I fell in love with this bookstore when I was a ten year old. I remember my uncle taking my here and talking about, what were then, foreign concepts for a Catholic school girl. He loaded my hands with books about spirituality, metaphysics, and psychology. The place smells rich, of love and books.
Later, I came to The Bodhi Tree for readings, books, and Buddhas. I have been there countless times and have yet to be disappointed. As Andrea L. says, «The energy in this place is amazing. You can feel it». I totally agree. This is what bookstores is meant to be: a place of learning and discovery. In this era of newness, there is something so wonderful and decadent about The Bodhi Tree.
This is a great bookstore to expand your horizons and experience something very «LA».

This place has the largest selection of spiritual books i have ever seen.
They are the primo store about spiritual books and mumbo jumbo, I am not into spirituality but my girlfriend is and she has been trying to introduce me too it (kind of succeeding) =D
I will defiantly be back.

This place is a bit dingy for me. I don’t mind my books being old but not that old.
I loved the variety they.
Only went that one time and have been back since but I think it is worth a visit.

The bodhi tree is a great bookstore and overall great experience. They have rare books compared to a Barnes & Nobles. Asides from great spiritual books they have a lot of funky incense as well as FREE TEA! lol GO HERE!

Having been to over 100 metaphysical book stores and even owning one myself a few years ago, Bodhi Tree beats them all, hands down.
This place has everything in our genre and an amazing environment (nice smell of incense, hot tea, scattered chairs and benches throughout) to pick a few items off the shelves, relax, read a little, and decide on what you want to purchase.
They also offer a VIP 10% discount card, which for me, has paid for itself many times over.
Aside from a gigantic book selection, their magazine rack is kept current, you’ll find incense, yoga mats, meditation tools, crystals, decks, self-​improvement courses on audio and DVD, and much more.
I’ve been coming here for 2 years and hope they manage to stay open, or relocate. Apparently, they have a deal in the works to sell the building and it’s unknown as to whether or not the new owners would be willing to lease it out to whoever bought the Bodhi Tree.
I just can’t imagine this place closing or even relocating under new ownership. The current management/​ownership has it nailed down. This place is unique and will never be the same otherwise, but let’s at least hope someone comes along to make an attempt. Amazon/​Barnes & Nobles will never cater to this audience and provide the atmosphere the Bodhi Tree does.

The energy in this space is amazing. You can feel it. There is peace here. This is not just a book store, its a haven for the heart, body and soul. Sadly, despite it being my latest treasure find in West Hollywood, its closing soon. Unable to compete with the Internet and large chain corporations, I’m sure it will likely be replaced by a shallow boutique featuring the latest fashions for anorexics… sigh. Come and experience this special place for yourself before it becomes part of Melrose Ave. history. Namaste.

Oh how I love you Bodhi Tree. It has been a while since my last visit cause I overheard they were closed. But then I stopped by last week and that place don’t look like it’s going nowhere. I love everything in that store. I’m a book junkie and it takes me several hours to make it from one corner to the other. I love the ceramic incense holder in their bathroom… and I got me the same one that day, lol!
Those who read my reviews know that I get a bit cranky with parking in general… and I dished out $ 5 for a valet. Bodhi Tree reimbursed the money back… how cool is that!!! The best part… is stopping by Urth Caffe down the street, after.

This place is amazing. It looks tiny outside but its pretty big. amazing selection of books and helpful staff. Maybe too helpful???
The guy at the register was having a full convo about a book to his customer and one woman in line cut him off. «Heller? Like my car is on a meter»…
Free valet over 15 bucks fyi
Bought an amazing book called Art and Soul… and some incense.
Dope

I never really considered myself a nerd so to speak but given the fact that this bookstore is one of my favorite stores in L.A. says a lot. I think since I was first introduced to this store in 2006 I was literally hooked. Anyone I met who had the slightest of curiosity in spirituality I would always ask if they have been here. I remember having this feeling of gratitude for the friend who showed it to me and I always wanted to share that gift with other people.
Just the concept of having so much concentrated knowledge in one store turns me on. I can remember on many occasion just walking in there with a question on my mind and being lead to the perfect book. I don’t know if the Angels and unseen beings in that store get paid for leading people to the book they want but they should put out a tip jar.
Ok so beyond that just the entire decore of it. I love that they have complimentary tea that they put out, it really sets the mood for me. And they always have some great soothing meditation type music playing. It’s such a great place to have the ambiance of higher learning. In addition to the great classes and free seminars that they have as well. I have heard some really great lectures at the Bodhi tree.
If you are a lover of spiritual books and perifanelia I highly suggest you go to the Bodhi tree. I hope the new location they pick for it is still in L.A. I think wherever they go will most likely be better and lets hope they actually have PARKING.
KEEP THE BODHI TREE ALIVE!

*** Hmm why all the rumors that Bodhi Tree moved? ***
I dunno, but Mini-​me and I stopped by for a visit yesterday.
It remains in tact and as serene as always. I bought some
incense and a motivational book. Mini-​me gotta hardback on
ghosts, his latest fascination these days. A cool kid’s section.
*** Bodhi Tree, I hope you never move … you’re an anchor. ***

4 things you will never (gratefully so) encounter at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore:
1) My sister.
She’s into organized religion. Be glad you won’t bump into her there, otherwise she would be chasing you around with a watchtower magazine.
2) Café Mochas
You don’t get them here. You get tea and you be grateful. Herbal tea in a paper cup, which you pour yourself. People come from miles around and go crazy for this tea. How do I know this? The pot is always empty by the time I show up.
3) Ninjas
The floors in The Bodhi Tree are wooden and creaky and more awesome than anything you will ever encounter. Which is why you will also never encounter a ninja in The Bodhi Tree, there is no way for them to sneak up on you…
4) Oprah’s Book List Groupies
You’re not on the lookout for Deepak’s latest book, or what’s on Oprah’s to read list? Me either, in fact if you are, don’t come to the Bodhi, we don’t want you here. Stay somewhere that is most likely a sad chain store with no character where middle aged men think it’s cool to look for someone to pick up on in the self help aisle. Ever run to the lesbian book aisle just to escape those people? ME TOO.
4 things you will without a doubt run into at the Bodhi:
1) The Bodhi Tree Cat: Pet him, he loves you. It’s a cat in a bookstore, walking around greeting guests. for decades the Bodhi Tree Bookstore cats have been gracing our presence and we are thankful for you Bodhi Tree Cat.
2) The smell of incense: It’s everywhere. It smells delicious. You will buy 6 packages of assorted incense trying to recreate that scent in your own home and you will never get it right. Never. Deal with it, it’s the magic of the store.
3) Awesome people possibly wearing crystals and flowing skirts: Not a hippie? Me either. But you will love these people because they are genuine real deal, not some hipster chick who went to Forever 21 for the lastest BoHo look. This is some serious crystal pendant wearing sister of the light who loves you. Accept her smile. Bring the cat to her to pet, maybe get her some tea.
4) Me– Somewhere over the decades this place keeps me coming back… and now I find out it’s going away. and in a world where things, unique magical places are torn down to make way for the newest Apple store or a Target, it breaks your heart. Where will we all go to nourish our soul, to read books while sipping tea and petting cats? I don’t know, but it won’t be Borders, I know that.
This store has always been the most calming perfect jewel on Melrose where you find something new, something different and always, something original.

4 things you will never (gratefully so) encounter at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore:
1) My mother.
She’s religious. Be glad you won’t bump into her there, otherwise she would be chasing you around with a watchtower magazine.
2) Café Mochas
You don’t get them here. You get tea and you be grateful. Herbal tea in a paper cup, which you pour yourself. People come from miles around and go crazy for this tea. How do I know this? The pot is always empty by the time I show up.
3) Ninjas
The floors in The Bodhi Tree are wooden and creaky and more awesome than anything you will ever encounter. Which is why you will also never encounter a ninja in The Bodhi Tree, there is no way for them to sneak up on you…
4) Oprah’s Book List Groupies
You’re not on the lookout for Deepak’s latest book, or what’s on Oprah’s to read list? Me either, in fact if you are, don’t come to the Bodhi, we don’t want you here. Stay somewhere that is most likely a sad chain store with no character where middle aged men think it’s cool to look for someone to pick up on in the self help aisle. Ever run to the lesbian book aisle just to escape those people? ME TOO.
4 things you will without a doubt run into at the Bodhi:
1) The Bodhi Tree Cat: Pet him, he loves you. It’s a cat in a bookstore, walking around greeting guests. for decades the Bodhi Tree Bookstore cats have been gracing our presence and we are thankful for you Bodhi Tree Cat.
2) The smell of incense: It’s everywhere. It smells delicious. You will buy 6 packages of assorted incense trying to recreate that scent in your own home and you will never get it right. Never. Deal with it, it’s the magic of the store.
3) Awesome people possibly wearing crystals and flowing skirts: Not a hippie? Me either. But you will love these people because they are genuine real deal, not some hipster chick who went to Forever 21 for the lastest BoHo look. This is some serious crystal pendant wearing sister of the light who loves you. Accept her smile. Bring the cat to her to pet, maybe get her some tea.
4) Me– Somewhere over the decades this place keeps me coming back… and now I find out it’s going away. and in a world where things, unique magical places are torn down to make way for the newest Apple store or a Target, it breaks your heart. Where will we all go to nourish our soul, to read books while sipping tea and petting cats? I don’t know, but it won’t be Borders, I know that.
This store has always been the most calming perfect jewel on Melrose where you find something new, something different and always, something original.

Go now to experience this place before it closes for good.
Bodhi Tree Bookstore Is Closing: Bad News for Buddhists

Jam-​packed with eclectic books on spirituality, incense, and gifts, the Bodhi Tree is a must see. They cover virtually every belief with texts, from Astrology to UFO’s to Zen Buddhism. I was surprised to see a small fiction section somewhere in the back, as well as a type of incense i’ve been searching for for years.
The downside? There really isn’t any type of discount. A lot of the titles can be found at a Barnes and Nobles for 20−40% off.