Bodhi Tree Bookstore

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bodhi Tree Bookstore
TypeIndependent bookstore
Founded1970
FounderStan and Fran Madson; Dan and Marj Morris; and Phil and Elsa Thompson
Headquarters8585 Melrose Avenue,
West Hollywood, California
,
United States

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore, originally Bodhi Tree Book and Tea Shop, was an independent bookstore specializing in world religions, wisdom traditions, metaphysics, psychology, philosophy, and health. It was founded in 1970 in Los Angeles, California (in the area which eventually incorporated as West Hollywood, California in 1984). According to Buddhist tradition, the Bodhi tree was the tree under which Siddhārtha Gautama sat in meditation until he attained enlightenment and became a Buddha.[1] The motto of the bookstore was, "Books to Illuminate the Heart and Mind".

The bookstore became widely known through the 1983 book Out On A Limb by Shirley MacLaine and the subsequent 1987 television series of the same name.[2] In her book MacLaine declares that her "decision to visit an unusual bookstore [the Bodhi Tree Bookstore] was one of the most important decisions of my life".[3] The Bodhi Tree Bookstore was on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, near the Pacific Design Center. The bookstore closed its physical location on December 31, 2011 and continued – under new ownership – as an online bookstore thereafter.[4][5]

In May 1994, the bookstore and the co–owners received numerous commendations: the bookstore was named Business of the Year in 1994 by the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce;[6] the co–owners – Stan Madson and Phil Thompson – were both honored with Certificates of Recognition from the California State Senate – signed by California State Senator Tom Hayden – in recognition of their "extraordinary contribution of knowledge in art and spirituality and excellence in service to the city of West Hollywood and its citizens"; and the co–owners were named the 1994 Business Persons of the Year by the City of West Hollywood.[7] The bookstore served as the "seed center" for information about events, teachers, practitioners, and places for the spiritual community at large. It had the reputation of being "the spiritual heart" of Los Angeles, "the spiritual superstore, the grand central station for New Agers,"[8] and "L.A.'s premier New Age shop".[9]

Founding and early years (1970s)[]

the exterior of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore as seen from Westbourne Avenue in the early 1970s.
This photo shows the exterior of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore as seen from Westbourne Avenue in the early 1970s.

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore was founded on July 10, 1970 by Dan and Marj Morris, Stan and Fran Madson, and Phil and Elsa Thompson – Dan, Stan, and Phil were former aerospace engineers.[10][11][12] The original name of the bookstore was the Bodhi Tree Book and Tea Shop. When the bookstore incorporated in 1972, the name changed to the Bodhi Tree Bookstore.

interior shot of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore.
This photos shows the interior of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore as it was circa 1970s.

It was at a time of sweeping challenges to society brought about by the Beat Generation, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, political assassinations, psychedelics, flower children, hippies, and the Beatles. A spiritual community was emerging infused by the "Wisdom of the Ages" or the "Perennial Philosophy". Spiritual books drawn from all sources were not readily available in most bookstores. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore gathered them together and made them accessible. There was the sense that the wisdom contained in the books stocked by the bookstore could transform not only oneself and the community but society as a whole – governments would mature and the entire cosmos would be better for all.

The Bodhi Tree bookstore was located at 8585 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA. It was a stucco, flat–roofed building, originally a two–bedroom residence that had been converted into commercial property. The neighborhood was residential but Melrose Avenue itself was low key commercial, consisting of a number of one– or two–story buildings containing a variety of businesses, primarily antique shops. Two blocks away to the West was a large open area occupied by the sprawling Anawalt Lumber yard fronted by a number of small shops. In 1975, the property became the Pacific Design Center, sometimes referred to as the "Blue Whale". It was an award-winning building designed by architect César Pelli. On La Cienega, East of the bookstore was the famous antiquarian bookstore, the Red Barn, of Zeitlin and Ver Brugge with proprietors Jacob Zeitlin and his wife Josephine Ver Brugge Zeitlin.

Starting in 1971, the Bodhi Tree Bookstore featured a number of bookstore Tuesday night and Sunday public events where authors, educators, spiritual leaders, or musicians would make presentations. On one evening, Nan Fuchs, the famous Herb Lady, spoke on Herbs and the Body. On another evening, D. W. Harding, author of On Having No Head, gave an informal lecture on the possibilities of losing one's own head (or ego). Another well-attended event was by Herb Soloman who gave an introduction and demonstration of the Arica Work. The Arica Work was originated by Óscar Ichazo in South America in the 1950s. There was a musical presentation of classical guitar with contemporary songs of Spirit written and performed by Timmy Garon. Dr. Giovanni Boni conducted a Conversation on Homeopathy. Art Kunkin, owner and publisher of the Los Angeles Free Press was a Gurdjieff student, a practicing alchemist, and was deeply read in the Western spiritual material and hermetica. Art Kunkin presented Can We Tell a Real Teacher from a Not So real One? Vimala Thakar gave a talk called Towards Total Transformation. Chӧgyam Trungpa made two public talks, The Battle of the Ego and The Open Way held at the Embassy Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles and presented a talk at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore. Trungpa was a meditation master and holder of both the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages, and was the Eleventh Trungpa–tulku. Maezumi Roshi, head of the Los Angeles Zen Center, presented Zen Buddhism in America: What is Zen in America Today and How Is It Practiced. The Yasutani Roshi (1885–1973) gave a dharma talk. He spoke in Japanese and was translated by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. As the founder of Sanbo Kyodan and one of the teachers of Taizan Maezumi, Yasutani was an influential person in bringing Zen practice to the west. These Tuesday and Sunday presentations became a habitual gathering place at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore and served as an educational tool for the wide proliferation of spiritual work and about the people who were doing it.

One of the founding members, Dan and Marj Morris decided to leave the bookstore for personal reasons. Stan and Fran Madson and Phil and Elsa Thompson formed the corporation "Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Inc." on November 30, 1972.[13]

During the 1970s, the people of Los Angeles were becoming aware of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore and newspaper and magazine articles about the bookstore began to appear. One of the earliest was an article called "Spellbinders for the Ancient Mystic Arts" by John Fleischman. The article reported on the rise of interest in the 'occult', 'esoterica', or 'mysticism' in the Los Angeles area, stating, "The Bodhi Tree Book and Tea Shop... is the city's key occult specialty bookstore."[14] The February 1975 issue of Los Angeles Magazine featured an article by Devra Hill Zucker about "Romantic Places" in Los Angeles in which she included The Bodhi Tree Bookstore: "Three aerospace engineers converted this Spanish–style Melrose Avenue home into a bookstore with a strong Eastern bent. The Bodhi Tree embraces all directions of spiritual awakening and is also a place to read among plants and sip a complimentary herb tea."[11] In 1976, an article appeared in The Movement (ISSN 0889-776X), published by Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness, which profiled the bookstore. The author self–described the article as being, "about the people who created this sanctuary or book oasis in the middle of Los Angeles. Today, the Bodhi Tree can be considered one of, if not the main source of literature on consciousness, a term which extends from occult sciences and mysticism (East and West) to psychology, self-healing, tai chi, and more."[15]

Bodhi Tree Used Bookstore (1975)[]

exterior of the Bodhi Tree Used Book Store
This photo shows the exterior of the Bodhi Tree Used Bookstore (aka, "Used Book Branch") as it appeared circa 1975.

In 1975, Areta Ferrell, the owner of a clothing store located adjacent to the Bodhi Tree Bookstore, closed her business and the bookstore took over the building lease. On September 18, 1975 the used book part of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore was opened.

By 1976, a creative spiritual movement was sweeping California and moving eastward at a rapid pace. Evidence of this growth was demonstrated by the growth of listings in the Spiritual Community Guide: The New Consciousness Sourcebook (ISSN 0160-0354) first published in 1972. The 1975–1976 edition included several spiritual essays that were presented by the principal spiritual teachers of the time: Swami Satchidananda, Master Subramuniya, Alan Watts, Meher Baba, Dr. Rammuti Mishra, Ram Dass (Richard Alpert), Dolma, Romert Amacer, Dr. Ann Wigmore, Kahuna Ka’Ona, Russ Michael, Ken Keyes, Franklin Jones (Da Free John), Swami Kriyananda, Werner Erhard, Albert Einstein (mystical relativity), Eric Perlman, Yogi Bhajan, Houn Jiyu Kennett Roshi, Arica Institute, Allaudin Mathieu, Bhagavan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), Brad Parker, Lama Govinda, Rabbi Zalman Schachter, Swami Muktananda, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Timothy Leary, Kirpal Singh, Father Brian Brinkerhoff, and Pir Vilayat Khan. Commonly other bookstores in the region responded to their customers' inquiries for spiritual books by referring them to the Bodhi Tree Bookstore.

The bookstore grew into a flourishing landmark with its roots strongly grounded in the spiritual community. The bookstore was composed of four buildings: The New Books building (fronting on Melrose Avenue), the Used Book building (fronting on Westbourne Drive), and two storage buildings. Then, in 1979, the land and buildings of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore were purchased.

In 1979, two New Yorkers, Frank Brady, author, critic, and teacher, and , critic, poet, and author of children's books, published Brady & Lawless's Favorite Bookstores (ISBN 9780836279023). Their choices were not comprehensive but discriminating; the Bodhi Tree Bookstore was included as one of their favorite bookstores.[16]

Expansion and increased notoriety (1980s and 1990s)[]

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore was an information center for the spiritual community. In 1980, the booklet Bodhi Tree Directory: a Guide to Community Resources was published and updated yearly. The Bodhi Tree Directory grew to have over 51 subject areas and had a print run of 2,000 copies per issue.

In 1981, the Los Angeles Times published an article by John Dart, in which he wrote, "As a bookstore, the Bodhi Tree can be a sensuous experience, offering the taste of free herb tea, the sound of soft 'un-elevator' music, the chance to sit while book browsing, and the scent of incense. As a well–stocked 'New Age' way station, it provides a psychic rest stop between gurus or a simple refueling for the eclectic wisdom seeker. In this unofficial way-station role, the bookstore is also a sensory device (to blend metaphors) for picking up the direction of mystical–metaphysical traffic and the spiritual–speculative signal away from mainline religion."[17]

A major remodel started in 1982, designed by Architect , the project added significant floor space, a second story addition, and the Used Book building was improved. The two storage buildings were removed, opening up the rear area for parking. The remodeled result was a distinctive modernist rounded–edge rectangle with a big, round window facing Melrose Avenue near the entrance door, along with a pyramid skylight in the West wing.

In a small area to the rear of the bookstore, grew a Ficus religiosa (Bodhi Tree), given to the bookstore in the early 1970s by a neighbor who had raised it from a seed. By 2008, at nearly three stories high, it provided inspiration, shade, and respite – a place where staff gathered to talk, read or rejuvenate.

Yoga teacher Larry Payne, founder of the Samata Yoga Center, issued yearly Samata Karma awards. In 1993, Stan Madson and Phil Thompson received the annual Samata Karma award for community service.

In 1983 Shirley MacLaine's book Out On A Limb was published. In the book, she wrote about her study and exploration of reincarnation, trance channeling, and other metaphysical subjects. In one part of the book, she wrote about her experience gathering books at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore and discussing aspects of spirituality with one of the owners of the bookstore. Then in 1986, a six–part mini-series based on the book was presented on national television. Part of the program was filmed at the bookstore in the Used Book building. From the publication of that book, and the television series that followed in 1986/1987, spirituality went mainstream and the Bodhi Tree Bookstore became widely known. The bookstore gained a local, national, and international identity and the number of customers increased dramatically. Many customers desired to explore the same subjects that inspired Shirley MacLaine.

...Looking back, I can say that making that simple, lazy afternoon decision to visit an unusual bookstore [the Bodhi Tree Bookstore] was one of the most important decisions of my life.

— Shirley MacLaine, Out on a Limb (New York: Bantam Books, 1983): p. 46.

The bookstore also contributed to the success of many individuals' careers. Lisa Lynne Franco credits the Bodhi Tree Bookstore with helping her to get distribution of her music.[18]

Bodhi Tree Book Review
EditorDana LaFontaine
EditorMark Kenaston
FrequencyQuarterly, semi-annually
PublisherStan Madson and Phil Thompson
First issueWinter 1991 (Issue 1)
Final issueFall 2002 (Issue 28)

Bodhi Tree Book Review magazine (1991–2002)[]

The bookstore published a book review magazine with the first issue appearing in late 1991. Bodhi Tree Bookstore staffers Dana LaFontaine and Mark Kenaston were the creators and first editors along with editorial assistant Mariam Angel. The magazine contained feature articles by noteworthy authors, best seller lists, and short reviews of recently published books, CDs, and video cassettes. The magazine started as a quarterly but eventually was published two times a year (semi-annually), in the Spring and Fall. At its peak, 40,000 copies of each issue were printed. About 50% were mailed out to customers and the other 50% given away to customers at the store. The first issues of the magazine featured interviews initiated by the editors, Mark Kenaston and Dana LaFontaine. A complete archive of the magazine is freely available online.[19]

  • Issue 1 (Fall 1991) contained an interview with the guitar duo of Strunz & Farah that give texture and shape to the sound of their world music.[20]
  • Issue 2 (Spring 1992) included a feature article that was an interview with Marianne Williamson.[21]
  • Issue 3 (Summer 1993) the feature article was an interview of Huston Smith by Mark Kenaston (this interview was included in the 2003 book The Way Things Are: Conversations with Huston Smith on the Spiritual Life edited by Phil Cousineau).[22]

In 1993 Dana LaFontaine left the bookstore and Mark Kenaston assumed the role of head editor. The following year, Mark Kenaston departed and the primary editor of the book review became Stan Madson with co–editors James Culnan and Camilla Denton. Subsequent book reviews were written by staff (both current and former). Many of the book and product reviews as well as feature articles were re–edited and appeared on the Bodhi Tree Bookstore website. Publication of the Bodhi Tree Book Review ceased with the Fall 2002 issue – Issue 28.

The front facade of the bookstore as seen from Melrose Avenue as it was after the remodel and renovations (circa 2000s). Depicted in this photo are the meeting room (on the right) and the store (on the left).

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore meeting room[]

In 1994, the bookstore acquired the adjacent storefront at 8383 Melrose Avenue. Early on, the building was occupied by Pesha's frame shop and a painting restorer. Then, in the 1980s, it was remodeled to become the women's clothing store Laise Adzer, noted for its layered, flowing white dresses. It was this remodel that resulted in the Moorish design influence of the building. This stand–alone building became an integral part of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore experience as the meeting room for author readings and book signing events, and a wide variety of workshops including reiki, psychics, feng shui, travel programs, educational seminars, and metaphysical discourses.[23] About 40–50 events per month were scheduled.

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore offered almost daily events or workshops in the Annex building. It was a large room that seated approximately 65 people. "The Artist’s Way Workshop" conducted by Kelly Morgan was a twelve-week lecture series, drawing on the work pioneered by Julia Cameron.[24][25] The program, designed for creative people in all walks of life, integrated the spiritual path of the artist into ones daily routine using exercises and a supportive group to recover creative flow from excessive self–criticism, perfectionism, jealousy, limiting beliefs, addictions and other inhibiting blocks.[26] Educator Roger Weir taught several cycles of his "Yoga of Civilization" (a 2-year long, weekly course). Weir was noted for his dynamic, broad–reaching cosmic lectures that ranged from the most esoteric spiritual teachings to the latest in scientific exploration while planting the seeds of dynamic personal transformation and nurturing self–education.[27] The Krishnamurti Foundation of America conducted monthly workshops, starting in 2002. They explored the work of J. Krishnamurti, one of the most influential and independent spiritual teachers of the 1900s, by showing one of his archived talks followed by a dialogue discussion.[28] Yudhishtara, the spiritual son of Poonjaji, an enlightened Indian master, conducted monthly meetings (Satsang) to a large group of devotees (typically 30 to 50 people) in the Bodhi Tree Bookstore meeting room.[29] Sacred Poetry, produced by poet , presented reading performances of sacred poetry from a variety of traditions and eras of world spirituality.[30][31]

Some of the notable authors who made book presentations at the bookstore were: Margot Anand,[32] Ted Andrews,[33] Stephen Batchelor,[34] Harold Bloomfield,[35] Julia Cameron,[36][37][38] Mantak Chia,[39][40] Paulo Coelho,[41] Phyllis Curott,[42] Nancy Cooke de Herrera,[43] Guy Finley,[44][45] Thom Hartmann,[46][47] Andrew Harvey,[48] Jamake Highwater,[49][50] James Hillman,[51][52] Lex Hixon,[53] Jean Houston,[54] Jon Kabat-Zinn,[49] Rodger Kamenetz,[55][56] Jonathan Kirsch,[57] Thomas Laird,[58] Terence McKenna,[59] Michael Meade,[37] Dan Millman,[60] Robert Moss,[61] Michael Murphy,[62] Caroline Myss,[63] Robin Norwood,[64][65] Judith Orloff,[66][67] Daniel Quinn,[68] James Redfield,[69] Layne Redmond,[70] Malidoma Patrice Somé,[71] ,[72] Frank Tipler,[73] Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters),[74] Andrew Weil,[35] ,[75] and Marianne Williamson[76][77][78] among numerous others.

In May 1994, as part of the Small Business week, the Bodhi Tree Bookstore was named the Business of the Year by the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, celebrating 34 years of service to the community. The City of West Hollywood named Stan Madson and Phil Thompson as the Business Persons of the Year – the West Hollywood City representatives were Abbe Land, John Heilman, Sal Gurrielio, Steve Martin, and Paul Koretz. The California State Senate gave the Bodhi Tree Bookstore a Certificate of Recognition signed by Tom Hayden.

Los Angeles area book fairs[]

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore was a founding and participating member of the Los Angeles Times Book Fair when it began in 1996.[79] Originally held on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, starting in 2011, it moved to the University of Southern California (USC) campus. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore stopped participating in the Los Angeles Times Book Fair after 2008.

In 2002, the City of West Hollywood started a regional West Hollywood Book Fair, modeled upon the highly successful annual Los Angeles Times Book Fair. The West Hollywood Book Fair was held in the fall in West Hollywood Park and featured author presentations, panel discussions, food booths, performance stages, and bookstalls. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore had a booth at the book fair until the physical bookstore closed at the end 2011. The idea for the West Hollywood book fair incubated in the office of City of West Hollywood city council member John Heilman with Fran Soloman, assistant to John Heilman. Intern Rosalind (Roz) Helfand and Corey Roskin, a West Hollywood staff person, were the program managers. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore Events manager Jo Carey, and co–owners Stan Madson and Phil Thompson participated on the planning committee along with representatives from, West Hollywood Library, senior citizen groups, and the local Russian community.[citation needed]

Psychic reading program[]

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore Psychic Reading program started in 1998. The psychic staff consisted of five people. Readings were done in a covered area between the Annex and New Book buildings. The psychics were Krista Schwimmer (tarot reader, dreamwork, animal divination), Michael Wamback (tarot reader, dreamwork, animal divination), Darrilyn Butler (astrologer, tarot reader), Mario Cisneros (tarot reader, aura cleansing), and Linda Michaels (tarot reader, Reiki master). By 2005 the psychic staff was Krista Schwimmer, Michael Wamback, Darrilyn Butler, Linda Michaels, and Joshua Siegal. In 2009, Solaris (astrology, tarot, psychic channeling) joined the psychic staff.[citation needed]

Bookstore cats[]

One of the reasons some people came to the Bodhi Tree Bookstore was because of the resident cat. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore had a reigning cat for several years. The first holder of the crown was "Chubby", a large orange colored male cat. He joined the staff in the 1970s. The second reigning cat was "Little Girl", a friendly long-haired multi-colored cat. "Little Girl" was much admired. In 1998, LA Weekly's Best of LA identified "Little Girl" as number 2 for the Best Bookstore Cat, "Little Girl," she was given the distinction as 'the cat with the most karma'. The third holder of the crown, beginning in 1998, was "Tara", again a long-hair multi-colored female cat. "Tara" became the bookstore "tension tamer". Around 2009, a neighbor cat started coming to the Used Book building and spending the day. Her name was "Lucia". However, her owner was in ill health and when he died, "Lucia" became the resident cat in the Used Book Building.[citation needed]

Expansion and maturity (2000s and beyond)[]

In 2000, the Bodhi Tree Bookstore became the official book supplier for Jim Strohecker's Health World Online. The site offered vast amounts or health information, teaching seminars, and resources, such as selected books. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore was designated to receive online orders, packaged and shipped orders, and took payment.[citation needed]

For a few months in 2002, bigger than life–size angel statues were sponsored and placed about Los Angeles. Each of them were hand–painted by individual artists. It was called A Community of Angels. One of the artists for the A Community of Angels 2002 project was Diane A. Curran who lived near the Bodhi Tree Bookstore and was a bookstore customer. Her painted angel statue was placed on the front porch of the Used Book Building where it remained for several months. It was named "Planetary Angel" and on its wings were cosmic symbols on a blue background. The sponsor for Curran's Angel statue was Linda Thompson's Whimsey Hollow and was dedicated to Tim F. Cronin.[80]

The Bodhi Tree Bookstore started business before the City of West Hollywood was formed in 1984. By 2005, the bookstore was in its thirty–fifth year of operation. In 2005, West Hollywood officially recognized the Bodhi Tree Bookstore as one of West Hollywood's oldest landmarks and a cultural treasure. The bookstore was presented a West Hollywood scroll at the August 15, 2005 West Hollywood council meeting signed by Abbe Land, John Heilman, Sal Guarrielio, John J. Duran, and Jeffrey Prang.[citation needed]

An influential person in the ongoing spiritual community was Oprah Winfrey. In 2008, Winfrey endorsed author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and his book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. Together they decided to do a once a week webinar class over a ten-week period. It was a worldwide event with Oprah and Tolle discussing each week one chapter of the book and then, through Skype, opening it up to questions from small gatherings of young students in several places around the world. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore served as the host for two of the small gatherings of young students. The Skype meetings were held in the Bodhi Tree Bookstore Used Book building.[citation needed]

Starting in 2008 there was a worldwide financial crisis triggered by banking failures in the United States. By 2009, the nation- and worldwide financial crisis, started to subside, but recovery would be a long time in coming. Detrimental market forces were in play and the Bodhi Tree Bookstore was operating below financial break-even. The long-term prognosis for the bookstore's sales was not bright. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore had been showing a decline in sales for several years. Overall, it was about 40% less than peak sales in the late 1980s. Book sales were moving more and more to other retail establishments and to online booksellers such as Amazon. In addition, digital books were displacing printed books. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore owners decided to retire. An agreement to sell the bookstore property was entered with a closing date of November 2011. The bookstore business was offered to be sold separately.

The story about the sale of the bookstore property become widely known and within a few days, with articles appearing in the local press (i.e., LA Weekly, Los Angeles Times).[81][82] The Los Angeles Times reported, "the store on Melrose Avenue, a mecca for spiritualist and philosophers since 1970 has been sold. Its owners hope to find someone to buy their inventory and reopen the store in a new location."[82] The LA Weekly article pointed out that the history of the Bodhi Tree was, in a sense, a history of Los Angeles – modest store fronts became large glass fronted show rooms; Melrose Avenue became a destination drawing in both locals and tourists; the neighborhood became pricey; change was inherent and inevitable. For all things, there was a time for growth, for sustaining, then decline and transition. The first newspaper articles gave the impression that the bookstore was closing eminently or was closed already. The Bodhi Tree Bookstore was still in business until the end of 2011. The program of more than forty events per month continued.[81]

The July 2011 issue of Los Angeles Magazine contained an article by Dave Gadetta called "Bodhi Tree, the Bookstore that Enlightened New Age L.A., Readies For Its Final Exit". He began the article with, "What happens when a shop peddling matters of the infinite brushes up against its own mortality?" He described how the Bodhi Tree created a template for New Age browsing when it opened in the 1970s, spawning many similar New Age bookshops throughout Los Angeles and around the country. As New Age went mainstream seekers no longer made the pilgrimage to West Hollywood, and Bodhi Tree business declined. Gadetta wrote, "Madson and Thompson–both of whom have struggled with health issues reached the painful decision to sell their enterprise. The property, worth more than the business, sold in 2010. If no takers claim the Bodhi Tree’s name and contents by October, with the provision that the package must be moved elsewhere, the shop will shut down for good. The store that Madson and Thompson are now offering still carries the ancient mysteries promising explanations of the universe."[83]

The Los Angeles Magazine article was followed by another article in The Whole Person Calendar of Events in Southern California (July/August 2011) that surveyed the span and legacy of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore.[84] The Bodhi Tree Bookstore had a long history with The Whole Person Calendar – Leslie Snyder, the founder, worked at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore before she started the monthly magazine that listed the daily events of the spiritual community. The Whole Person Calendar was a free magazine and there was always a stack of them at the front door of the bookstore for customers to grab. It was the "go to" magazine for finding out what was happening in the spiritual community of Southern California. In the article, Sharon Hall wrote, "Bookstores were a place where people of like minds could gather; they were a place where spiritual communities formed and strengthened. Now, after 40 years as proprietors of what may be the best known metaphysical bookstore in the country, the owners are retiring. The beloved Bodhi Tree is moving on to its next incarnation." Stan Madson was quoted as saying, "Things change. There’s the possibility that new energy will take it [the bookstore] in new directions – positive energy. There’s such a change in the world these days with the Internet and communications . . . even the New Age isn’t new age anymore . . . Change is important and it’s inevitable. It would be nice if things went on forever, but they don’t. Certain good things are disappearing or changing into something else. But what is out there is quite exciting and new." There remains a need for community but these days cities have become difficult to get around in. Phil Thompson said, "Well, the area has turned into a really high end retail space. . . Thirty years ago it was a lot easier. People used to come every weekend from 40 or 50 miles away; it wasn’t hard and they would go book shopping. Nowadays it's hard for them to come from 5 miles away." Stan Madson added, "The fabric of the cities but also of countries and how they interact with each other – has really changed. For example, when a group meditates together, it’s very different than sitting alone; it’s an amplification. People will eventually understand that there’s something about 'a shared presence' that’s vital to our consciousness. Without that shared presence, we are not going to evolve properly."[84]

The October/November 2011 issue of the Whole Life Times featured an article by Abigail Lewis in which she wrote, "Imagine spending 40 hours a week contemplating aspects of outer space. Such flirting with the infinite seems like exactly the kind of job that might prompt reflections on inner space, so perhaps it’s no surprise that three engineers quit the aerospace industry in 1970 an create a metaphysical refuge . . . Forty–one years later, having launched innumerable seekers emulating Buddha’s journey, Stan and Phil are themselves heading down new paths."[85] Phil Thompson was quoted as saying, "All the letters and email we’ve gotten, people say 'You changed my life.' These new concepts took them out of traditional religion, government and rationality, made them question things. It's been a progressive wave pushing people to look at their lives and the implications."[85]

Early in 2011, the entire used book stock was moved into the new book building and the Used Book building was closed. In December 2011, the physical bookstore entered its last month – closing on December 31, 2011 – and on the day of closing, the Los Angeles Times ran a front–page story about the closing of the bookstore by Teresa Watanabe. She wrote, "The cozy store on Melrose Avenue — with its incense, herbal teas and portraits of sages on the walls — has served as a spiritual mecca for seekers of all persuasions, including Jerry Brown, Ringo Starr and Shirley MacLaine. Its owners hope it can be reborn at a different location."[86]

The new owner of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore business was Jasmine Fayad. The plan was to establish a new location and build on the look and sense of the old Bodhi Tree Bookstore. Eventually, plans for a new physical bookstore were abandoned and the energy for a new Bodhi Tree Bookstore was focused on developing its online presence. The new Bodhi Tree Bookstore continued as an online bookstore and extended its roots into digital and e–learning products with a full line of educational courses (The bookstore continues online)). Jasmine Fayad serves as Chief Creative Officer and she stated, "One of the guiding mottos when envisioning Bodhi's new form was to find a way to create an appealing balance drawn from the Transcendentalists' values of wisdom, beauty, and truth."[This quote needs a citation]

Publications published by the bookstore[]

  • Bodhi Tree Directory of Community Resources
  • Basic Book List
  • Bodhi Tree Book Review (published 1991–2002, twice a year, a total of 28 issues)
  • Astrology Charts
  • How To Run A Bookstore
  • Hsin Hsin Ming Sengstan booklet
  • Channeling and Mediumship–A Guide
  • Crystals, Minerals, and Stones Reference List
  • I Ching: How to Use
  • Crystal, Mineral, and Gem Stones
  • Ear Conning Instructions
  • Incense: A Description of Incense and Fragrance List including How to Use
  • Mala Stones & Beads
  • Malas, Rosary, Prayer or Meditation Beads

References[]

  1. ^ Geoffrey Parrinder, A Dictionary of Non-Christian Religions (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). ISBN 978-0664209810.
  2. ^ The Bodhi Tree Bookstore is specifically referenced at least 4 times in MacLaine's book: p. 45-46, 102, and 134.
  3. ^ Shirley MacLaine, Out on a Limb (New York: Bantam Books, 1983): p. 46.
  4. ^ "Bodhi Tree Bookstore Reincarnation Begins", Shelf Awareness, https://www.shelf-awareness.com/issue.html?issue=2630#m30435 Accessed January 26, 2021.
  5. ^ Aricia Lee, “Sharing Wisdom in a Global Age: What the Bodhi Tree Is Becoming,” Whole Life Times, December 2016/January 2017, p. 8-9.
  6. ^ “Bodhi Tree Named Business of the Year,” Los Angeles Independent Newspapers, May 18, 1994.
  7. ^ Jeff Lipham, “Bodhi Tree Takes the Prize,” West Hollywood Weekly, May 17, 1994: p. 1, 6.
  8. ^ Rayl, A. J. S. "Magical Mystery Tour". Harper's Bazaar, April 1988 (Issue 3316), 158. ProQuest 1957689247
  9. ^ Gregory, Deborah. "The Skeptic and the Psychics". Essence, October 1996 (vol. 27, no. 6), p. 142. ProQuest 1876757250
  10. ^ A. B. Ramsky, "Taking Care of the Small World", The Hollywood Newspaper, July 26, 1972, sec. Places, p. 6.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b Devra Hill Zucker and Jessica Maxwell, “The 25 Most Romantic Places in Town,” Los Angeles Magazine, February 1975, p. 44.
  12. ^ McKenna, Kristine. "Sentient Reading". Los Angeles Times (October 30, 1994), p. 14. ProQuest 1985205616
  13. ^ California Secretary of State, Business Search. Entry for "C0658914    BODHI TREE BOOKSTORE, INC."
  14. ^ John Fleischman, “Spellbinders for the Ancient Mystic Arts,” Los Angeles Times, November 1, 1972, sec. Part IV, p. 6.
  15. ^ Vicki Marriot, “What Is the Bodhi Tree? Using the New Age Consciousness in Business,” The Movement, 1976, p. 14.
  16. ^ Frank Brady and Joann Lawless, Brady & Lawless’s Favorite Bookstores (Kansas City, Missouri: Sheed Andrews McMeel, 1978).
  17. ^ John Dart, "Bookstore Offers a Way Station for Minds: Eclectic Readers Can Find Signposts Pointing East and West", Los Angeles Times, May 9, 1981, sec. Part I.
  18. ^ Rideout, Ernie. "Blow Off the Record Biz: How to Sell More CDs than You Ever Thought Possible, in Places You Never Even Heard of". Keyboard, March 1998 (vol. 24, no. 3), p. 37. ProQuest 1360261
  19. ^ "Bodhi Tree Book Review magazine". 1991.
  20. ^ LaFontaine, Dana and Mark Kenaston. "The Passion of Strunz & Farah: An Interview with the Guitar Virtuosos of 'World Music'". Bodhi Tree Book Review, Winter 1991 (Issue 1): p. 1, 20-22. https://archive.org/download/bodhi-tree-book-review/Issue%201%201991%20winter.pdf
  21. ^ LaFontaine, Dana and Mark Kenaston. "Only Love Is Real: Marianne Williamson on A Course in Miracles". Bodhi Tree Book Review, Spring 1992 (Issue 2): p. 4-7. https://archive.org/download/bodhi-tree-book-review/Issue%202%201992%20spring.pdf
  22. ^ Kenaston, Mark. "Huston Smith: An Interview with the Author of The World's Religions". Bodhi Tree Book Review, Summer 1992 (Issue 2): p. 4-8. https://archive.org/download/bodhi-tree-book-review/Issue%203%201992%20summer.pdf
  23. ^ Johnson, Tracy. "Clubs; Club Hoppin'; Bookstores". Los Angeles Times (Mar 19, 1998), p. 40. ProQuest 421348748
  24. ^ "The Calendar; Workshops". Los Angeles Times (July 31, 1994), p. WS14. ProQuest 1973224157
  25. ^ Beigel, Greta. "The Path to the Person Inside". Los Angeles Times (July 23, 1995), p. E1, E4. ProQuest 2022174179
  26. ^ "Monday, Dec. 8; The Artist's Way Workshop". Whole Person Calendar (December 2008, Issue 12), p. 24. https://issuu.com/wholeperson/docs/wholeperson-11-08
  27. ^ The archived works of Roger Weir can be found at https://sharedpresencefoundation.org
  28. ^ "Saturday, Dec. 20; Krishnamurti Friends of Los Angeles Presents a Program of Video and Dialogue". Whole Person Calendar (December 2008, Issue 12), p. 49. https://issuu.com/wholeperson/docs/wholeperson-11-08
  29. ^ "Wednesday, Dec. 17; A Spiritual Short-Cut Home". Whole Person Calendar (December 2008, Issue 12), p. 44. https://issuu.com/wholeperson/docs/wholeperson-11-08
  30. ^ "Sunday, Dec. 7; This Alchemy: New & Selected Poems". Whole Person Calendar (December 2008, Issue 12), p. 22. https://issuu.com/wholeperson/docs/wholeperson-11-08
  31. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (March 9, 1997), p. F11. ProQuest 2100858944
  32. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (June 28, 1998), p. F10. ProQuest 2100789032
  33. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (November 3, 1996), p. F9. ProQuest 2047052547
  34. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (April 27, 1997), p. F11. ProQuest 2109396567
  35. ^ Jump up to: a b "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (June 1, 1997), p. F15. ProQuest 2110215396
  36. ^ "Weekend Perspective". Los Angeles Times (August 5, 1993), p. WSJ3. ProQuest 1833014403
  37. ^ Jump up to: a b "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (August 8, 1993), p. 10. ProQuest 1852024882
  38. ^ "Calendar of Events". Los Angeles Times (August 8, 1993), p. WSJ2. ProQuest 1852024230
  39. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 12, 1996), p. 7. ProQuest 2047871655
  40. ^ "Westside Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 12, 1996), p. WS5. ProQuest 2047868158
  41. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (September 26, 1993), p. 14. ProQuest 1851823687
  42. ^ Rourke, Mary. "She's Got that Old-Time Religion: Witchcraft: A Premonition Led a Lawyer to Find Her Calling as a High Priestess of Witchcraft". Los Angeles Times (September 3, 1998), p. E1. ProQuest 2098143698
  43. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (September 11, 1994), p. 22. ProQuest 1981575313
  44. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (November 15, 1992), p. 14. ProQuest 1731085472
  45. ^ "Weekend Perspective". Los Angeles Times (November 19, 1992), p. WSJ2. ProQuest 1730331748
  46. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 11, 1997), p. F11. ProQuest 2109911244
  47. ^ "Westside Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 11, 1997), p. WS4. ProQuest 2109902512
  48. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (January 7, 1996), p. 6. ProQuest 2044169282
  49. ^ Jump up to: a b "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (January 16, 1994), p. 14. ProQuest 1973109591
  50. ^ "The Calendar". Los Angeles Times (January 16, 1994), p. WS12. ProQuest 1973109155
  51. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (Oct 06, 1996), p. F10. ProQuest 2047816652
  52. ^ Hanania, Joseph. "A Contradictory Soul: James Hillman, Author of 'the Soul's Code' and Ex-Therapist, Calls Even His Own Teachings a Myth". Los Angeles Times (October 31, 1996), p. E6. ProQuest 2047924704
  53. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 17, 1992), p. 11. ProQuest 1730288779
  54. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (July 18, 1993), p. 10. ProQuest 1851964485
  55. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (June 5, 1994), p. 14. ProQuest 1973172725
  56. ^ "The Calendar; Events". Los Angeles Times (June 5, 1994), p. WS19. ProQuest 1973173325
  57. ^ "Westside Calendar". Los Angeles Times (July 13, 1997), p. WS4. ProQuest 2109465389
  58. ^ "Films & Programs". Los Angeles Times (October 29, 1995), p. L6. ProQuest 2030819948
  59. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (Apr 25, 1993), p. 18. ProQuest 1851879110
  60. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (October 17, 1993), p. 14. ProQuest 1851997750
  61. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (June 14, 1998), p. F18. ProQuest 2100760397
  62. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 9, 1993), p. 14. ProQuest 1851797333
  63. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (October 27, 1996), p. F9. ProQuest 2044252088
  64. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 29, 1994), p. 18. ProQuest 1973421106
  65. ^ "The Calendar". Los Angeles Times (June 2, 1994), p. WS20. ProQuest 1973326960
  66. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (June 30, 1996), p. F9. ProQuest 2044150707
  67. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (April 20, 1997), p. F15. ProQuest 2109400093
  68. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (December 8, 1996), p. F27. ProQuest 2047709520
  69. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (March 6, 1994), p. 10. ProQuest 1973318252
  70. ^ "Book Calendar." Los Angeles Times (October 26, 1997), p. F11. ProQuest 2100764545
  71. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 22, 1994), p. F10. ProQuest 1973437500
  72. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (May 1, 1994), p. 10. ProQuest 1973822627
  73. ^ Huneven, Michelle. "Authors Take Over the Universe!" Los Angeles Times (October 16, 1994), p. 18. ProQuest 1985206514
  74. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (April 9, 1989), p. M11. ProQuest 1147266280
  75. ^ "Saturday, Dec. 6; Mary Magdalene & Jesus' Great Way: Shared Presence Transforms Civilization and Species". Whole Person Calendar (December 2008, Issue 12), p. 20. https://issuu.com/wholeperson/docs/wholeperson-11-08
  76. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (April 5, 1992), p. F8. ProQuest 1729624503
  77. ^ "Book Calendar". Los Angeles Times (December 4, 1994), p. 33. ProQuest 1973827249
  78. ^ Dart, John. "Southern California File". Los Angeles Times (November 18, 1995), p. B5. ProQuest 2030578911
  79. ^ "Exhibitor Paid Announcements; Bodhi Tree Bookstore, Booth 69". Los Angeles Times (April 14, 1996), p. M. ProQuest 2047779090
  80. ^ A history of the exhibit was published in the book A Community of Angels: Los Angeles 2002 (ISBN 1-883318-27-0).[page needed]
  81. ^ Jump up to: a b Gendy Alimurung, “Farewell to the Bodhi Tree Bookstore: Old Friend Set to Close This Year,” L.A. Weekly, February 12, 2010. https://www.laweekly.com/farewell-to-the-bodhi-tree-bookstore/
  82. ^ Jump up to: a b Teresa Watanabe, “Booksellers Step Out From Under the Bodhi Tree,” Los Angeles Times, January 18, 2010, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jan-18-la-me-bodhi18-2010jan18-story.html.
  83. ^ Gardetta, Dave, "Finding Closure: Bodhi Tree, the Bookstore That Enlightened New Age L.A., Readies For Its Final Exit", Los Angeles Magazine, July 2011.
  84. ^ Jump up to: a b Sharon Hall, “The End of an Era: Bon Voyage to the Bodhi Tree,” The Whole Person Calendar of Events in Southern California, August 2011, p. 4-5, 40-41. https://issuu.com/wholeperson/docs/wholeperson-07-11
  85. ^ Jump up to: a b “Farewell to the Bodhi Tree Bookstore: The Bodhi Tree Reincarnates,” Whole Life Times 34, no. 5 (November 2011): 24–27. https://www.wholelifetimes.com/2765/bodhi-tree-reincarnates/
  86. ^ Teresa Watanabe, "The Bodhi Tree Is No More; Zen to Now: After 4 Decades, the Metaphysical Bookstore on Melrose Avenue Closes Its Doors", Los Angeles Times, December 31, 2011. https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2011-dec-30-la-me-bodhi-20111231-story.html.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""