I have only rarely done yoga. I’ve never been particularly spiritual. I don’t believe in New Age theories. Yet I am fascinated by the collection of spiritual and New Age books at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore in Melrose in Los Angeles. I discovered it quite by accident, just exploring the town one weekend, but came back frequently.

Unfortunately, the Bodhi Tree is in imminent danger of closing. Right now, it is only guaranteed to be open through the fall of 2011, though they are working hard to find a new owner who will keep it alive in the manner which it deserves.

For the moment, though, it is a wonderful community gathering spot.

Even if, like me, you are not into New Age stuff, they had a solid poetry section, a wonderful selection of primary texts in Asian philosophy and thought. Also, as a historian, I find Theosophy fascinating and they had a great many primary texts by Blavatsky and here successors, students, and followers. And they did not ignore Christian, Jewish, and Islamic thought and texts, either.

I don’t know what will happen to the Bodhi Tree, but I pray it can survive in a form which can continue to serve those who seek some sort of solace from its shelves.