Numerous authors have sold books through the Bodhi Tree, and many have held events in the annex. A few best-selling authors share 
their thoughts on the passing of the baton.
The Bodhi Tree is a landmark, geographically and spiritually, that has changed lives for more than 40 years, mine among them. As a first-time author in 1987, speaking at the Bodhi Tree was the serene and transcendent highlight of a warp-speed book tour. A million thanks to Phil, Stan and all the staff. ~Joan Borysenko, Minding the Body, Mending the Mind
In my formative years I spent many hours exploring the various metaphysical teachings at the Bodhi Tree. At a time when esoteric insights from around the world were not widely available, the Bodhi Tree was a healing oasis to quench the thirst of every sincere seeker. It will always live in my heart. ~John Gray, PhD, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
The Bodhi Tree was an oasis in the desert. Stan and Phil offered hospitality for meditative investigations that brought authors and readers together in a very cozy setting. There wasn’t much space, but that just made it all the cozier, with people spilling out everywhere among the bookshelves. Like all things, but especially independent bookstores in this digital era, it too is subject to the law of impermanence. What they made available touched many hearts. That work goes on. Here’s wishing you both well, Stan and Phil. May you bathe in the satisfaction of what you have given to the world. ~Jon Kabat-Zinn, Wherever You Go There You Are
When I first arrived in LA in 1982 and came upon the Bodhi Tree, I felt I was in one of the most important “libraries” in the world and had to explore as much of it as possible. I began to sort through books, sat my pile down and paged through each one. And that was the way I spent every Saturday afternoon for the following several months. When I evaluate my life, I can’t help thinking it all started by walking into the Bodhi Tree. Thank you, Stan and Phil, for creating a place to house the sacred wisdom of the ages. Heartfelt thanks also to Jo and the many employees who assisted in bringing illumination to the world. ~James Van Praagh, Ghosts Among Us
When I first came to LA I had my new printed little blue book You’re Your Body with me. I timidly took the book to the Bodhi Tree to see if they would like to carry it. “No” was the answer. Several months later I received a call—people were asking for the book and the store had realized it was mine. The Bodhi Tree ordered six. I was so excited that I jumped in my car and hand-delivered the books. I, like so many people, have loved the Bodhi Tree for many years. It brings tears to my eyes to realize that it is no more. And I am grateful for all the many pleasures and learning experiences the Bodhi Tree has shared with their devoted followers. A beautiful era is now over and it shall be greatly missed. ~Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life
It was summer of 1986 when I drove into LA in the Toyota Corolla I had purchased in Mendocino for $500. I picked up a yellow pages and looked up the Bodhi Tree, Center for Yoga and Erewhon Natural Foods Store. Those three establishments cleared the way for me to eventually open Real Food Daily. I enjoyed many evenings perusing the aisles of the Bodhi Tree, where I was exposed to influential literature and met inspiring people. I can still remember the aroma of tea brewing and incense burning amidst spiritual books enlightening our world. This oasis will be missed. ~Ann Gentry, Real Food Daily
My first wonderful book signing was at the Bodhi Tree. I remember that someone built a Native American Lodge outside the front door. I walked in to see Stan, Phil and the amazing energy of that extraordinary space. In a way, the Bodhi Tree changed my life. The extent of subjects, authors and deeply researched material was profound. It helped me to understand what a great source a collection of wisdom and knowledge can be. I always call the Bodhi Tree the Library of Alexandria. They were so welcoming and kind, I cannot image the world without their presence.Thank you so very much what you have done for all of us. ~Lynn Andrews, Medicine Woman
Thank you Bodhi Tree, Stan and Phil for providing a heart center and literary center that has nourished so many, including me. ~Gary Zukav, Spiritual Partnership
The Bodhi Tree is a great bookstore and spiritual expression. It is my world’s favorite bookstore. I am sorry to see it close. ~Gabriel Cousens, MD, Conscious Eating
The Bodhi Tree always reminded me of visiting the Akashic Library, as it was so filled with spiritual knowledge and healing energy. It will live on in the hearts and minds of the thousands of souls who Phil and Stan touched. I will miss the physical store very much, but will continue to remember it with great respect and fond memories. ~Doreen Virtue, The Angel Therapy Handbook
I wish Stan and Phil all the very best for the future. They have my heartfelt thanks for all that they have done to help the personal transformation movement, since all our lives have benefited from their work at The Bodhi Tree. ~Susan Jeffers, PhD, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway®
The legendary Bodhi Tree is my treasured home bookstore. Starting with my first book, Second Sight, I have done readings there with the most amazing crowds. I will be forever grateful to Stan and Phil for championing my work and books, a act of grace for an unknown author just starting out in 1996. The Bodhi Tree is a magical place where we all can be transported in the the realm of spirit and imagination. It holds a special place in my heart. ~Judith Orloff, Emotional Freedom
I started lecturing in l983 before words like “higher consciousness,” “new spirituality” or any of that was mainstreamed. In a way things were more pure back then, and there were only a handful of serious teachers and places you could go to for significant spiritual information. In LA, the Bodhi Tree has been our high temple. It was the place, the only place. And it has always worn its power and influence with grace. Phil and Stan have been role models for me, like the coolest, most humble high priests. They’ve been a gift to more than just LA; those two have truly blessed the world. ~Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love
The Bodhi Tree is a repository not only of books, but of memories. In 1990, the first time I did a talk there, the only space available to speak was an aisle defined by two long rows of book shelves, and during my talk a visitor interrupted and said, “Excuse me, the book I’m looking for is [on the shelf] just behind you…” For all its Melrose glitz and glam, the store retains its essential heart and spirit. A longtime source of inspiration and transformation, the Bodhi Tree must now endure another kind of shape-shifting. The influence of this little center of wisdom and inspiration cannot be fully measured, but only treasured. I send my heartfelt wishes for its next incarnation. ~Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior
The Bodhi Tree bookstore brings back great memories. I truly enjoyed lecturing there, and I’m very grateful for all the love that I received from the owners. I honor all the effort it took to create such a special place, and the opportunity that the owners provided to all the different authors. The store’s closing marks the end of an era. ~Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements
**Read the full story about the Bodhi Tree history and transition
