Hours: Christmas Eve 11-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, December 26th 11-4pm, New Years Eve 11-4PM, New Years Day closed
It all started with a few people, a big dream, and humble beginnings when East West first opened its doors in Seattle all the way back in 1989. For over 30 years, we had called the Roosevelt District home, hopping around different corners of the same block.
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and in our case, the universe decided our lease would end the same month the pandemic hit. Talk about a cosmic nudge! Though our physical location had closed doors, we put all of our energy into our online events which served many while most of us were at home in our pajamas.
Fast forward to today, and we’re are so grateful to be in-person yet again at our new location in Edmonds! It’s been a total breath of fresh air—and that isn’t because we are two minutes from the ocean. We now offer a combo of in-store and online events, so we can connect with you no matter where you are.
OUR VISION
When you're climbing a mountain, there are many paths to choose from. We’re here to support you on whichever journey to the summit feels right for you.
Our goal is simple: to help you uncover the joy, love, peace, and wisdom that already live inside of you. In other words, to “Know Thyself.”
1) We Are a Community
First and foremost, we’re a community. A warm, dedicated group of souls with a vast pool of life experience, supporting each other along the way. We are all students, and we are all teachers. We welcome you as brothers and sisters of truth.
2) Spiritual Takeaways
We’re not ‘just’ a bookstore—you can find those anywhere. East West is unique in that our primary focus is helping others spiritually, which is reflected in what we offer. Looking for sage to energetically clear your space? Or a crystal to help you with grounding? A book that will help you find the answers you’ve been seeking? We’ve got your back!
3) Events
Books are incredible, but there’s something special about learning directly from those who’ve journeyed deep into the wisdom we’re seeking. That’s why we offer a mix of online and in-person events, so you can experience live inspiration from a wide range of speakers, no matter where you live.
In the last 34 years, we’ve had the joy of hosting some incredible teachers and authors such as Deepak Chopra, Byron Katie, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, and many more.
If East West were a tree, Ananda Washington would be its roots. East West was planted (pun intended!) by members of Ananda as a nonprofit organization.
Ananda is a global family of communities, retreat centers, and meditation groups, all inspired by the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, and guided by the wisdom of Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters).
At the Blue Lotus Temple in Bothell, they offer classes in meditation, yoga asanas, of spiritual living, and the art and science of Raja Yoga. Ananda has also been home to a thriving, intentional spiritual community in Lynnwood for over 30 years and worldwide for over 50 years.
MEET RIKA
STORE MANAGER
A country girl from Japan, I moved to a bigger city for college and career and started wandering around the materialistic world and through the duality of life.
I was seeking truth and inner peace but I couldn’t find the answer. In 2006, I was led to relocate to Seattle and began to raise a family. The same year, I first walked through the doors of a yoga studio. After going through so-called “studio yoga”, I finally found Ananda (East West’s mother organization). It felt like home and I was relieved to meet people who are devoted to seeking Truth.
It is truly my pleasure to serve at East West where I can meet beautiful souls who practice their highest good and share their light with the world.
MEET APRIL
PRODUCT BUYER
April has been the Product Buyer and Visual Merchandiser for East West since joining the team in 2016.
She is also a full time Abstract Painter that has shown her pieces in store and through out the Seattle area. April loves traveling the world and spending time with her family and french bulldog, Saint. She’s a long time meditator who was drawn to the East West Community because of it’s uplifting nature and openness to many walks of life and paths.
She is an avid reader and in her downtime she loves to help Jaidhara and Rika bring in new and thought provoking books for all to enjoy.
MEET JAIDHARA
EVENT CORDINATOR/ BOOK BUYER
One of the most inspiring aspects of serving at East West for me, is the opportunity to serve people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. Some may come because they simply would like a nice candle or crystal. Others may come because they are desperately seeking a deeper meaning in life.
Yet despite their reason, all who come are in some way uplifted when they walk through the doors. Rika is a long-time friend of mine and when I heard she was going to head up the new East West location in Edmonds and she needed help, I felt inspired to throw my name in the hat and I got the job!
