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Banyen Books & Sound
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
3608 4th Avenue WestVancouver, BC V6R 1P1
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 732-7912
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for Banyen Books & Sound
Review Highlights
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"...an extensive collection of new age type books - from yoga..." In 3 reviews -
"...spiritual books, music or meditation cds, incense, yoga or..." In 5 reviews -
"...catering specifically towards the more spiritual topics." In 4 reviews
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15 reviews in English
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Review from Lady G.
Okanagan Lake, BC
1/15/2011
One of the gems of Vancouver.
Awesome ambiance, very kind and helpful staff and the most extensive collection of spiritual books, music or meditation cds, incense, yoga or casual clothing, rugs, charms,jems and crystals, drums or tibetan singing bowls, etc.
You can spend hours here- and you probably will. -
Review from Lisa C.
2/17/2012
I really liked this place! It had a really nice set-up and had a very "welcoming" vibe to it.
I found basically everything I needed and found most of the staff to be very friendly, calm, and outgoing.
I would absolutely come back here. -
Review from Sayuri T.
Vancouver, BC
2/13/2012
Still a very special place, but a little of the shine has worn off over the years.
Although this review will contain a few moderate quibbles, I must emphasise that Banyen has a good heart: it's a very unique shop with loads of interesting items to browse, covering a very diverse selection of topics, and provides an invaluable resource to the Vancouver. It's quite frankly one of those shops that makes Van such a nice, chilled place to live.
And Banyen is *chilled*, in a rather charming way, blending its mixture of old school hippies, shaved head Buddhist beatniks, and more contemporary yogis than you can shake mala beads at.
But that's not say that Banyen has a stereotypical New Age vibe -- there is a little bit of that, replete with some David Icke books and reptile conspiracies. But overall the selection of books -- on topics ranging from social activism, the world's religions, health and healing, and psychology -- is inspiring and invigorating. It's impossible to walk in there and not find *something* that you want. Banyen has been around for a LONG TIME; and that's because they know what they're doing.
A few small suggestions, however: staff ranges from friendly to aloof, knowledgeable to can't be bothered. I find it very hit or miss if I need some guidance on something. Probably as a result of marketing pressures, but certain former strengths of Banyen have slipped over the years: the Wicca section has slimmed down considerably. The tantra/Hindu spirituality area is still very good, but their once majestic Sanskrit section (including texts in that language) has all but dissipated to a few dictionaries. Banyen used to be a bit better at the 'rare tomes', really speciality items on Buddhism from Japanese universities or hand-sewn Indian books on Kali rituals. Really, really antiquarian stuff. Although I shop there frequently, it's been a very long time since I had one of those jaw-dropping bibliophile ecstasies of discovery . . . "Wow, where did they get THIS??" I do find the selection has become a little more Oprah, and a lot less Orpheus.
Actually, it's been ages since Vancouver had a truly cobwebs and grimoires kind of occult shop. Phoenix Books in Surrey had some serious gems, including Kenneth Grant hardbacks and first edition ceremonial magick books. They were also practising Alexandrian Wiccans, from what I heard at least, and certainly had a very good sense for the top books in the field. Banyen has its 'closed cabinet' -- where Crowley is kept locked away (??) along with expensive acupuncture manuals.
So, I respect that Banyen can't be all things to all people. But it's still an amazing place to browse. I also really like their 'curio' section, where they have a really nice selection of alternative accoutrements: Statues of any pantheon you can imagine, a small incense selection, tarot cards, spell boxes, Tibetan gongs, angel feathers, etc, etc. This area is also hit or miss: some of it is fairly kitschy, but I have made some incredible discoveries here -- including a beautiful soapstone box for burning loose incense. THe markup can be oppressively high, however: anyone who has been to India knows that mala beads aren't *that* expensive.
Overall, a beautiful place to shop. An independent store worth supporting. -
Review from Vanessa G.
3/16/2011
This store welcomed me with the smell of nap champa and sounds of dew drops in the rain forrest. Wow is this the hippy self help store if i ever found one.. and i fall into this category for sure. They had books from every single angle plus some fiction, and used books.
From crystals, mala beads, aromatherapy, they really have it all. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I wish I was barefoot (like the guy stocking the shelves) or wearing patchouli. Banyen reminds me of what Kits was probably like in the 1970's. Even the lovely little benches and rocks along the east side of the building feel like an island retreat of some sort.
With helpful signs that are reminiscent of a library to the awesome overstock = marked down section, to the cushy chairs and the awe-inspiring writing section, I just can't get enough. The book I purchased today even smells like some essence of happiness! -
Review from Tim L.
8/25/2008
Banyen Books is *KNOWN* for their vast selection of books catering specifically towards the more spiritual topics.
It's like a Chapters in the fact that they also carry material like music and videos etc. Everything though revolves around topics of natural healing, meditation, spirituality and the exploration of self.
Unlike other specialty book shops, this one is not in some dingy run down building with poorly organized aisles.
They've got their act together and are THE destination. Staff are friendly and helpful and things are actually organized in such a fashion you can generally find what you're looking for with minimal help (books, not spirtually...ok maybe that too). -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
7/7/2009
Chapters for the Soul.
They also have the best selection in town of Green Movement and Alternative Energy how to books. I took a friend from Brazil there who has a spiritual bent, afterwards she said she could happily live there for several months, she did buy a new suitcase to take her haul of books back to Rio. If you are looking for something esoteric and/or from some small publisher in Moldavia, this is the place that would have it or know about how to get it. -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2008 1 photo
LOVE this place! Any crazy book title you can think of and you will find it. They have an extensive collection of new age type books - from yoga to meditation to various religions and anything that is spirituality based!!
The staff here is totally knowledgeable and able to find for you whatever you are looking for, or suggest similar titles. They also have an large selection of music that you probably wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. In fact, i'm guessing that most of the titles here would not be available anywhere else just because of the specialized nature of the topics. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/25/2008 1 photo
It's quite encouraging to think that a bookstore the size of a small city block can sustain itself in our town -- and has been for nearly 40 years.
This is the spot to find the previously unknown title recommended by your yoga teacher or friend who just returned from five years of traveling. With the eclectic window display it's also a great spot to window shop. You'll likely leave shaking your head and pondering just how many different books there are in the world and the curious titles that go into print.
Banyen's monthly newsletter Blossoming is always worth a peruse for event/book/music/miscellaneous news and goings-on.
Staff are helpful in locating a title and navigating the extensive sections. Don't go expecting to pick up the latest version of Microsoft for Dummies. But if yoga, meditation, and ________ (meaning pretty much anything else) books are on your list don't miss a lost-aisle tour through Banyen. -
Review from Roanna Z.
12/23/2009
Definitely a Yoga vibe in here.
Shiny happy people helping.
Gifts of all sorts for the enlightened and for those working on it.
Wonderful selection of books of all sorts as well as a music section. -
Review from Nadine C.
Vancouver, BC
5/31/2011
A quirky, peaceful, fun store to browse in. Banyen has an extensive collection of books, music, incense and beautiful incense holders, casual clothing and musical instruments. A great place to find gifts for anyone. What really caught my eye were their handcrafted gemstone leather journals! Very original. The staff here are very friendly and helpful. They're willing to help if you just ask. Also, the ambiance of the store is amazing! Peaceful music, not-too-harsh lighting, the smell of calming incense. Definitely will be coming back here again and again.
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Review from Vincent N.
Vancouver, BC
4/14/2009
I'm very happy with this book store. There's a lot of books in there that focus on new age and spirituality. Everything is well organized, and the place itself is extremely tranquil. They also have a used book section where you can find a lot of different classics. Strangely enough, Power of Now was first supported by Banyen.
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Review from t a.
Vancouver, BC
5/29/2011
Love this store! Peaceful easy shopping, you can sit on a pillow and peruse the books you are thinking of getting. Staff is very helpful. Great place to go if you are feeling down, you will feel better after! Lots of music there too!
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Review from Raymond R.
3/6/2010
As I have mentioned in other post, I generally like used book stores best. But if I am in a bookstore that sells only new ones, I like a really large selection. Same with Metaphysical book stores. This particular one has a nice feel to it. I like to think of it; like the Bodhi Tree is to Los Angeles ... Banyen Books is to Vancouver. I have bought some great things here and not all of them were books. But book that I cherish most from here is a hand made replica of the "Heart Sutra" written in Tibetan and illustrated, complete with wood covers emblazoned with Buddhas and Dorji ornamentations colored in red and gold. I was just amazed that no one seemed to recognize what they were and they were marked down at least three times before I showed up and bought one. I wanted to get them all, but as there was many other things I also wanted to purchase, I had to pass on the other two copies. This is just a great all around store. I have enjoyed ever visit. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum .:.
Listed in: World's Best Book Stores
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2008
This store is airy and bright and they do a pretty great job of keeping the new age types in books. They carry a very wide selection of all things spiritual/healing, so if you are looking for anything to do with yoga, yogis, spiritual practices, meditation...you get the picture, this place is it. And, as you might guess, the staff here is helpful and knowledgeable. In addition to books, this store carries a selection of music and videos and other relevant products. It's hard not to want to become a new-age guru when you come here!
