Summer 2008 (June, July & August)
385 Ashton Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112 - 415-584-8270
(Request Information or be added to email notices at: info@SRF-SanFrancisco.org)

Monastic Visit
Brahmachari Jason and Brahmachari Abrao visited our meditation group last month on a beautiful summer evening, sharing with us the love of Master and the care and authenticity that permeate His organization and world-wide family.  Br. Abrao immediately went to the heart of things with a powerful and devotional kirtan, followed by a wonderful meditation period led by Br. Jason.  Br. Abrao commented on the sweet vibration of our chapel that we all cherish so much.  During satsang, they shared some of their experiences as monastics, such as visiting Cuba (Br. Abrao) and leading youth summer camp (Br. Jason).  They also addressed questions submitted by members such as the role of service to the group in our sadhana and ways to maintain inner attunement with God and Guru throughout the busy work day.  Br. Abrao spoke of the importance of really listening, not just to the words being said but the message being expressed, as these may be two different things.  Br. Jason told a story of a woman who was a new volunteer in a group. She brought flowers to the chapel on the wrong date and was severely reprimanded by another devotee. Master found a way to let her know how much He appreciated the flowers. Even more important than the specific stories and pearls of wisdom they shared, however, was the tangible and uplifting vibration of Master’s love.  We are so grateful that they were able to visit us, and for those who were not able to attend that evening, we know there will be another opportunity in the future to welcome Br. Jason and Br. Abrao, two indispensable monks. 

First Fridays
In June, the Council will begin having short (one hour or less!) monthly meetings on the first Friday of each month after evening service (with the exception of August). The purpose of the meeting is to keep on top of upcoming events and 
general chapel business. We encourage all the committee heads (Services, Facility, Vision, Volunteers, Hospitality and Flowers) to join us if possible. It is clear that none of us will be able to make all the meetings, but we feel it is important to reserve some time each month that we can have conversations together rather than simply exchange emails. The meetings will also be open to all interested members who may want to join us.

Krishna as a youth.
JANMASHTAMI is
Sunday, August 24th
In the Mahabharata, Krishna is cousin to both sides in the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. But he effectively takes the Pandava side. He agrees to be the chariot driver for Arjuna in the great battle. The Bhagavad Gita is the advice given to Arjuna by Krishna before the start of the battle.
Krishna rules the Yadavas at Dwaraka with his wife Rukmini. In the end, the Yadavas kill themselves in infighting, and Krishna is killed by accident by a hunter. His death marked the end of Dwapara yuga. One calculation puts the year of his death at 3102 BC.

 

Mother Center main building construction news:

http://www.yogananda-srf.org/srf_news/2008MCretrofit.html 

Stern Grove Picnic
Sunday, July 20 - picnic at Stern Grove after service – Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet at Stern Grove Festival.
Info for Getting there.

Council Meeting
On Friday June 6, immediately after the service, there will be an open council meeting to follow up on the monastics’ visit.  They were kind enough to meet with the council members and committee chairs prior to the event, and this is an opportunity for all members to join in the conversation and learn about what transpired.  Please plan to attend if you possibly can! 

Quarterly Business Meeting
 Friday July 11.

Thank You!
Sincere appreciation to all who serve at the chapel, donating their time and talents, good will, prayers and devotion.  We depend on these even more than material resources, and we are grateful for your generosity expressed in so many different ways.  

Summer Schedule
Supplementing our regular schedule of reading services and meditations, we have scheduled two six-hour Saturday meditations.  There are also three commemorative services this summer, two hospitality teas and two special outings—please see the Schedules link.  Mindful of everyone’s busy lives and complicated schedules, Karen has been sending reminder e-mails to the list to make sure everyone is informed regarding upcoming events.  Note that some e-mail programs route these into the “junk” folder, so if you know you are on the list and have not received any updates recently, please check that file!  If you would like to be added to the e-mail list, you may do so from the website.  Hard copies of the quarterly newsletter are also continuously available on the free literature table at the chapel.   

 

Links and returns:
Welcome Page
Events and Services Schedules

Self-Realization Fellowship; Northern California:
Richmond Temple
http://www.richmondtemple.org/
Los Gatos Center
http://www.losgatoscenter.org/
Sacramento Center
http://sacramentocenter.org/
Santa Rosa Meditation Group
http://www.srf-santarosa.org/
San Francisco Meditation Group
http://www.srf-sanfrancisco.org/