SERVICES AND MEDITATIONS

Meditation is the ability to take the mind away from every object of distraction and put it upon God alone.

— Paramahansa Yogananda

The San Francisco Meditation Group offers regular Meditation and Inspirational Reading Services that are open to the public.  All are welcome to attend.

Master emphasized that the united devotion and concentration of many yoga devotees can powerfully increase the depth of each individual's meditation.

SUNDAY READING SERVICE

The Reading Service is based on readings from the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.  The services include periods of devotional chanting, silent meditation or reflection, prayer, and practice of the Worldwide Prayer Circle Healing Technique as taught by Yoganandaji, in which devotees pray for others, for those who have requested physical, mental or spiritual healing, and for world peace.  A 45-minute Meditation Service is held one hour prior to the Reading Service.

Newcomers are encouraged to attend this service.

TUESDAY AND SATURDAY MEDITATIONS

Our group meditations offer devotees a chance to come together in silence to reinforce each other's efforts toward Self-Realization and practice the SRF techniques of concentration and meditation.  Meditation periods are 45 minutes in length.  Each service begins with a prayer, followed by a short period of devotional chanting, which is repeated at the top of each hour.  Entrance and exit to the chapel are permitted only during chanting and reading periods, during which time the door will be open, to preserve the silence essential to meditation. The service concludes with the World Prayer Circle Service.

FRIDAY INSPIRATION SERVICE

The Inspirational Service includes readings from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda or one of the Self-Realization monastics, interspersed with periods of chanting and silent meditation, and concluding with the practice of the Worldwide Prayer Circle Service.  A 45-minute meditation service is held one hour prior to the Inspirational Service.

SRF LESSON STUDY GROUP

Our SRF Lesson Study Group meets every Wednesday, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.  Paramahansa Yogananda's SRF Lessons for Home Study are a comprehensive guide on all aspects of life, and present the Techniques of Energization, Concentration, and Meditation that form the foundation for Kriya Yoga practice.  Those attending our group study must be currently taking or have completed the SRF Lessons.  You are encouraged to download and review the Group Study Guidelines from Mother Center.  If you are interested in starting the Lessons, please pick up a Lessons Application at our chapel, or download it from the SRF Website.  For more information, call (323) 225-2471.

SIX-HOUR SUNDAY MEDITATIONS

Extended Meditations are held from 4:00 pm–10:00 pm on the first Sunday of each month at our Chapel.  These periods include a short period of devotional chanting at the top of every hour followed by silent Group Meditation.  Please refer to the Calendar for upcoming dates.

COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES

These special services are held throughout the year to honor either the birth or Mahasamadhi (final conscious exit from the physical body) of one of the Self-Realization Fellowship line of Gurus.  They are open to all who understand the significance of the guru-disciple relationship and can participate with sincerity and reverence.  Please bring a flower, symbolizing devotion for the Master being honored, and a monetary donation in an envelope, as an expression of gratitude and loyalty to the work of Self-Realization Fellowship. Please refer to the Master Calendar for dates, and to our Upcoming Events for more information.