FAQS

Are your services open to everybody, or just to members? Do I need to sign up?

All our meditation services are open to the public and all sincere seekers are welcome. Services are comprised of periods of silent meditation, devotional chanting, and inspirational reading.

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Is there any charge for meditation services?

There is no charge for attending services. On Sundays, there is an optional offertory that helps cover our operating expenses, and allows us to assist in the worldwide humanitarian work of Self-Realization Fellowship.

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Where can I learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and Paramahansa Yogananda?

• You can learn more about SRF by visiting the Self-Realization Fellowship website at www.yogananda.org.

• You can learn more about the life of Paramahansa Yogananda by reading his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, which can be found in our bookstore, as well as at most major bookstores and public libraries.

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What style of meditation do you practice? Do I need to bring a cushion or other materials?

We meditate with closed eyes, seated on chairs. There is no need to bring any accessories.

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Are the meditations guided?

Apart from brief instructions given at the beginning of the service, the meditations are not guided. Basic instructions for meditation are available from Self Realization Fellowship at this site.  Some inspirational guided meditations are also available.  Those interested in learning the SRF techniques of meditation are encouraged to apply for the SRF Lessons. 

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Which service should I attend first?

The Sunday Reading Service (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) is a good introduction for those not familiar with meditation or with SRF. These services include shorter periods of meditation that can help one prepare for the longer periods (approximately 45 minutes) in our Meditation Services. The Sunday service also offers the best opportunity to meet and chat with other members of our group.

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Is it okay to arrive after a service has started?

People are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early in order to settle in before service begins. Our doors are open for 15 minutes before the start of each service. If you arrive after a service has begun please wait for the usher to admit you during one of the chants or readings. If you need to leave before the end of a service, please do so during a chant or reading.

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I have heard about Kriya Yoga and would like to learn more. Where can I find information?

The sacred, liberating science of Kriya Yoga is available from Self Realization Fellowship.  Click here for details.

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Why should we meditate in a group?  

Paramahansa Yogananda strongly urged spiritual aspirants to meditate together:  “If your spiritual progress is at a standstill, or is ebbing, the practice of meditation on God or on any of the Great Ones, in the company of other devotees, will uplift you from your precarious state. The proximity of others' spiritual vibrations has the power of raising your own. Meditating with other devotees thus helps you to quicken your evolution. They inspire you on your climb up the ladder of Self-realization; and you, by your example, can also be helpful to them.”

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How should I dress to attend a chapel service?

You should dress respectfully and wear clothes that are comfortable, made of fabrics that don’t make noise. Avoid wearing perfumes or scents.  You do not need to remove your shoes in SRF chapels .

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Where can I purchase SRF books, tapes and video publications?

A selection of books, tapes, CDs, photographs and other devotional items may be purchased before and after services at our chapel. Just ask the usher, who will direct you.

A larger range of SRF publications and devotional items is also available directly from the on-line catalogue at the SRF headquarters.

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What if I have more questions?

If you have further questions about our group & its activities, please feel free to contact us.