Highlights From the 2025 SRF World Convocation

“Thank you for such a transformative event. From the beginning until the end, it was truly inspiring.”

J. A., West Virginia

The 2025 SRF World Convocation — held in person and online July 22 – 28 — brought together tens of thousands of spiritual seekers from 112 countries for a week of meditations, kirtans (devotional chanting), inspirational talks on Paramahansa Yogananda's Kriya Yoga teachings, joy-filled spiritual fellowship, and much more.

Awakening Divine Enthusiasm — Special Events With Brother Chidananda

During the week, Convocation attendees had two very special opportunities to spend time with Brother Chidananda, revered president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India — a three-hour meditation and inspirational satsanga.

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Brother Chidananda’s encouraging and uplifting satsanga was held on the Friday of Convocation. In his talk he suggested that attendees carry with them from the week the profound "inner takeaways" of an awakened enthusiasm for applying Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings in their daily lives, and a deeper sense of resilience that comes from doing so. He explained that as a result, each seeker would feel a renewed awareness that no matter what is going on around us in the world we can anchor our consciousness in the Divine Presence and in this truth from Paramahansaji: “You are the master of the moments of your life.”

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In a three-hour meditation earlier in the week, on Wednesday morning, Brother Chidananda guided participants in diving deep within to experience the Divine. At the meditation’s start he expressed that the goal was that “at the end of this meditation each one of you will walk from this room knowing that you have established the God of bliss on the altar of your heart and soul.”

New Book by Paramahansa Yogananda Released During Convocation

Solving the Mystery of Life, the highly anticipated fourth volume in Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed anthology series, Collected Talks and Essays on Realizing God in Daily Life, was officially released during the Convocation’s opening program and is now available for purchase.

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Brother Chidananda extolled the new book in his Friday night class as a milestone in the progress of the SRF mission. The book shares Paramahansaji’s personal counsel and profound insights on how to live with wisdom, resilience, and joy in daily life.

“I received so much during this Convocation. I am very grateful and hope I can put to spiritual use everything I have learned.”

A. V., California

A Worldwide Gathering of Souls

More than 3,000 people participated in the program at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, and thousands more around the world — from Bolivia to Taiwan — joined livestreams of the events as well as online fellowship gatherings. In addition, SRF monks and nuns visited fourteen cities in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, to lead Convocation activities with local attendees. Members and friends of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) — as Paramahansaji’s work is known in India and several surrounding countries — also had the opportunity to be hosted by YSS monks at the YSS ashrams and to attend Convocation viewing events at local centers and groups.

A map showing the locations around the world where SRF and YSS monastics led 2025 Convocation activities.

SRF devotees gathering in Assisi, Italy, were joined by Brother Dhruvananda and Brahmachari Marco.

The SRF meditation group in Barcelona, Spain, was joined by Brother Dhruvananda and Brahmachari Marco.

The Cuenca, Ecuador Meditation Group was visited by Sister Dhira and Sister Meenakshi.

The Dallas Meditation Group was visited by Brother Saralananda and Brahmachari Neil.

The Detroit Meditation Group was visited by Brother Saralananda and Brahmachari Neil.

SRF members and friends enjoyed activities at the SRF Greenfield Retreat in Front Royal, Virginia, hosted by Sister Brahmani and other Greenfield Retreat nuns.

A retreat in Malaysia, hosted by the Kuala Lumper Meditation Group, was visited by Brother Asimananda and Brother Maitrimoy.

The Minneapolis Meditation Group was visited by Brother Keshavananda and Brother Nakulananda.

SRF devotees in Germany joined the SRF nuns at the Nuremberg Ashram Center for Convocation activities.

The San Juan, Puerto Rico Meditation Group was visited by Brother Jitananda and Swami Nishthananda.

The Tampa Meditation Group was joined by Brother Jitananda and Swami Nishthananda.

The Tokyo Meditation Group was visited by Brother Asimananda and Brother Maitrimoy.

The SRF Toronto Center was joined by Brother Keshavananda and Brother Nakulananda.

SRF members in Xalapa, Mexico, were joined by Sister Dhira and Sister Meenakshi.

The Zurich, Switzerland Meditation Group was visited by Sister Bhagavati and Sister Sita.

At the YSS Ranchi Ashram, participants view a class streamed from the Bonaventure Hotel.

YSS monks and devotees at the Dwarahat Ashram participate in Convocation online.

Participants at the YSS Dakshineswar Ashram view a Convocation class.

Devotees at the YSS Noida Ashram join Brother Chidananda's closing class.

Many other SRF members around the world gathered in groups to participate in Convocation activities — such as these members in Australia's Sunshine Coast — making this a truly world event.

Participants absorbed Paramahansa Yogananda’s timeless wisdom for balanced spiritual living, shared by SRF monks and nuns in uplifting talks and classes — and had many opportunities to experience the transformative power of Paramahansaji's soul-awakening spiritual techniques during daily group meditations.

“A sincere thank you for all of the hard work and love that went into making this week possible. We have been truly blessed with what the world needs so badly, and with Guruji’s help and blessing, a better world is dawning. ”

J. A., West Virginia

We hope you enjoy the following glimpses of the divinely uplifting and inspiring week of the 2025 SRF World Convocation.

Classes and Kirtans

Brother Satyananda gives the opening class of Convocation week on "Making Life a Spiritual Adventure."

The monks' kirtan group leads a three hour meditation with devotional chanting.

Brother Balananda conducts a review of the Energization Exercises.

Brother Muktananda reviews the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration.

Brother Govindananda's class is entitled "The Art of Relaxation: Counteracting Stress and Experiencing True Serenity."

Sister Karuna gives a Satsanga (Questions and Answers).

Brother Devananda leads chanting while reviewing the Aum Technique of Meditation.

A large gathering of SRF young adults participate in an interactive class with SRF monks and nuns.

Brother Kamalananda gives a class on "Manifesting Our Noble Ambitions: The Creative Power of Initiative."

Brother Bhumananda gives a Satsanga (Questions and Answers).

Sister Draupadi speaks on "Becoming Ideal Citizens of the World."

Sister Ranjana gives a Satsanga (Questions and Answers).

The SRF nuns' kirtan group leads devotional chanting.

Brother Sevananda speaks on "The Role of a Guru in One's Spiritual Search."

Brother Ritananda's closing class is titled "Creating an Inner Environment for Spiritual Progress."

“Each event of the Convocation has left an everlasting impression on my soul. Tears of gratitude flowing constantly. ”

M. B., India

Glimpses of Divine Fellowship

Sister Gita greets a SRF member at the Open House gathering on the first day of Convocation.

Swami Shreyananda, a YSS monk visiting Paramahansaji’s SRF ashrams, speaks with Convocation participants at the Open House event.

Brother Kartikananda greets devotees attending Convocation.

Brother Amritananda welcomes an SRF member to Convocation.

Brother Padmananda converses with attendees.

Brother Tyagananda hosts a participant.

Brother Prafullananda greets members.

Sister Chetana converses with members.

Brother Nikhilananda speaks with attendees at the Open House.

Brother Ekananda greets participants.

Brother Sakhyananda talks with SRF members at the Open House event.

Sister Shankari converses with devotees.

Brother Vijayananda talks with members.

“This is the fifth time I have joined Convocation online; I always feel the power and love during Convocation week, and it’s always the most important time for me to recharge and move further on my spiritual path.”

Anonymous

Pilgrimage Tours to Sacred SRF Sites

Convocation attendees had the opportunity to participate in pilgrimage tours and experience sacred SRF sites in Southern California where Paramahansa Yogananda lived and communed with the Divine, including: SRF International Headquarters (the Mother Center), Hollywood Temple and Forest Lawn Memorial Park (where Paramahansa Yogananda’s crypt is located), Encinitas Ashram Center (in San Diego County), and for the first time, San Diego Temple. Virtual pilgrimage tours were also available online for those joining the Convocation program from afar.

The SRF Mother Center (International Headquarters)

Video showing the pilgrimage events at the Mother Center:

The SRF Mother Center commemorates two historic milestones in 2025 — the 100th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda establishing the Mother Center as the International Headquarters of Self-Realization Fellowship, and the 75th anniversary of the first SRF World Convocation, personally conducted by the Guru on these sacred grounds. To honor these special anniversaries, a photo exhibit was set up in the main hall and archival images of Paramahansaji were displayed on the grounds at the locations where the photos were originally taken.

Monastic hosts welcomed visitors from around the world in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, French, and Japanese, sharing inspiring stories from the Guru’s life. Pilgrims enjoyed meditating in the sacred surroundings, devotional chanting with the nuns, visiting Paramahansaji’s shrine rooms, and a traditional Indian meal.

Hollywood Temple and Ashram Center

Convocation participants on pilgrimage to SRF Hollywood Temple and Ashram Center.

Hollywood Temple volunteers give an orientation for the visitors.

Brother Jayananda greets visiting members.

Devotees enjoy meditating in the sacred spaces on the Hollywood Temple grounds.

Encinitas Hermitage and Ashram Center

SRF nuns greet devotees on their way to the Encinitas Hermitage during the Encinitas pilgrimage tour held on Sunday, June 29.

Entrance to the Encinitas Hermitage and Paramahansa Yogananda's personal quarters.

Meditators on the lawn of the Encinitas Hermitage.

The SRF Encinitas Gardens overlook the Pacific ocean.

Participants enjoy lunch on the ashram grounds.

Paramahansaji's house car was available for viewing, restored for this year's Convocation.

This "house car" was acquired by Paramahansaji in 1934 and was placed on a Dodge truck chassis in 1935. The Guru enjoyed taking small groups of disciples in it on outings to wilderness areas for a picnic, chanting, and meditation.

San Diego Temple

For the first time, the 2025 Convocation made available a pilgrimage tour to the SRF San Diego Temple, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1943.

SRF monks host devotees for this first-time Convocation pilgrimage.

San Diego Temple volunteers greet the bus loads of arriving devotees.

Brother Sattvananda welcomes visiting members.

The temple grounds afford a stunning view of San Diego Bay.

Brother Padmananda give words of inspiration before a meditation and kirtan.

A kirtan group leads chanting and meditation.

A delicious meal is served.

Images of Other Convocation Features

Hundreds of volunteers help make Convocation possible while creating a spirit of divine fellowship through their selfless service.

SRF staff and volunteers served participants throughout the week, providing information and support.

A special photo display was organized by the Department of Philanthropic Planning highlighting the growth of the SRF work.

Brother Kalyanananda speaks with a devotee in the Department of Philanthropic Planning room.

SRF nuns offered spiritual counseling to women throughout the week.

A photo display of historic photos of Paramahansa Yogananda was available for viewing.

Several historical photographs were on display at the nearby Biltmore Hotel, the location of Paramahansaji's mahasamadhi in 1952.

SRF monks gave personal spiritual counseling for men during Convocation week.

SRF books and gifts were available for purchase during Convocation.

Of special interest was Paramahansaji's new book, "Solving the Mystery of Life."

In the Books and Gifts room, interest was shown in the harmoniums on display as helpful aids in devotional chanting.

“This year’s Convocation renewed my faith, softened my heart, brought me back to the stillness, and reminded me of the eternal joy within — and, that love, love is always the path.”

S. B., Missouri

The Convocation Experience Continues!

We encourage you to come back and watch the videos of the Convocation events again and again over the coming year! You can view the many Convocation talks that are available on the 2025 Convocation YouTube Playlist.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We are happy to share that the 2026 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation will be held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, August 2 – 8. The event will also continue to be offered online for those unable to attend in person. (Complete details about the program will be available in early 2026.)