Self-Realization Fellowship Blog

In this excerpt from a special talk given by Brother Chidananda in October 2025 celebrating the 100th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s founding of the SRF International Headquarters (Mother Center) atop Mount Washington in Los Angeles in 1925, the SRF/YSS president reflects on the spiritual significance of the Mother Center.

He explains that when a divinely liberated soul such as Paramahansaji comes to earth, spiritual power not only flows through that master and his teachings, but also “the places that are associated with his work...become like powerful storage batteries for the spiritual light, for the divine grace, the divine blessings that that liberated avatar brings to earth in a physical incarnation.”

Drawing from Paramahansaji’s own words and experiences, Brother Chidananda also recounts how the Guru foresaw the Mount Washington headquarters in spiritual visions long before he arrived in America — and how he later recognized it as the destined center from which his worldwide work would spread.

During his talk Brother Chidananda shares that the original date planned for the opening of the Mount Washington Hotel (later to become the SRF International Headquarters Building) was January 5, 1910 — which is the birthday of Paramahansa Yogananda, who was born on January 5, 1893.

You can view the full talk by Brother Chidananda from which this excerpt is taken, “Celebrating Yogananda’s Founding of the SRF International Headquarters 100 Years Ago,” in our Teachings Library. In the complete talk, he shares additional reflections on the founding of Mount Washington, its role in Paramahansa Yogananda’s worldwide mission, and the enduring spiritual blessings that flow from the Mother Center to truth seekers everywhere.

We are about to begin the construction phase on a major project focused on preserving this sanctuary of peace and harmony for generations to come, having received last month the key approvals from the City of Los Angeles. This much-needed rehabilitation project is anticipated to last approximately three years. We invite you to learn about the SRF International Headquarters (IHQ) Retrofit & Rehabilitation Project.

On our website you can also view a recording of a recent event with SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda and SRF Vice President Brother Vishwananda in which they unveil the vision and inspiration behind the IHQ Retrofit & Rehabilitation Project — and share a “preview” of the completed project.