Online Inspirational Services

Currently we are offering a new online inspirational service each week, led by an SRF or YSS monastic. These programs include meditation, chanting, and a talk on Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings. Through the services presented here, you can join Paramahansa Yogananda’s worldwide spiritual family in weekly divine fellowship.

“The Need for a True Guru in One’s Life” by Swami Smaranananda Livestream: July 3 at 9:00 p.m. (PDT)

In this talk, Swami Smaranananda, vice president of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, will share insights into the need for a true guru in one’s life. Broadcast live from the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Noida, India, at 9:00 p.m. (PDT), this talk will continue to be available here for later viewing.

“Perseverance: Secret of Spiritual Success” by Brother Nakulananda 

In this talk, SRF minister Brother Nakulananda explains how the secret for success in the spiritual life lies in developing a “never give up” attitude. Citing numerous examples of spiritually successful individuals, Brother Nakulananda explains how we can achieve realization of our divine nature—despite all the tests of life—through understanding the purpose of life and applying such methods as affirmations to remind ourselves of our soul-nature, and faithfully practicing scientific yoga meditation techniques. 

This talk was recorded at the SRF Encinitas Temple on May 21, 2020.  

“Kriya Yoga: Science of Spiritual Living for the Modern Age” by Brother Chidananda

SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda shares how the comprehensive science of Kriya Yoga—which includes the specific technique of Kriya Yoga as well as the other meditation techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda—works in a systemic way to “reverse the searchlights of the senses” away from matter so that we can discover the bliss of the Divine within ourselves.

This talk was recorded at the 2016 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles.

“True Devotion: Living in God’s Presence Moment to Moment” by Brother Vishwananda 

SRF minister Brother Vishwananda discusses how we can more quickly and effectively achieve the ultimate goal of human life—Self-realization, oneness with the bliss of God—by understanding what devotion truly is and practicing it daily as we learn to “live in the moment.” “I’m not using ‘moment’ as a measure of time,” Brother Vishwananda explains, “but rather as our awareness of God’s presence now.” This talk shows how it is possible—and very practical—to gain an understanding of God’s omnipresence, not as an abstract idea, but as the foundation of our reality. 

This talk was recorded at the 2012 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles.   

A Special Message From Brother Chidananda: “Finding a Unity Deeper Than Race, Color, or Creed”

In lieu of our weekly online service, this week we are presenting a special message from SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda posted on the Self-Realization Fellowship Blog.

Speaking to the current situation in America and around the world, Brother Chidananda discusses the serious problem of racial injustice and divisiveness, and the way to address not only the symptoms but the cause of this disease facing humanity. He encourages those who meditate to be true peacemakers by producing peace first within themselves, through meditation, and then radiating that peace to others through spiritual actions that address the deep-rooted racial prejudices in our society.

“Finding Spiritual Balance in Your Life” by Sister Priya

In this talk given at the 2000 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, SRF minister Sister Priya shares her insights into how to find spiritual balance in our lives with meditation as the foundation. She also discusses how we can allow the problems of life to drive us closer to God; the importance of forgiveness in our finding balance; and the power of prayer to bring about change in ourselves, our lives, and the world.

“The Liberating Power of Affirmation” by Brother Prafullananda

In this service, SRF minister Brother Prafullananda explores how seekers after highest consciousness can use the power of affirmation, as an adjunct to Kriya Yoga meditation, to achieve their greatest material and spiritual goals. This talk delves into the idea that if we incorporate Paramahansa Yogananda’s instructions on the science of affirmation into our daily spiritual practice—as explained in Paramahansaji’s “how-to-live” teachings—we can bring about transformations of body and mind that utilize not only the potency of the subconscious but also the superconsciousness that exists within each one of us.

This talk was recorded at the Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters in Los Angeles.

“Taking Shelter in God” by Brother Satyananda 

In this inspirational service SRF minister Brother Satyananda explores ways that we can embrace the idea of “Taking Shelter in God” by understanding the guidance found in Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings. Seeking the protective shelter of the Divine is a choice we can all make, Brother Satyananda explains, just as we would choose to seek shelter from a storm. When the trials of life suddenly encroach on us, “are we putting first our fear, or are we putting first our faith?” If we take shelter in God with devotion, we can, in Paramahansaji’s words, “become established in supreme peace and find eternal freedom in Him.”  

This inspirational service was recorded at the SRF Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades, California. 

“God’s Nature in the Mother” by Sister Draupadi

In this special inspirational service for Mother’s Day, “God’s Nature in the Mother,” SRF nun Sister Draupadi discusses the Mother aspect of the Divine. She explains that by applying Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, we help our families live in a higher age of understanding and spiritual balance. She further affirms that as parents deepen their own relationship with God, they also guide the lives of children with ever-increasing love and acceptance. 

This inspirational service was recorded at the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles.

“Principles of Effective Prayer” by Swami Smaranananda

In this inspirational service Swami Smaranananda, vice president of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, explores “Principles of Effective Prayer.” 

Swami Smaranananda discusses how Paramahansa Yogananda has explained the science of effective prayer in a beautiful and complete way in his SRF/YSS teachings—showing how to take prayer out of the realm of superstition and blind belief, and apply it as a tangible and practical spiritual power in our daily lives.

This service was conducted at the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Noida.

Subtitles available: English

“Facing Life’s Challenges With Courage and Faith” by Brother Nakulananda 

In this service conducted at the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple, SRF minister Brother Nakulananda explores the teaching of Paramahansa Yogananda on “Facing Life’s Challenges With Courage and Faith.”  

In his talk, Brother Nakulananda explains how we can face all of life’s challenges with the courage and faith gained through applying Paramahansa Yogananda’s scientific Kriya Yoga teachings on meditation and balanced spiritual living. He states: “Our Guru [Paramahansa Yogananda] has given to us so much in his vast teachings—in his lectures, his writings, his recordings, his how-to-live principles, the techniques of meditation—showing us the supreme purpose for which we are here on earth, and how to achieve that goal of God-realization, which is our divine birthright, our divine heritage.”  

Subtitles available: English, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese

“Rediscovering Your Higher Self” by Brother Govindananda

In this service conducted at the Self-Realization Fellowship Hollywood Temple on January 12, 2020, SRF minister Brother Govindananda explores the teaching of Paramahansa Yogananda on “Rediscovering Your Higher Self.”

In his talk, Brother Govindananda explains how we can use Kriya Yoga meditation and the power of affirmation to uncover the hidden soul nature that resides in every human being and quotes these words of Paramahansaji: “Material remedies—medicines, physical comforts, human consolation—have their place in helping to remove pain, but the greatest remedy is the practice of Kriya Yoga and the affirmation that you are one with God. This is the cure-all for every trouble, pain, and bereavement—the way to freedom from all individual and mass karma.”  

Subtitles available: English, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese

Easter Service and Meditation Led by Brother Chidananda

We invite you to view a special Easter service and meditation led by Brother Chidananda, president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, which took place on Sunday, April 12, 2020.

In his talk, Brother Chidananda mentioned Paramahansa Yogananda’s message on “Original Christianity, Original Yoga, and the Self-Realization Path.” You can read it in the free digital version of Self-Realization magazine, Spring 2020 issue, page 12.

Subtitles available: English, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese

“Strengthening Character by Developing Spiritual Courage and Endurance” by Brother Chidananda

In this talk, given at the 2015 SRF World Convocation, SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda leads the audience in the practice of several powerful affirmations and offers encouragement for successfully facing life’s difficulties. The text of these affirmations, for those who wish to use them again, can be found in Where There Is Light by Paramahansa Yogananda, in chapter 14, “How to Use Thoughts of Immortality to Awaken Your True Self.”

Subtitles available: English, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese

“How-to-Live Inspiration”

In this video, SRF minister Brother Satyananda offers perspective and gives advice on how to develop a balanced spiritual routine at this time when so many around the world must stay at home.

“Spiritual Strength in Times of Crisis”

Brother Bhumananda speaks on “Spiritual Strength In Times of Crisis,” recorded at the SRF Mother Center on March 23, 2020.  

In this talk he draws upon the guidance and understanding of Sri Daya Mata, Brother Chidananda, and other disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda. He explains how we can deal with the challenges of our current times with courage, faith, positive thinking, thereby bringing out our highest soul qualities: “The crisis itself is not the most important thing. What is most important is how we respond to the crisis.”

Subtitles available: English, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese

“Freeing Your Consciousness From Worry”

“Freeing Your Consciousness From Worry” by Brother Satyananda was recorded at the SRF Lake Shrine Temple on February 2, 2020.  

Though recorded before the current escalation of the coronavirus epidemic, Brother Satyananda’s talk provides uplifting wisdom and inspiration for maintaining inner peace and equilibrium during stressful and challenging times.  

Subtitles available: English, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese

Weekly Services

At our temples and meditation centers around the world, weekly inspirational services offer you an opportunity to meet with other truth-seekers to commune with God and share spiritual fellowship. These services include readings from Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings, as well as periods of devotional chanting, silent meditation, and prayer. Self-Realization Fellowship monastics regularly give the services at our temples, and SRF lay members lead services at the meditation centers.

All of our temples and many of our meditation centers also offer Sunday School classes for children ages 3–12, presenting Paramahansa Yogananda’s “how-to-live” spiritual principles for children.

Sunday Service Schedule

2020

January

5 The Grace and Guidance of a True Guru

12 Rediscovering Your Higher Self

19 Meditation: The Science of Contacting God

26 How to Rise Above Pressures and Problems

February

2 Habits: Your Master or Your Slave?

9 Experiencing the Love of God

16 The Liberating Power of Affirmation

23 The Cosmic Motion Picture

March

1 Harnessing the Power of Mind

8 The Speaking Voice of Silent God

15 Why Waste Time? God Is the Joy You Seek

22 How to Be a Friend to All

29 The Way to Lasting Peace and Happiness

April

5 The Deeper Teachings of Jesus Christ

12 The True Meaning of Resurrection

19 Life Energy: The Power That Heals

26 Bringing Our Lives Into Balance

May

3 Developing the Invincible Power of Initiative

10 The Mother as an Expression of God’s Unconditional Love

17 The Dream Fabric of Life

24 The Underlying Unity of the World’s Religions

31 Living Without Fear

June 

7 Self-Analysis: Key to the Mastery of Life

14 The Four Ways to Direct Experience of God

21 The Father Aspect of God

28 The True Purpose of Marriage

July

5 Seeing God as the Sole Doer

12 Building World Unity

19 Understanding Reincarnation

26 The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga

August

2 Why We Suffer

9 How to Develop True Intuition

16 Who Made God?

23 Miracles: The Working of Higher Laws

30 The Battle Between Good and Evil

September

6 Meditation: Direct Perception of God

13 How to Spiritualize Business

20 The Unlimited Power of the Mind

27 Be a Smile Millionaire

October

4 Our Immortal Nature

11 The Example of a Saintly Life

18 Living in Constant Remembrance of God

25 Spiritual Laws That Govern Healing

November

1 How to Read Others’ Character, and Improve Our Own

8 The Scientific Art of Living

15 The Universal Appeal of Yoga, India’s Ancient Spiritual Science

22 How to Dissolve the Causes of War

29 Giving Thanks for Life’s Blessings

December

6 Inner Resources of Energy and Health

13 Attunement With the Christ Consciousness

20 The Divine Nature of Christ

27 How to Create Dynamic Will Power

Commemorative Services

Self-Realization Fellowship observes a number of anniversaries each year with special commemorative ceremonies at our temples, centers, groups, and circles worldwide. Please check your SRF location for the exact times.

2020

Jan. 5         Birthday of Paramahansa Yogananda (1893)
Jan. 11        Paramahansa Yogananda Commemorative Meditation
Mar. 7         Mahasamadhi of Paramahansa Yogananda (1952)
Mar. 9         Mahasamadhi of Sri Yukteswar (1936)
Apr. 10        Good Friday
Apr. 12        Easter Sunday
May 10        Birthday of Sri Yukteswar (1855)
July 25        Mahavatar Babaji Commemoration Day
Aug. 11       Janmashtami (Birth of Bhagavan Krishna)
Sept. 26      Mahasamadhi of Lahiri Mahasaya (1895)
Sept. 30      Birthday of Lahiri Mahasaya (1828)
Dec. 19       All-Day Christmas Meditation