Location and Accessibility
The SRF London Centre is a short walk from Baker Street station, bus services and Regent’s Park. Please note that the centre opens half an hour before scheduled services but is not open at other times. There is level access and disabled facilities throughout the centre. The entrance has three steps but a portable ramp is available.
Address:
London Centre of Self-Realization Fellowship,
82A Chiltern Street, London, W1U 5AQ.
Email: info@srf-london.org.uk
Our History
In 1936, during his second, and last, visit to London, Paramahansa Yogananda assured devotees here that one day they would have their own temple. For many years, services were held at a devotee’s home, and later in a Unitarian church in Notting Hill Gate.
However, in 2005, Yoganandaji’s promise finally came true when SRF London acquired a former welsh Baptist church, near Baker St. During 2011-12, the Centre underwent an extensive renovation.
Tucked away in a quiet street, the SRF London Centre is truly a sanctuary of peace in the heart of the city.
Chapel
The Centre was lovingly re-decorated in the traditional SRF colours of blue, white and gold, creating the beautiful space we know today.
Regular meditation services are held in the chapel on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Sunday mornings (see calendar for details of times and other meditations).
Social Hall and Book Room
We have socials on every 2nd Sunday of the month from 12:15-1:00pm, please join us for light refreshments and fellowship with the devotees.
Our Youth Programmes and other events are also held here.
We have a book room too, where a wide selection of books, CDs, DVDs and other meditation aids can be bought. Please note the bookroom is open after the Sunday and Thursday services , however the books and other materials can be ordered via email to rajat.vats@srf-london.org.uk . We are able to post UK wide.
Garden
We are very fortunate to have a lovely garden space adjoining the building where devotees can sit quietly, enjoy the peace or spend time in fellowship. Weather permitting, devotees can use this space for energisation exercises.
We have a number of other rooms, including a dedicated flower room and a summer house which opens onto the garden.
Fellowship & Service
The centre is run by volunteers and we warmly welcome you to join our community. There are always opportunities to serve, and in a variety of ways. If you are new to this path, wish to serve or have any questions – please do ask! We’ll be delighted to help in any way we can.
There are regular study classes on the Paramahansa Yogananda’s Bhagavad Gita commentary and reviews of the SRF home study lessons, as well as young adults/teens groups and a Sunday school. We also hold quarterly one-day silent retreats.
