Meditation Services
The London Centre offers regular meditation and inspirational reading services (see calendar below). There are also occasional long meditations and one-day silent retreats at the Centre.
Paramahansa Yogananda emphasised how the combined devotion and concentration of meditating in a group can powerfully increase the depth of each individual’s meditation.
Aged 12 and above are welcome.
Calendar
Youth Programmes
We have youth programmes for children (Sunday School), teenagers (Teen Service) and a young adults group (18-40).
Group Study Classes
Every other Sunday, after the morning service, we have one-hour classes which alternate between studying the Bhagavad Gita and the SRF Lessons (to attend the latter you must be a lessons student).
These classes offer the chance to spend an hour or two per month reflecting on Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings. Participants each read a paragraph aloud followed by a few moments of meditation in which to contemplate its meaning.
Many devotees find that such group study helps them concentrate better; others find listening a more effective way of absorbing the teachings; but all find it meaningful and uplifting.
3rd Sunday: Gita reading in a group. 12:30-1:30pm , in the Chapel, reading of God Talks with Arjuna.
4th Sunday: Lesson reading in a Group (for lesson members only) , 12:30 -1:30pm on the Chapel, reading SRF lessons. Please bring your lessons student card to attend and your own copy of the lesson to read from. Lesson App on mobile devices can also be used.
Retreats
The London centre organises occasional retreats where devotees can immerse themselves in the peace of the day through meditation and silent fellowship, reading or simply enjoying the garden.
Weekend silent retreats outside London offer the opportunity to withdraw further from the pressures and busyness of our lives and relax, both mentally and physically, through meditation, spiritual study and practicing the presence of God in quiet surroundings.
Being together in this way is beneficial in many ways and helps in our quest to develop a more personal relationship with God.
Monastic Visits
We are always delighted to welcome Self-Realization Fellowship monastics whenever they are able to come over from California. The visits comprise a weekend of meditations, inspiring talks, workshops, satsangas (Q&A) and on occasion, Kriya Yoga initiation ceremonies. There is also delicious Indian food and fellowship!
