Description of Services

Several different services are scheduled at our temple throughout the year and here is a brief description of the services that occur. Please refer to Services Schedule page for actual dates and timings of the specific service.

Note: Anyone can attend these services unless specified as members only or RSVP event.

~ Meditation Service
The Meditation Service includes periods of prayer, chanting and silent meditation. Paramahansa Yogananda emphasized that the united devotion and concentration of many yoga devotees can powerfully increase the depth of each individual’s meditation. Meditation Services provide opportunities to practice the methods of concentration and meditation taught in the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) Lessons.

~ Healing Service
At the close of our regular services, we pray for the physical, mental and spiritual healing of others and for world peace and harmony. We practice the spiritual healing technique taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. For a full description of this technique, please see the free booklet Worldwide Prayer Circle.

~ Reading Service
The Reading Service includes periods of prayer, chanting, affirmation, silent meditation and inspirational service readings. Each week’s reading subject is different. Passages from the scripture (Bible and Bhagavad Gita) interpretations and other writings of Paramahansa Yogananda are included in the service.

~ Prayer Service
At the close of our regular services, we spend a few minutes praying for others and world peace. Our Guru taught that all things are possible through the power of prayer. We pray for the world peace and harmony, as well as for divine aid in overcoming any personal difficulties. After the prayers we practice a spiritual healing technique taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. For a full description of this technique, please see the free booklet Worldwide Prayer Circle.

~ Commemoration Service
Commemoration Services honor the Birthdays and Mahasamadhis (“great Samadhi”, an advanced yogi's final conscious exit from the physical body) of the SRF line of gurus. Those who attend this bring a flower as a symbol of devotion to the one being honored and a monetary offering in an envelope as a symbol of your desire to change from material consciousness to spiritual consciousness, and as an expression of your support to SRF. All who can participate with reverence are welcome. It is a deeply spiritual occasion on which the vibrations of blessings from an illumined master are stronger than other days. Devotees who attend these services with the right attitude will reap spiritual benefits and will find their high resolution strengthened.

~ Kirtans
Kirtans include longer periods of devotional singing/chanting to God accompanied by traditional Indian instruments including a harmonium, cymbals, tablas, and a tamboura.
Song to God from depths of devotion, continuously chanting, audibly or mentally, until response is consciously received from Him in the form of boundless joy, is a spiritualized song.

~ Satsanga
Satsanga is from Sanskrit (sat = truth, sanga = fellowship). In SRF it refers to answers to spiritual questions. When ministers visit, there is often a Satsang service where the minister answers written questions. If you have any questions, please put them in the box provided for this purpose in the book room.

~ Sunday School
Children from ages 4 to 8 are invited to attend Sunday School classes during the Sunday Reading Service. Parents with younger children may care for them in the Family Room while watching the service via a live video feed. In Sunday School, children are encouraged to develop a personal relationship wiht the Divine and taught spiritual principles that lead to their happiness and the happiness of others. Classes include a short meditation, chanting, reading and an activity based on the week's reading topic.

~ Youth Group
Youth from ages 9 – 14 are invited to attend Youth Group classes during the Sunday Reading Service. Classes include a short meditation, chanting, reading and a project based on the week's reading topic.