About Our Temple
Inspirational Services
The Sunday morning and Thursday evening inspirational services are ideal for newcomers and longtime SRF members. Conducted by an SRF monastic, these services include shorter periods of chanting and meditation and an informal talk on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
Group Meditations
The Glendale Temple offers many opportunities for group meditation that benefit both those who are new to meditation as well as those who have meditated for many years. Meditating together helps each devotee by the power of united effort and concentration.
Sunday School and Teen Program
Our Sunday School (ages 3-12) and Teen Services (ages 13-18) are offered every Sunday morning. The program is centered in the teachings of our founder, Paramahansa Yogananda. Children and youth are encouraged to lead happy, balanced lives by bringing God into their daily lives through kindness to others, right behavior, and developing a personal relationship with God through meditation.
Meditation with Kirtan Chanting
Kirtan is devotional singing to God, accompanied by traditional Indian musical instruments such as the harmonium, tablas (drums), cymbals, bells, and tambura; periods of silent meditation are also included. The emphasis is upon our Guru’s Cosmic Chants.
Long Meditation Services
Paramahansa Yogananda encouraged serious students of this path to have a weekly long meditation of several hours or more wherein one is able to give extended time to devotional chanting, practice of the SRF meditation techniques, prayer, and devotion. To attend a long meditation service, it is suggested (but not required) that one be an SRF Lessons student and be able to sit quietly in silent meditation for about 45 minutes.
Commemorative Services
Special commemorative services are held to honor the birthdays and Mahasamadhis of the Self-Realization Fellowship Gurus. It is customary to bring a flower you have chosen as a symbol of your devotion and a monetary offering in an envelope as an expression of your loyalty and support of the Guru’s work.
Scriptural Reading and Meditation Services
These services begin with two half-hour periods of meditation and chanting. Then, for the next half-hour, passages from the scriptural commentaries and writings of Paramahansa Yogananda are read aloud, with time for silent reflection, followed by another half-hour period of meditation.
Day of Service (Guru Seva)
In India there is the ancient tradition of Guru Seva, devotees coming together to serve the Guru’s divine work. Each month (generally on the 3rd Saturday) everyone is invited to come help with maintenance, cleaning and gardening projects at the temple. The day begins with a short meditation at 10:00 a.m.. Another short meditation is held before a wonderful vegetarian lunch is served. No special skills are required, and we welcome you to come for any portion of the day.
Special Events
Our Temple has a number of special events throughout the year, including picnics, potlucks, Easter and Christmas events, and a our annual India Night.
Service Opportunities
“All of you who wish to offer much-needed help, now or in the future, I bless. To cooperate with God’s work is to cooperate with God Himself.”
– Paramahansa Yogananda
Ushering and Greeting
Bookroom
Maintenance, Gardening, Cleaning
There Are Many Additional Opportunities to Serve – Please Inquire!