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Welcome to the March edition of the Self-Realization Fellowship eNewsletter. This month we honor the 60th anniversary of the mahasamadhi of Paramahansa Yogananda and share his inspiring thoughts on How God Responds to Your Prayers. |
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Paramahansa Yogananda on How God Responds to Your Prayers |
 To utter "God" with devotion, and increase the concentration and devotion with each repetition of His name, is to plunge the mind deeper and deeper in the ocean of His presence until one reaches fathomless depths of divine peace and ecstatic joy, the sure proof that one's prayers have touched God.
When we are hit with difficulties we react upon our environment first, making whatever material adjustments we believe may help. But when we come to the point of saying, "Everything I have tried so far has failed; what to do next?" we start to think hard about a solution. When we think deeply enough, we find an answer within. This is one form of answered prayer.
 Remember, greater than a million reasonings of the mind is to sit and meditate upon God until you feel calmness within. Then say to the Lord, "I can't solve my problem alone, even if I thought a zillion different thoughts; but I can solve it by placing it in Your hands, asking first for Your guidance, and then following through by thinking out the various angles for a possible solution." God does help those who help themselves. When your mind is calm and filled with faith after praying to God in meditation, you are able to see various answers to your problems; and because your mind is calm, you are capable of picking out the best solution. Follow that solution, and you will meet with success. This is applying the science of religion in your daily life.
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60th Anniversary of the Mahasamadhi of Paramahansa Yogananda
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"I desire no monuments in the halls of fame. After death I shall enter countless caves of soul love and secretly inspire my brothers with dulcet spiritual thoughts."
"At one with Thee, O Spirit, I shall be the universal throb of life. I shall swim in the sea of souls. Dancing on the waves of mankind's sacred feelings, I shall besprinkle all with divine delight."
March 7, 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda's mahasamadhi, a God-realized soul's final, conscious exit from the body. The great guru passed away in Los Angeles, immediately following the delivery of a speech at a banquet honoring Dr. Binay R. Sen, India's Ambassador to the United States.
In the 60 years since Yogananda's passing, he has come to be widely revered as one of the preeminent spiritual figures of our time. Through his life and teachings, he made an indelible impression on the religious landscape of the United States and the world. On the 25th anniversary of his passing, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in his honor, together with a tribute that read, in part:
"The ideal of love for God and service to humanity found full expression in the life of Paramahansa Yogananda....Though the major part of his life was spent outside India, still [he] takes his place among our great saints. His work continues to grow and shine ever more brightly, drawing people everywhere on the path of the pilgrimage of the Spirit."
Read more about the life and works of Paramahansa Yogananda:
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International Monastic Visits − Fall 2011 Highlights
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Cultivating Divine Fellowship Around the World
Every year monks and nuns visit SRF centers and meditation groups around the world conducting lectures and classes on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, weekend retreat programs, group meditations, and Kriya Yoga initiation ceremonies.
These programs, conducted in many languages, create a powerful bond of spiritual fellowship among meditators around the world, and help each to deepen their own personal relationship with the Divine.
We are pleased to share some highlights from the fall 2011 Global Lecture Tour. Read more.
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SRF World Convocation − Online Registration Now Available | |
We are pleased to offer online registration for the 2012 SRF World Convocation. Join SRF members and friends for a week of spiritual fellowship, meditation, kirtan, and the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
July 29 - August 4, 2012
Westin Bonaventure Hotel
Los Angeles, CA
Visit our website for event and hotel information and to register online.
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| "How-to-Live" Summer Youth Programs − Online Registration Now Available | |
Register by April 23, 2012 and receive a $25 discount.
Scholarships are available for those who are unable to pay the registration fee. Forms are available on our website. 
About the Program
Self-Realization Fellowship's Summer Youth Programs offer children aged 10 − 16 an opportunity to learn and practice Paramahansa Yogananda's "how-to-live" spiritual principles amid the pine trees of southern California's San Bernardino Mountains.
In this camp-like setting, young people have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God while developing friendships with spiritually minded peers. Learn more.
Girls' program is June 16 - 23 Boys' program is June 23 − 30 |
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Upcoming Events
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Public Lecture Tours
Self-Realization Fellowship monks and nuns will be visiting the following cities to conduct programs on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. |
April
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13 - 15
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Chicago, Illinois (public lecture and Kriya Yoga Initiation)
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20 - 22
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Austin, Texas (public lecture and Kriya Yoga Initiation)
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27 - 29
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Armação, Brazil (member program and Kriya Yoga Initiation)
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May
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4 - 6
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Santiago, Chile (public lecture and Kriya Yoga Initiation)
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11 - 13
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Asunción, Paraguay (public lecture and Kriya Yoga Initiation)
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11 - 13
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Toronto, Canada (public lecture and Kriya Yoga Initiation)
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(Learn more)
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How-to-Live Retreat Programs
On many weekends throughout the year, SRF monks and nuns will be conducting How-to-Live Retreat programs. Join us at one of the beautiful Self-Realization Fellowship Retreats to spend time deepening your relationship with God, as well as recharging body, mind, and spirit.
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Retreats in California
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SRF Retreat, Encinitas
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SRF Lake Shrine, Pacific Palisades
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SRF Hidden Valley Retreat, Escondido
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(See retreat schedule for dates)
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Retreats Outside California
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March
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6 - 11
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Bermersbach, Germany
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April
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6 - 8
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Greenfield, Virginia
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13 - 15
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Bermersbach, Germany
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May
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1 - 6
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Bermersbach, Germany
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18 - 20
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Greenfield, Virginia (women's retreat)
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18 - 20
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New York City, New York
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Learn more
(See retreat schedule for additional locations and dates)
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We hope you enjoyed this edition of the Self-Realization Fellowship eNewsletter. Check your inbox each month for more inspiration and wisdom from the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
In divine friendship, Self-Realization Fellowship Copyright © 2012 Self-Realization Fellowship.
All rights reserved.
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If you repeatedly call on Him with ever deeper concentration, He will answer your prayer. A joy and peace will strike your heart. When that comes, you know that you are communing with God.
− Paramahansa Yogananda
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Self-Realization
Magazine
Winter 2011
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Voluntary League Appeal
Fall 2011
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We deeply appreciate your ongoing support, which allows us to complete vital projects.
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