Welcome to the May edition of the Self-Realization Fellowship eNewsletter. This month we bring you inspiration from Paramahansa Yogananda on the topic of The Mother Aspect of God.
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Paramahansa Yogananda on The Mother Aspect of God
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In creating this universe God revealed two aspects: the masculine or fatherly, and the feminine or motherly. If you close your eyes and visualize vast, illimitable space, you become overwhelmed and enthralled − you feel naught but pure wisdom. That hidden, infinite sphere wherein there is no creation, no stars or planets − only pure wisdom − is the Father. And Nature with her diamond-dazzling stars, the Milky Way, the flowers, birds, clouds, mountains, sky − the countless beauties of creation − is the Divine Mother. In Nature you behold the mother aspect of God, full of beauty, gentleness, tenderness, and kindness. The beauty in the world bespeaks the creative motherly instinct of God, and when we look upon all the good in Nature, we experience a feeling of tenderness within us − we can see and feel God as Mother in Nature. The Divine Mother is most anxious to have you back with Her, but first you must prove to Her that you want Her alone. You must cry urgently and unceasingly; then She smiles and is with you instantly. Divine Spirit has no partiality; the Mother loves all. But Her devotees appreciate Her love, respond to Her love. I see the effect on people who have gained a little human love, or a little money − how happy they are! But if they could see what strength, what joy, what love is in the Divine Mother, they would fly away from all else.
Read more
The entire article is available in the Spring 2001 issue of Self-Realization magazine.
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Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Berkeley − Now Open
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We are very pleased to announce that the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Berkeley, California − the temporary location of the former SRF Richmond Temple − is now open for regularly scheduled services and Sunday School programs. The new location is located not far from the University of California campus in Berkeley, convenient for most of the temple members in the East Bay area. It can be easily reached by car or public transportation from cities throughout the greater Bay Area. Learn more.
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TEDx Talk by Swami Smaranananda Giri
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 | Being Actively Calm and Calmly Active
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Swami Smaranananda Giri, General Secretary, Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, recently spoke at TEDx IIM Ranchi. In this talk, Swamiji explores the principle of maintaining inner peace and being actively calm while also calmly active.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Devoted to disseminating "ideas worth spreading," TED is a nonprofit organization that gathers the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, challenging them to give the talk of their lives in eighteen minutes or less. Similar to TED Talks, TEDx events spark deep discussion and connection but in local, smaller, and more intimate groups.
In his TEDx talk, Swami Smaranananda Giri explains that by practicing yoga meditation we are not assured to be free from troubles and problems in this life. However, the anxieties and fears that arise out of these troubles and problems can be conquered. By practicing yoga meditation we can realize our divinity, our higher self, and perceive our true potential. Thus by changing within we can function from a foundation of inner joy, so no matter what is happening around us or to us we are calmly active and actively calm.
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New Audio-Video Index | We are pleased to announce the new Audio-Video Index − a reference page listing all of the audio and video content currently available on the SRF website. Over the last two years, our audio and video content offerings have grown significantly. In order to serve our readers, we have created a centralized index. This easy-to-use reference page provides quick access to all of the audio and video available on our website.
View the Audio-Video Index
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SRF World Convocation − Register Online | 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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Upcoming Events
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Self-Realization Fellowship monks and nuns will be visiting the following cities to conduct programs on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
May
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11 - 13
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Toronto, Canada (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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(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.
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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May
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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 (regional retreat)
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June
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8 - 10
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Seattle, Washington (regional retreat)
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Learn more
(See tour schedule for additional retreat 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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There is no greater experience than to feel and know that the Cosmic Mother is with you. Watch for the presence of the Mother, because She will look after you in every way.... Pray, "Mother, I am Thy child. Reveal Thyself!" If you send this appeal to God as the Divine Mother night and morning, unceasingly, She will manifest Herself unto you.
− Paramahansa Yogananda
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Self-Realization Magazine
Spring 2012
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Voluntary League Appeal
Spring 2012
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We deeply appreciate your ongoing support, which allows us to complete vital projects.
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