Retreat Program

The Retreat Program

The daily Retreat program provides, in the words of Paramahansa Yogananda, "a dynamo of silence where [you] may go for the exclusive purpose of being recharged by the Infinite." Guests at the retreats maintain silence while participating in daily group meditations, practice of the SRF Energization Exercises, inspirational classes and programs, and services at nearby SRF temples. These activities are conducted by monks and nuns of the SRF monastic order. There is also free time to relax and enjoy the meditation gardens and expansive ocean vistas.

In Encinitas, on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons (depending on availability), retreatants may visit the Hermitage where Paramahansa Yogananda’s living quarters have been preserved as a shrine. At the SRF Lake Shrine (again depending upon availability), retreatants may visit the Houseboat where Paramahansa Yogananda sometimes resided during the establishment of the Lake Shrine.

Self-Realization Fellowship books and recordings are available for private listening and study and the Retreat chapel is always open for meditation. Monastic counselors are available to speak with retreatants who would like personal guidance in their practice of the SRF meditation techniques, or in their application of the teachings in their daily lives.

The retreat program follows the spiritual principles that were given by Paramahansa Yogananda many decades ago, and his blessings continue to be felt by earnest seekers as they walk in the footsteps of the great Guru.

"The value of silence cannot be understood except through experience…. What joy awaits discovery in the silence behind the portals of your mind no human tongue can tell."

Paramahansa Yogananda

While it is not necessary to be a member of Self-Realization Fellowship to participate in our retreat program, it is important that guests be familiar with meditation and be comfortable spending their time at the retreat in silence. For those new to the SRF teachings or to meditation, a stay of two or three days is usually suggested for a first retreat. A list of books by Paramahansa Yogananda and information about SRF temples, lecture tours, and the printed SRF Lessons are available upon request by contacting Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters. Please note that guests are expected to participate in the full retreat program and not to engage in other activities during the time of their stay.

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