Question 1

Are activities open to everybody? Do I need to sign up?

Accepted Answer

All are welcome - there are no requirements to attend any of the regularly scheduled services or activities. You do not need to sign up or register. The Sacramento Center occasionally holds special services or ceremonies which require participants to be SRF Lessons students or members.

Question 2

How much experience do I need to go to your meditations?

Accepted Answer

All are welcome. You do not need any background in meditation to attend any meditation service. However, if you are not experienced in sitting for longer periods of meditation it is recommended to start with shorter group meditations such as the Sunday morning 10am meditation service which lasts for about 45 minutes. At the conclusion of the Sunday 11am inspirational readings service there you will have an opportunity to meet with other Center members and visitors.

Question 3

Is there a minimum age limit?

Accepted Answer

To meditate in the chapel, you must be at least 14 years old. For those who are younger, we have rooms where one parent can stay with a child. We also provide a Sunday School and family room for infants and toddlers - please contact us if you are interested in enrolling your child.

Question 4

What style of meditation do you teach? Do I need to bring a cushion or other materials?

Accepted Answer

We meditate with eyes closed, seated on chairs. There is no need to bring any accessories. Beginners are given basic instructions on beginning a meditation. Please see the meditate page on the SRF site. Those interested in learning the SRF meditation techniques are encouraged to sign up for the SRF Lessons.

Question 5

Are the meditations guided?

Accepted Answer

The service reader gives brief instructions at the start of each meditation service. After that, the meditation is silent except during periods of chanting.

Question 6

What is considered appropriate attire?

Accepted Answer

We encourage those who attend SRF meetings to dress conservatively and comfortably. Please, no shorts, bare feet, etc. The chapel is kept slightly cool to encourage alertness. Most meditate sitting on chairs, so it is not necessary to wear loose fitting or yoga clothes. For those wishing to sit on the floor to meditate, we provide an area with cushions.

Question 7

Where can I find parking?

Accepted Answer

We are located in a residential neighborhood and have a large parking lot at the Center. There is additional street parking on North and Greenwood Avenues.

Question 8

I have heard about Kriya Yoga and would like to learn more. Where can I find information?

Accepted Answer

If you are new to SRF, a place to start is to read Chapter 26 of Autobiography of a Yogi, in which Paramahansa Yogananda describes the history and purpose of Kriya Yoga. Also, there is a page on the Self-Realization Fellowship web site explaining the Kriya Yoga path. If you have further questions, please call Self-Realization Fellowship at (323) 225-2471 and a monastic meditation counselor will be happy to discuss them with you.

Question 9

How can I be notified of schedules, announcements and other information about Sacramento Center?

Accepted Answer

You can sign up to be on our mailing list. You can also do this by filling out a mailing list card in the foyer of the Sacramento Center. We encourage all members to join our mailing list as this is the most efficient way to stay in touch with Center activities.

Question 10

What if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

Please feel free to submit a message or call (916) 483-9644.

Frequently asked questions