"We are all part of the One Spirit. When you experience
the true meaning of religion, which is to know God, you will realize that
He is your Self, and that He exists equally and impartially in all beings."
–Paramahansa Yogananda
The result of a generous gift to Self-Realization Fellowship, this temple was dedicated on November 22, 2008 and serves devotees in the surrounding southland cities as well as truth-seekers visiting from all corners of the world.
No matter which path has led you to us and to the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, we encourage you to visit our weekly public lecture services and meet with other truth-seekers for spiritual fellowship and communion with God.
The best introduction to Self-Realization Fellowship and the techniques of Yoga meditation is Autobiography of a Yogi, published by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1946. Widely recognized as a modern spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi offers a comprehensive introduction to the science and philosophy of Yoga and reveals the underlying unity of the great religions of East and West.
You can also explore the Self-Realization Fellowship official website for more information about SRF and sign up for SRF Home-Study Lessons, which give step-by-step instructions in the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization, as well as inspiring and practical guidance taught by Paramahansa Yogananda for achieving balanced physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Temple Visitor Guide
The Glendale Temple offers regular meditation and lecture services that are open to the public – all are welcome. Our Sunday and Thursday one-hour lecture services are led by Monastics of the Self-Realization Order. Group Meditation services are conducted on Sunday prior to the regular lecture service and on Friday and Sunday evenings.
The temple parking lot is located in front of the property and is accessed via the driveway on Chevy Chase Drive. Click Here for a Map & further Driving Directions.
Plan to arrive early and please follow the ushers’ instructions as they direct you to available parking spots. There is ample parking on the streets surrounding the temple. Be sure to read the posted street parking signs for parking regulations and please be courteous to our neighbors.
Our main building hosts the Sanctuary, which seats approximately 400 people. In addition, the main building also includes a Meditation Chapel and Bookroom. Upon arrival, you may enter through either the Main or East Lobby doors. For a map of the Glendale Temple layout, please click here.
A volunteer greeter or usher wearing a blue name badge will be available to guide you to the seating in the Sanctuary and to answer any questions. The doors to the Sanctuary open approximately 20 minutes prior to each service. If you arrive early, quiet meditation is available in the Meditation Chapel located near the East Lobby. Please enter the Sanctuary in silence. All are welcome to gather in the Main Lobby after our Sunday and Thursday services for fellowship.
Our lecture services begin with an opening prayer, followed by a short devotional chant and silent meditation. Booklets with popular SRF chant lyrics are available in the Sanctuary seating area.
Following the brief meditation, announcements detailing upcoming temple events are shared with the congregation, and an inspirational service follows ( service topics include readings from Paramahansa Yogananda's writings). Prior to the closing prayer, there is an optional devotional offering (there is no charge to attend these services; donations are welcome to help with the upkeep of the temple and to meet operational costs).
Our group meditation services offer devotees a chance to come together in silent fellowship to reinforce each other's efforts toward Self-realization.
The meditation service is led by a leader who will guide you through periods of silent meditation for 30-50 minutes in length -- separated by short periods of devotional chanting and inspirational readings.
Meditation begins promptly with an opening prayer and reading; latecomers will be allowed to enter during the opening chant. Should you need to leave early, please silently exit during a chanting period. An usher will be available in the Sanctuary to guide you to the exit.
The meditation service concludes with a closing prayer. The congregation is encouraged to exit the temple in silent reflection.
If you are new to meditation, you may start by attending one of our Thursday evening or Sunday morning lecture services, which have shorter periods of meditation, along with readings and chants.
If you have questions or suggestions feel free to pose them to one of the greeters or ushers. Also feel free to introduce yourself to the monastic leading the service or meditation.
Monastics are available for personal interviews upon request.
Click Here for Temple Directions, Location, Hours and Parking Information
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