Newsletter October 6, 2022
Newsletter August 13, 2022
Dear Friends,
A quick reminder that many Convocation events will be livestreamed at Escondido Center beginning tomorrow evening.
Our schedule will include the evening monastic talks from Aug. 14 through 19, as well as a Janmashtami commemorative meditation service from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18.
We also will livestream the monks kirtan from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17. This will be followed by a light meal on the patio. If you would like to participate in the meal, please sign up at one of the prior events, or send a message to info@escondidosrf.org. The suggested donation is $15.
Finally, we will present the closing talk at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Here is our livestream schedule:
(also available to download by visiting https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/convostreamschedule-2022.jpg)
Also, we are delighted to announce that our fence, a multi-year project, is now complete! The entire cost was covered by a $144,700 grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Along with the fence, we also have installed a network of cameras to enhance security throughout our grounds.
Fence with newly planted landscaping along the sidewalk.
Many of our members and friends who participated in the fence project.
Awards for exceptional service were presented to Steve Walsh, Steve Wilkinson, and Maria Regan. Maria’s husband, Brian Regan, was our civil engineer who ensured that the numerous components of fence construction came together and to exact specifications. Brian died before the project was completed. Paula Mackintosh, our Treasurer, wrote the grant, managed the billing, and coordinated communications among Escondido Center, multiple contractors, Mother Center, and the Office of Emergency Services.
We always look forward to seeing you, and to hearing from you. Please keep in touch.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Newsletter July 29, 2022 – Convocation livestream at Escondido Center
Dear Friends,
We are happy to announce that many Convocation events will be livestreamed at Escondido Center.
Our schedule will include the evening monastic talks from Aug. 14 through 19, as well as a Janmashtami commemorative meditation service from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18.
We also will livestream the monks kirtan from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17. This will be followed by a light meal on the patio. (If you would like to participate in the meal, please sign up at one of the prior events, or send a message to info@escondidosrf.org.)
Finally, we will present the closing talk at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Sri Daya Mata, a former SRF president, said in a letter,
To join with other sincere seekers to commune with God is an invaluable blessing on the spiritual path. I am ever so grateful for the inner help I found in the group meditations that are the heart of the daily routine followed by devotees here in Gurudeva’s ashrams, and for the spiritual motivation and progress gained from our united efforts to practice the meditation techniques and deeply seek the Divine.
We look forward to seeing you during this special week.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Newsletter April 23, 2022
Dear friends,
Mother Center has asked that we send out the following notice:
Self-Realization Fellowship is looking for a new Director of Public Relations who has a thorough understanding of both SRF and the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, and substantial experience in the field of public relations and/or journalism. The Director of Public Relations is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of an integrated strategic public relations plan that promotes, enhances, and builds awareness among SRF’s diverse target audiences around the world. The candidate must be a collaborative self-starter, skilled storyteller, and excellent writer—with the ability to speak to multiple and varied audiences—and must have a proven track record of advising senior management on complex internal and external communications issues. Candidates from all parts of the United States will be considered, but the individual hired eventually would need to be able to be present for local PR events in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties. If you are interested in applying for this position please visit the employment opportunities section of the SRF website at https://yogananda.org/employment-opportunities .
Fence update
We continue to make progress on our fence. The gate is now operational, and our grounds crew continues to install the “panels” of powder-coated steel rails and posts. Meanwhile, our gardening team has installed drip lines so the new landscaping can be irrigated automatically with water from our well. The next step will be to install two pedestrian gates. One, near the row of evergreens, will facilitate moving trash bins to and from the curb. The other, just east of the driveway gate, will be ADA compliant to ease access for individuals in wheelchairs.
Easter Sunday
Our members enjoyed a full schedule on Easter Sunday, beginning with a sunrise service and concluding with a delicious Easter brunch.
To view more images, please visit https://escondidosrf.org/easter-2022/.
Are you interested in serving at the Center?
Our Center depends on volunteers to support all of our activities. We’re looking for volunteers to assist with housekeeping, Sunday refreshments, ushering, and special-events setup. If you would like to serve, please send a message to info@escondidosrf.org.
Donate online
If you would like to provide financial support for our Center, please visit https://escondidosrf.org/donate/ and click “Donate to General Operating Fund”.
We do appreciate all your support – and we always look forward to seeing you!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Newsletter March 22, 2022
Dear friends,
The SRF Center Department is happy to inform you that Youth Services Department is initiating a new series of online How-to-Live classes for children and teens. Youths from Sunday schools and teen groups in SRF temples, centers and groups throughout the United States are warmly invited to participate in a 12-week series of online classes.
You may download an overview and invitation for this new series by clicking here (https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/htl-programs.pdf).
The new online class series for youths begins this Saturday, March 26.
Meanwhile, Escondido Center will re-start our Sunday School and Teen Group classes on Sunday, April 3.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Dear friends,
We now have landscaping along the fence line, and a gate for the fence! The gate was installed on Monday, but is not yet operational. Ornamental bronze loquat trees were put in the ground on a sunny Monday. Then, on a rainy Tuesday, about 15 members and friends gathered to plant green carpet natal plum and purple trailing lantana. The green carpet will provide ground cover between the trees. The lantana will accent the entrance and the green carpet.
“The day was cold, wet, and fun!” said one volunteer. Our sincere thanks to all who braved the rain and participated in this landscaping project.
The photos below tell the story.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Newsletter February 11, 2022 – Help needed to plant trees and shrubs
Dear friends,
We’re ready to landscape the new fence, and our grounds crew is seeking extra assistance.
On Tuesday, February 15, beginning at 9 a.m., a work party will plant eight trees and 48 shrubs between the fence line and the sidewalk. If you’re available to assist with this beautification project, your service will be greatly appreciated!
Please bring garden gloves and a shovel if you have them. Lunch will be provided.
Thank you, as always, for all your support.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Newsletter January 28 – Artist’s rendering of landscape for front yard
Dear friends,
To follow up our earlier newsletter, we want to share this artist’s rendering of how the front yard would look after the landscape project is completed. Please note that the image does not precisely reflect the shrubs that would actually be planted.
If you haven’t already voted, let us know whether you approve Escondido Center spending up to $1,500 to landscape the front yard. Please vote by visiting https://forms.gle/EizYEnuEhjHy7Ah69. We will tally the responses on Feb. 3.
Again, the plan is being developed by a team of Escondido Center and other SRF members, including professional landscape designers. The area near the fence would be planted with shrubs. A cozy meditation area similar to the Temple of Leaves at Mother Center, shaded by a small pepper tree, would be established off the walkway near the Bookroom. Plentiful open space would remain between the landscaped area and the chapel for special events.
The landscaping would not interfere with the eventual groundbreaking for a new chapel. Private funding would cover all or most of the project cost. However, Escondido Center may be asked to cover a portion of the cost of plants, the irrigation system, and materials.
The Managing Council unanimously supports this project. We believe the landscaping would complement and enhance the trees and shrubs to be planted outside the fence, and that this would provide a tranquil area for meditating or walking.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Newsletter January 26, 2022 – Escondido Center Updates
Dear friends,
With this newsletter we want to share with you some Escondido Center updates:
Our new-chapel project remains on hold. We will move forward when funding and attendance warrant a larger facility.
A plan to landscape our front yard is being developed by a team of Escondido Center and other SRF members, including professional landscape designers. The area near the fence would be planted with shrubs. A cozy meditation area similar to the Temple of Leaves at Mother Center, shaded by a small pepper tree, would be established off the walkway near the Bookroom. Plentiful open space would remain between the landscaped area and the chapel for special events.
The landscaping would not interfere with the eventual groundbreaking for a new chapel. Private funding would cover all or most of the project cost. However, Escondido Center may be asked to cover a portion of the cost of plants, the irrigation system, and materials.
The Managing Council unanimously supports this project. We believe the landscaping would complement and enhance the trees and shrubs to be planted outside the fence, and that this would provide a tranquil area for walking and meditating. Now, we want to hear from you. Do you approve Escondido Center spending up to $1,500 to landscape the front yard? Please vote by visiting https://forms.gle/EizYEnuEhjHy7Ah69. We will tally the responses on Feb. 3.
Meanwhile, we continue to make progress on our new fence:
- Electrical for the gate and lights is scheduled for completion next week.
- The gate is scheduled to be installed in the next two weeks.
- The steel fence posts and rails are scheduled to be delivered in early February. We hope to have them installed by the end of February.
- Landscaping for the street side of the fence also should be in place by the end of February.
- Most of the fence cost will be covered by a grant from the California Office of Emergency Services. The original grant deadline has been extended to June 30.
With Bro. Devananda’s encouragement, we have transitioned to a five-member Managing Council. Secretary Sharlene Lewis and Member-at-Large Gary Saunders have stepped down. Donna Dwyer is the incoming Secretary. Mark Skok is continuing as Coordinator, Paula Mackintosh as Treasurer, and Manisha Khatri and Scott Caton as Members-at-Large. We hope to return to our usual election process next year.
The Managing Council always looks forward to hearing from you. Please share your thoughts, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Call us or send a message by visiting escondidosrf.org.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Newsletter – schedule of upcoming events
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to share the SRF schedule of upcoming online activities and our own Escondido Center LIVE events!
And, we encourage you to convey your Christmas greetings to Bro. Chidananda. You may send a holiday note to info@escondidosrf.org up until Dec. 12. Messages then will be sent to Brother along with a Christmas card created by one of our Center’s elves.
May you and your loved ones enjoy a delightful, peaceful, holiday season.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Upcoming events
- Saturday, December 11, 9-10 a.m. – Online Christmas Open House. Will include a short message from Bro. Chidananda and other monastics.
- Sunday, December 12, 11:15 a.m. – Escondido Center Christmas gathering (for Escondido Center members only). Bring the children!
- Sunday, December 12, 5-9 p.m. – Escondido Center four-hour pre-Christmas long meditation with kirtan, beginning with Energization Exercises.
- Saturday, December 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Online All-Day Christmas Meditation. Two monastics will lead. Meditation will be available to view until Christmas Day. Apart from English, meditations will be available in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, will be posted on the SRF website.
- Friday, December 31, 7 pm. – 12:15 a.m. – Escondido Center New Year’s Eve meditation. We will begin with Energization Exercises, then have a break at 10 p.m. for a second set of EEs. There will also be a 15-minute break from 11-11:15.
- Friday, December 31 (your choice of time) – One-hour SRF New Year’s Eve Meditation led by a monastic. Pre-recorded for worldwide audience and available on YouTube.
- Wednesday, January 5, 9-10 a.m. – SRF service celebrating Master’s Birthday, broadcast from the Main Hall at Mother Center.
- Wednesday, January 5, 7-8:30 p.m. – Escondido Center service with kirtan celebrating Master’s birthday. Please bring a flower and a donation in an envelope to show your loyalty to the Guru.
- Saturday, January 8, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. – SRF six-hour meditation service celebrating Master’s birthday, broadcast live from the Main Hall of Mother Center.
July 29, 2021
Mask guidelines updated for Escondido Center
Dear friends,
As you’re aware, the California Department of Public Health currently requires individuals to wear masks when gathering inside if they are not fully vaccinated for Covid-19.
Now, given the spread of the Delta variant, San Diego County and the CDC have recommended that EVERYONE wear masks indoors, whether vaccinated or not.
In accordance with this recommendation, we ask that everyone wear a mask while inside our Center buildings.
We appreciate your support!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Announcements for Sunday, July 25, 2021
The California Department of Public Health currently requires individuals to wear masks when gathering inside if they are not fully vaccinated for Covid-19. So, if you’re not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
And if you have a persistent cough, please do not stay inside the building.
This morning the Sunday School is using the back patio for their Babaji Commemoration Service, so chairs have been put out on the breezeway for people wanting to hear our service outside.
Instead of passing a collection basket, there is a basket for donations near the door.
All children and teens in our Sunday School program are required to be re-registered. We ask that parents make sure your child or teen has been re-registered.
The Bookroom will be open today after the service. Are you looking for another way to serve? If you are a Kriyaban, comfortable using computers, and able to volunteer for an hour once a month, please talk with Marilyn in the Bookroom after the service.
Refreshments will be served after the service under the canopy near the Bookroom.
This evening there will be a commemoration service in honor of Mahavatar Babaji at 7. Mahavatar Babaji first appeared to Paramahansa Yogananda on July 25, 1920, as described in the Autobiography of a Yogi. It is traditional to bring a flower or flowers as a symbol of devotion to God and the SRF Gurus, and a donation in an envelope as a symbol of loyalty to the cause of SRF.
On Thursday there will be a 6-hour meditation starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m., with a break from 11 to 11:30.
And on Friday-evening there will be a meditation from 7 to 9 p.m.
The annual Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation will be held online again this year, beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on Sunday morning, August 8th. Registration is now open online, on the SRF website – yoganandasrf.org .
These announcements also can be found on the back bulletin board.
Announcements for Sunday, July 18, 2021
First of all, we want to let everyone know that a member of our spiritual family, Jim Roberts, died June 22. Jim and his wife Page were already long-time SRF devotees before joining our Center more than 20 years ago. A memorial has not yet been scheduled.
The California Department of Public Health currently requires individuals to wear masks when gathering inside if they are not fully vaccinated for Covid-19. So, if you’re not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
And if you have a persistent cough, even if due to allergies, please do not stay inside the building.
For those who wish to sit outside, sound is being piped out to the back patio. Folding chairs have been set up, and you may bring a cushion if you wish.
We are no longer storing cushions in the usher’s room. You will find cushions in the parent-infant room. If you left cushions here, please take them home with you.
Instead of passing the collection basket, we have placed a basket near the door, if you would like to make a donation.
Our Sunday School is back in session, and holding classes outside at this time. All children and teens are required to be re-registered. We ask that parents stop by the registration table (which is set up in/or near the parking lot) to register their children either before or after class.
The Bookroom will be open today after the service. And good news – we have the new 2022 Engagement Calendars, and you will be able to use cash, check, or credit card.
Refreshments will be served after the service under the canopy near the bookroom.
Services this next week include:
A Sunday-evening meditation tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.
A Thursday 6-hour meditation starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m., with a break from 11 to 11:30.
And a Friday-evening meditation from 7 to 9 p.m.
Looking ahead…
Next Sunday, July 25th, there will be a Commemoration Service in honor of Mahavatar Babaji at 7:00 in the evening. It is traditional to bring a flower and a donation in an envelope.
The annual Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation will be held online again this year, beginning on Sunday morning, August 8th. Registration is now open online, on the SRF website – yoganandasrf.org .
These weekly Announcements also can be found on the back bulletin board
Announcements for Sunday, July 11, 2021
**Please make sure your cellphone is silenced**
Welcome back to the Escondido Center! Thank you for joining us for our first Sunday morning together in a year and four months.
Our Sunday School and Teen Group classes are meeting as usual, being held outside.
The California Department of Public Health currently requires individuals to wear masks when gathering inside if they are not fully vaccinated for Covid-19. So, if you’re not fully vaccinated, please wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
To ensure maximum ventilation, both the swamp cooler and our furnace fan will be on throughout the service, and the windows will be open. So the chapel may be drafty and cool. If you have a persistent cough, even if because of an allergy, please do not stay in the building.
For those who wish to sit outside, sound is being piped out to the back patio. Folding chairs have been set up, and you may bring a cushion if you wish.
We are no longer storing cushions in the usher’s room. You will find cushions in the parent-infant room. Please retrieve any cushions you may have left here, and take them home with you. Anything that is not claimed will be disposed of. We are planning to have storage available for cushions in the future. Until then, please take home what you bring to the Center.
Rather than pass the collection baskets, we have placed a basket at the entrance, for those who would like to make a donation.
Thank you for your understanding, and for helping to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
The Bookroom will not be open today, but will be open next week. Due to a technical difficulty, there is a possibility that you may be able to pay with cash or checks only. So remember that for next week, because we hope to have the new 2022 Engagement Calendars in.
Refreshments will be served after the service today, outside under the canopy near the bookroom.
Services through the next week include:
A Sunday-evening meditation tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.
A Thursday 6-hour meditation starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m., with a break from 11 to 11:30.
And a Friday-evening meditation from 7 to 9 p.m.
Looking ahead…
On Sunday, July 25th, there will be a Commemoration Service in honor of Mahavatar Babaji at 7:00 in the evening.
The annual Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation will be held online again this year, beginning on Sunday morning, August 8th. Registration is now open online, on the SRF website – yoganandasrf.org .
Following are the announcements we have sent since mid-March, 2020, to our members and friends:
May 22, 2021
Escondido Center reopening with three meditation services
Dear friends,
We are happy to announce that our Thursday six-hour meditations will begin in our chapel this week, on June 24. The meditation will start at 8 a.m. with Energization Exercises on the back patio, and conclude at 2 p.m.
On July 4 we will re-start our Sunday evening three-hour meditations, beginning at 6 p.m. with Energization Exercises. And, Friday evening two-hour meditations will begin July 9, with Energization Exercises at 7 p.m.
Please keep in mind that the California Department of Public Health requires individuals to wear masks when gathering inside if they are not fully vaccinated with an approved coronavirus vaccine.
Seating and audio will be available on the patio. Those seated in the chapel should be prepared for a cool, drafty environment, as at least one swamp cooler will be turned on to ensure a steady flow of fresh air.
Sunday morning services
Given a range of concerns expressed by many of our members, the Managing Council has not set a date for re-starting the Sunday morning meditation, reading service, Sunday School, and Teen Group.
First, we want to hear from you regarding various reopening options. Please click this link (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H2GV8P2) to take an anonymous survey. If you have additional comments or questions, please send a message to info@escondidosrf.org by June 25.
Volunteers needed
A number of our committees have openings for volunteers. If you are interested in serving at the Center, please send a message to info@escondidosrf.org.
Thank you for your support as we start the reopening process. We look forward to seeing you again – in person!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
April 14, 2021
Birthday card for Bro. Chidananda
Dear friends,
We want to share with you the birthday card mailed earlier this week to Bro. Chidananda. The special day is May 16.
Have a lovely and blessed weekend!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
April 10, 2021
Swami Sri Yuktestwar’s birthday
Dear Friends,
Wishing you a blessed commemoration of Swami Sri Yukteswar’s birthday!
(https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/sri-yukteswar-birthday-2021.jpg)
In Gurudev,
Escondido Center Managing Council
April 3, 2021
Easter 2021
Dear friends,
Enjoy this image of our altar, decorated for Easter:
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/easteraltar2021.jpg
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
April 2, 2021
Good Friday 2021
Dear friends,
Members of the Flower Committee have decorated our altar for this holy Good Friday:
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/goodfriday2021.jpg
Have a blessed and peaceful Easter weekend!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 27, 2021
Reminder: Special Fellowship Event Tomorrow – Sunday, March 28, from 9-11 a.m.
Dear friends,
A quick reminder that Escondido Center is hosting a special online fellowship event tomorrow morning – Sunday, March 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. Click on the link below to connect to the program. If the link doesn’t connect, you can copy and paste the link into your browser.
https://Yogananda.zoom.us/j/92254850308?pwd=L2ZmK1pUaVBnOWJ6TWtLR3YzTkV2Zz09
Meeting ID: 922 5485 0308
Passcode: 1952
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,92254850308# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,92254850308# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 922 5485 0308
Find your local number: https://Yogananda.zoom.us/u/ad9AVcTIZj
(This information is also available at https://escondidosrf.org/announcements .)
The program includes an inspirational message, meditation, and center update. We will also take time to convey supportive, encouraging and inspiring stories.
We encourage you to turn on your camera so we can see each other at the fellowship gathering.
We look forward to seeing you!
If you have questions, please email info@escondidosrf.org
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 25, 2021
Zoom information for Sunday fellowship event
Dear friends,
Here is the information for joining the Escondido Center online fellowship event this Sunday, March 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. Click on the link below to connect to the program. If the link doesn’t connect, you can cut and paste the link into your browser.
https://Yogananda.zoom.us/j/92254850308?pwd=L2ZmK1pUaVBnOWJ6TWtLR3YzTkV2Zz09
Meeting ID: 922 5485 0308
Passcode: 1952
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,92254850308# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,92254850308# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 922 5485 0308
Find your local number: https://Yogananda.zoom.us/u/ad9AVcTIZj
(This information is also available at https://escondidosrf.org/announcements .)
The program includes an inspirational message, meditation, and center update. We will also take time to convey supportive, encouraging and inspiring stories.
We encourage you to turn on your camera so we can see each other at the fellowship gathering.
We look forward to seeing you!
If you have questions, please email info@escondidosrf.org
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 21, 2021
Online fellowship event this Sunday / Easter greetings to Bro. Chidananda
Dear Friends,
This coming Sunday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Escondido Center will host an online event to share divine fellowship.
The program includes an inspirational message, meditation, and center update. And, we will exchange supportive, encouraging and inspiring stories.
Please plan to join us. We will send an email with the Zoom link to the program later this week.
Also, a reminder that we are mailing an Easter card, along with greetings from our members, to our revered president, Bro. Chidananda. Greetings can be as simple as “We’re thinking of you!” If you would like to send a brief message (or simply a request that your name be included) please email it to info@escondidosrf.org by this Wednesday, March 24.
If you have questions regarding our Sunday fellowship event, please contact us at info@escondidosrf.org.
We look forward to seeing you!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 12, 2021
Easter greeting / Fellowship event
Dear friends,
We will be sending an Easter card
( https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/Easter-2021.pdf ) to our revered president, Bro. Chidananda, and would like to include your greetings. Send a brief message to info@escondidosrf.org by March 24, and we will include your note in a document that will accompany the card.
Also, we are delighted to announce that Escondido Center will host an online fellowship event beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 28. The Zoom program will include a meditation, report from the Managing Council, and opportunities to interact in breakout rooms. Zoom details, along with a schedule, will be sent out on March 25. We look forward to seeing you!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 9, 2021
Sri Yukteswar’s Mahasamadhi
Dear friends,
Today, the anniversary of Swami Sri Yukteswar’s Mahasamadhi, has also been a full day of service at our Center. Some volunteers spread organic fertilizer and mulch around trees along the south property line, while others pruned and tidied plants along a walkway and in the parking lot islands. Another team continued their work on plumbing and electrical to link our new well to the water-storage tank. Once the pumps are installed, we will switch back from city water to well water for irrigation.
And, members of our Flower Committee have decorated the altar in honor of Swami Sri Yukteswar:
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/sri-yukteswar-mahasamadhi2021.jpg. Our deepest thanks to all, for your ongoing support as the Center remains closed.
May this and all your days be filled with the blessings of our gurus!
In Master’s Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 6, 2021
Master’s Mahasamadhi
Dear friends,
Have a blessed and peaceful celebration of Master’s Mahasamadhi. Here is our altar, decorated for this holy day: 
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/mastersmahasamadhi2021.jpg.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
January 27, 2021
Art Devine passed January 24
Dear friends,
Art Devine, a long-time member of Escondido Center, died January 24 following a prolonged illness. Please send loving thoughts to Art and his wife Anna, and keep them in your prayers.
No memorial service is planned at this time.
In Gurudev,
Escondido Center Managing Council
January 4, 2021
Happy Birthday, Master!
Dear friends,
Here is our Center’s altar as we celebrate Master’s birthday:
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/mastersbday-2021.jpg
Have a blessed day and a fulfilling New Year!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
December 23, 2020
Wishing all a joyous and peaceful Christmas season!
May all enjoy our beautiful altar decorations, a blessed, peaceful Christmas season, and an uplifting New Year filled with spiritual abundance!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
December 10, 2020
Dear friends,
In the joyous spirit of the Christmas season, SRF is offering a series of special online events that will carry us through the long meditation commemorating Master’s birth:
– Christmas satsanga with our beloved president, Brother Chidananda, Saturday, December 12, 2020, 9 – 10 a.m. PST. This will be a live-streamed inspirational talk from the Mother Center. It will be available on the SRF YouTube channel for all to participate. This talk will remain available for viewing at your convenience.
– Online all-day Christmas meditation led by SRF monastics, Saturday, December 19, 2020, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST. This 8-hour program in English will be a live-streamed meditation in accordance with our guru’s tradition of dedicating a period for long deep communion with Christ prior to outward festivities of the season. The event can be viewed via the SRF website, yogananda.org. This meditation will be available for viewing through December 24.
Christmas meditations also will be available in Italian, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
– New Year’s Eve meditation led by an SRF monastic, Thursday, December 31, 2020. This one-hour meditation, available on the SRF YouTube channel, can be viewed at any time on New Year’s Eve.
– Master’s birthday commemoration with Brother Chidananda, Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 9 – 10 a.m. PST. This will be a live one-hour service in celebration of Paramahansa Yogananda’s birth. It may be viewed on the SRF YouTube channel and will remain available.
– Master’s birthday commemorative meditation led by SRF nuns, Saturday, January 9, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST. This will be a six-hour meditation event to deepen our relationship with the guru. It can be viewed via the SRF website, yogananda.org, and will be available through Monday, January 11.
Also in the spirit of Christmas, we have sent a card to Bro. Chidananda:
And, our members have done a beautiful job decorating the Center grounds.
Come by to visit! Swing by in the evening, and you can enjoy the tree of sparkling lights in our front yard.
In other news about the Center, a contractor has filled in the old well, which had partially collapsed, creating a sinkhole. The well, originally 42-feet deep, captured shallow “surface” water that was used to irrigate our landscape. This saved us hundreds of dollars a month in city water bills during the hot seasons, and allowed greater flexibility with our landscaping.
Rather than repair the old well, the Managing Council, following consultation with Bro. Devananda and Planning and Building Department, decided to have a new well drilled. 
Stehly Brothers Drilling Inc. drilled down to 585 feet. We’re getting a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute, and the water level comes to about 30 feet below the surface. After we get the final well report, another contractor will install the pump. We then will have the water tested before using it for irrigation.
Meanwhile, the fence and parking projects are still in the permitting process. The new parking will involve extending the current parking area with a hard but permeable surface. This requires moving irrigation pipes and trenching for electrical conduit – hard work that is being done by our members: 
Financially, while our books are sound, expenses continue to be greater than income. Your contributions to our Center are much appreciated! If you would like to donate online to our general fund, please visit https://members.yogananda-srf.org/donation?specialallocation=genescon . We sincerely thank you for your continuing support.
In closing, we want to share with you this feature article in the Los Angeles Times that credits our guru with the establishment of yoga in the West: https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-11-19/self-realization-fellowship-paramahansa-yogananda-los-angeles-history .
May all have a joyous, peaceful Christmas season.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
October 9, 2020
Dear friends,
As many of you who knew Danny Wright are likely aware, he passed away peacefully on July 10, 2020.
Danny was a longtime member of San Diego Temple.
A memorial service will be conducted through Zoom on Saturday, October 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. A video of the service will then be available on YouTube.
The program will begin with a formal memorial service led by lay members, followed by a period for sharing stories and remembrances of Danny.
To RSVP, click the following link to provide your contact information. Please indicate whether you would like to share a story or remembrance:
https://escondidosrf.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c0612c5974499be47c81c940&id=f70fd2e17b&e=0ce1d31619 ( arielliliuokalani.wixsite.com/danny-wright ).
Organizers will email a link to the Zoom meeting. If you have any questions or suggestions, please send a message to rememberingdannywright@gmail.com
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center
September 30, 2020
Escondido Center altar decorated for Lahiri Mahasaya’s birthday
Enjoy!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center of Self-Realization Fellowship
September 25, 2020
Dear friends, Members of the Flower Committee have decorated our Center’s altar in commemoration of Lahiri Mahasaya’s mahasamadhi. 
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/lahirimahasamadhi2.jpg https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/lahirimahasamadhi1.jpg Have a blessed and joyous day!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
September 18, 2020
Dear friends,
As SRF members worldwide celebrate the centennial of Master’s arrival in America, we want to share with you this picture of the decorated altar at our little Center:
( https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/centennial1.jpg ).
Enjoy the centennial meditation!
In Guruji’s Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
August 30, 2020 – General Membership Meeting (digital version)
Dear friends,
It’s been a while since we’ve had a general-membership meeting, so now we’ll give it a go, in digital format.
Managing Council: Let’s begin with your Managing Council in a joyful moment at their homes 
(https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/joyful.jpg) . From left, Mark Skok, Coordinator (and wannabe gardener); Manisha Khatri and Scott Caton, Members-at-large; Paula Mackintosh, Treasurer; Gary Saunders, Member-at-large; and Sharlene Lewis, Secretary.
Financial: On the financial side, members have been making donations to the general operating fund, but in July expenses still were greater than income by about $900. Part of this deficit was due to a higher water bill because we have been using city water to irrigate.
Overall we hope to maintain positive net income in our operating account, as running in the red will make it more difficult to bring the balance back up when we eventually reopen.
We very much appreciate the donations you have made while the Center has been closed! As we mentioned in an earlier message, you may now donate online by visiting EscondidoSRF.org/Donate and clicking “Donate to General Operating Fund”. You may also mail checks, payable to SRF, to Escondido Center, P.O. Box 463092, Escondido, CA 92046. Unless specified otherwise, your check donation will automatically go to our Center’s general operating fund.
Well repair: Last week we asked for your support to spend up to $21,000 to repair our well. Seventy-four members voted in favor, and zero voted no. Mother Center also has approved the expenditure, so we now are going through the contracting process with Stehly Brothers Drilling, Inc.
Again, for the time being, we are irrigating with city water. The crepe myrtles are in full bloom, and the evergreens along the west property line have greened up nicely since we had them cut back 
(https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/evergreens-crepe-myrtles.jpg ).
Grounds / meditation area on patio: Whenever you have a chance, come by to enjoy the landscaping, view our members’ comments on the beautifully decorated bulletin board outside the Bookroom, and still your body and mind with a meditation in the shade of our patio. Two of our members have donated a picture of Master that is now fastened to the patio wall. The building, of course, remains closed, but we can meditate outside, in front of Master’s image. 
(https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/patio-meditation-1.jpg) . Several folding chairs are on the patio, but you may want to bring cushions.
Meanwhile, our members who maintain the gardens are establishing a new setting among the flowers for our statue of the Madonna.
Site improvements and security: We are continuing to take steps toward improving the parking lot and installing a new fence and gate. Here’s current our timeline:
- September 1: Obtain permit to construct additional parking
- September 7: City hearing regarding variance for fence height
- September 21: Parking construction begins
- September 25: City (hopefully) approves variance for fence height
- October 1: Obtain permit to build fence
- October 26: Begin fence construction
- December 15: Fence construction complete
- December 20: Re-seal and re-stripe existing parking area
- December 23: New-parking project complete
We’ll keep you posted regarding any changes. Also, we also are obtaining quotes for installation of security cameras and lights activated by motion sensors. We’ll keep you posted as we move forward.
Elections: Typically at this time of year we begin planning for the January Managing Council elections. However, the continuing closure of the Center has created some challenges. Last week Mark discussed this with Bro. Devananda. He said that Center Department is allowing Groups and Centers to make their own decisions on whether to conduct elections as usual. The Managing Council then discussed this at our August meeting, and decided to postpone the elections until we re-open.
Joyful gardening: As we’ve noted before, members of our Housekeeping Committee have been coming regularly to clean the Center. One of our housekeepers, Electra O’Mara, also joyfully tends to a garden at home. She doesn’t hesitate to blend this pastime with her Sunday School talents 
(https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/electra-veggies-1.jpg) . Here’s Electra’s gardening story: https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/electra-gardening-story.pdf .
Please share an image or two, along with comments, on how you keep up your own joyfulness!
And, if you have any thoughts or questions about our Center, send a message to info@escondidosrf.org, or call us at 760-480-1161.
Do stay in touch.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
August 20, 2020 – Vote regarding expense for well repairs
Dear friends,
As many of you are aware, Escondido Center has a well that over the years has provided all the water we need to irrigate our beautiful landscape 
– https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/evergreens-crepe-myrtles.jpg . During the hot months the well has saved us hundreds of dollars a month in water bills.
Recently a well wall collapsed, which clogged the lower half of the well, destroyed the pump and created a sinkhole. After receiving three bids that were very close in cost, the Managing Council has approved hiring a contractor, Stehly Brothers Drilling, Inc., to manage the repairs. Stehly comes highly recommended by Hidden Valley Ashram and by one of our long-time members.
However, given the cost, before we can move forward with repairs, we need approval from our members.
Stehly’s quote for clearing the well, installing a new pump and pipe, then re-filling the well with gravel and filling in the sinkhole, will cost a maximum of $21,000.
Please be aware that if we do NOT repair the well, we will have to fill it in, along with the sinkhole. One company verbally quoted $5,000 to $6,000 to fill in the well, plus another $4,000 to fill the sinkhole. We also then would have to continue using expensive city water to irrigate our trees and shrubs.
Do we have your approval to move forward with the well repairs? If you consider yourself a member of Escondido Center, please go to https://forms.gle/aNbrFV2grJBSaqaa7 and click “Yes” or “No”. We will count the votes and send the results to Mother Center at 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 26.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
August 11, 2020
Dear friends,
This is indeed a special day: Janmashtami wrapped in a Convocation celebrating the centennial of our guru’s arrival in the West. We trust you are enjoying the online meditations and talks! It’s an especially wonderful feeling to know that thousands of SRF members and friends around the world are participating at the same time in a common effort to attain ever-deeper peace, joy, and harmony.
While we cannot come together physically for the blessed events unfolding this week, we do want to share with you photos of our altar, arranged for Janmashtami by members of our Flower Committee:
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/krishna-2020-1.jpg
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/krishna-2020-2.jpg
https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/krishna-2020-3.jpg
We wish all of you the best. And, we very much look forward to when we can join you again at our little Center for services and fellowship.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
July 25, 2020
Dear friends,
A happy and blessed Babaji Day to all! Though our chapel remains closed, members are coming each week to do housekeeping, to care for the Center grounds, and to do repairs and ongoing maintenance.
And, members of our Flower Committee continue to decorate the altar to celebrate commemorative days. On this holy day – exactly 100 years after Babaji told our guru he had been chosen to spread the message of Kriya Yoga in the West – we want to share photos of our altar. All flowers in the beautiful arrangement are from our gardens.
When you have a chance to visit the Center (and perhaps meditate under a shady tree!), please remember to enjoy the Bookroom bulletin board, beautifully 
decorated with sweet and inspiring contributions from our members.In regard to the grounds, two upcoming projects include painting the exterior of the Bookroom building and repairing the well. We also are completing the process of designing and obtaining approvals for a fence and gate.
A number of you have asked whether we can make online donations to our general operating fund. This is now possible by visiting EscondidoSRF.org/Donate. With the assistance of Mother Center we have updated this page to provide options for donating to either our general operating fund or our building fund. Gifts to the operating fund are particularly welcome right now, while we are closed, to help defray our basic monthly expenses.
Thank you, again and again, for your continuing support for our Center. We do appreciate all financial gifts that you are able to make, as well as your sincere prayers for the well-being of our members, our community, and all countries. Mother Center reminds us that, through our sincerity in applying the SRF teachings in our lives, we are making a very real and tangible contribution in helping the world.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
July 11, 2020
Dear friends,
Rudelphina and Sara have finished their beautiful decorations of the bulletin board outside the Bookroom. Do come and take a look when you are next in the area! The contributions provided by our members are sweet and inspiring, and remind us that we are all still a community, even if spread apart at this time. Master links us through our hearts and in our service to each other.
Keep in mind that the Center building is closed, but the grounds are open for visits. If others are on the grounds when you come, please be sure to wear a mask and maintain physical distance.
Thank you, as always, for all your support!
In Guruji’s Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
June 23, 2020
Additional comments and pictures wanted for our Bookroom bulletin board
Dear friends,
We have received a number of wonderful contributions that Rudelphina and Sara have posted on the bulletin board outside our Bookroom. We now need a few more to complete our visual display of Fellowship.
Please share how a devotee has helped you during the past few months, or how a drive past the Center has uplifted you, or how a silent deed done for someone dear has warmed your heart.
It gives such a joy to feel connected again, even in this small material way. We look forward to your inspirations. Six to eight lines would be perfect. Please send your contribution to Sara Dailey-Smith and Rudelphina Wilkinson at ssmith91362@gmail.com.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Email for bulletin board project: ssmith91362@gmail.com
June 10, 2020
Comments and pictures wanted for our Bookroom bulletin board
Dear friends,
Two of our members are decorating our Bookroom bulletin board with the theme of “Fellowship”. We would like your input on how the Center has inspired, motivated, and supported you over the years, and especially during the recent months of sheltering at home.
Please share what you are doing to keep your sadhana positive and uplifting. Email your thoughts, with pictures if appropriate, to Sara Dailey-Smith and Rudelphina Wilkinson at ssmith91362@gmail.com. (Short messages please so they all fit on the board.) Sara and Rudelphina will compile your thoughts and pictures on the bulletin board during the summer.
We look forward to sharing your wisdom!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
Email for bulletin board project: ssmith91362@gmail.com
June 2, 2020
Dear friends,
In the past two weeks we have received a number of inquiries regarding our plans to re-open Escondido Center. The calls and email messages from members have been prompted by news about the re-opening of businesses and places of worship in California and elsewhere.
Given the continuing threat posed by COVID-19, all six members of the Managing Council agree that we should not re-open at this time.
Mother Center has asked the councils of individual Centers and Groups to decide when and how we will reopen, so long as we are in accord with the guidance of our local governments and health authorities.
The health – and lives – of our members is the foremost consideration of the Managing Council. Federal, state, and local health authorities strongly advise against re-opening places of worship. Still, state and county guidelines DO allow re-opening, so long as they:
- Post multiple signs regarding the need for masks and physical distancing.
- Install hand-sanitizer dispensers at all entrances.
- Screen congregants for virus symptoms, which involves taking their temperatures as they enter.
- Ensure everyone is wearing masks.
- Limit congregation to 25 percent of the chapel capacity (in our case, 23 individuals, including leader and ushers).
- Avoid chanting or passing the donation basket.
- Clean all surfaces frequently.
- Strongly encourage individuals with compromised immune systems, underlying medical conditions, and those over 65 (i.e., many if not most of us) to stay home.
- Keep services short to limit exposure.
- Adjust parking to eliminate places where people might congregate closely outdoors.
The Managing Council will contact members about re-opening the Center when our services can be safely conducted in a reasonable semblance of their traditional forms. Meanwhile, we are monitoring virus trends and health advisories, and are consulting regularly with members who are healthcare professionals.
We also are looking at the various considerations involved with conducting limited services outdoors.
Because it may be some time before we re-open, we encourage all our members to remain connected with SRF through online opportunities such as inspirational talks by monastics and online meditations, many of which are led by monks and nuns. If you have not yet participated in an online meditation, visit https://srfonlinemeditation.org/.
Also, as you reach out to other members, please ask if they are receiving these messages. If they’re not, they can contact us at info@escondidosrf.org so we can add them to our mailing list. All the messages we have sent since mid-March are posted on our website at EscondidoSRF.org/Announcements.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at info@escondidosrf.org.
And now it’s time to pass our virtual (guaranteed virus-free!) basket. Some weeks ago we reported that our monthly expenses are exceeding income. This continues to be the case. If you would like to help defray the cost of ongoing maintenance, and electric, gas, and other bills, please consider mailing a check made out to SRF, with “Escondido Center” on the memo line. Our mailing address is PO Box 463092, Escondido CA 92046.
Thank you, as always, for your generous and continuing support and prayers!
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
May 10, 2020
Sri Yukteswar’s birthday and Mother’s Day
Dear Friends,
In wishing you a blessed commemoration of Sri Yukteswar’s birthday and celebration of Mother’s Day, we want to share these images of our altar, arranged for this doubly special occasion by members of our Flower Committee. (Note: click on either image to enlarge, then scroll down to see second image.)
May we all be immersed in Master’s peace, love and joy.
In Gurudev,
Escondido Center Managing Council
April 12, 2020
Dear friends,
A wonderful and joyous Easter to all of you! We want to share a photo of our Center’s altar, which was decorated for this holy day by members of our Flower Committee:
This morning many of you joined SRF members around the world to participate in the Easter talk and meditation led by our revered president, Bro. Chidananda. He noted that, on Easter Sunday exactly 95 years ago – April 12, 1925 – Guruji led the first sunrise service on the grounds of Mt. Washington.
We would like to reiterate Brother’s counsel for us all, that we use this time of social distancing to reduce our spiritual distancing. As Brother said, this is an excellent time to go deeper in the practice of meditation, deeper in the practice of our study of the teachings, of the Lessons.
Today’s Easter service is available for viewing at https://yogananda.org/blog/online-inspirational-service.
May all of us feel the presence of God and Gurus in an ever greater way, now and always.
Jai Guru,
Escondido Center Managing Council
April 4, 2020
Dear friends,
Several days ago we sent a message asking our members to share what you are doing to maintain spiritual attunement and physical wellbeing while sheltering in place. Here are the responses we received, followed by a letter sent by Bro. Balananda, Minister in Charge of Encinitas Temple, to their mailing list.
Mindful walking – this gets you out of the house, and into fresh air and sunshine while avoiding unintentional proximity to others.
My wife and I are taking to heart Master’s guidance in the old Lessons on health, to absorb the sun’s rays with a daily 30-minute sunbath. This is both therapeutic and exceptionally relaxing!
Five good things that have happened to me (since the shelter-in-place directive):
1. I’ve taken up writing again my grandmother’s biography.
2. I am getting creative with the workouts I do at home (BollyX, QiGong; yoga)
3. My husband and I are preparing delicious food that we cook together.
4. We spend time outside, starting again our veggie garden.
5. I am talking to so many dear friends in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, the US… and so forth. LIFE IS GOOD, when life gives you lemons… make the best lemonade.
It helps me to know we are connected in our efforts in daily meditation and our regular healing services, and the opportunity to have longer meditations on Sunday morning, knowing other fellow devotees are also meditating at this time.
I have made a table for a visual checklist, with my desired daily activities on the left, and on the right one column for each day of the week. I simply make a mark whenever the action has been done. Everyone’s list will be a little different…I included spiritual practices as well as other self-care things uniquely important for me as part of the balanced living that is part of the Kriya as per the Kriya lessons.
I am spending a lot more time reading all of the SRF books & Lessons, practicing affirmations, and watching SRF dvds and talks available online. I live in the mountains isolated from others, so I can hike to the waterfalls that form during rainy season while practicing the presence.
Read the Second Coming / Slow down… do less… choose one thing to do for a long time while thinking of God (weeding or washing the laundry by hand instead of going to the laundromat) / Watch the dawn / Look at the stars / Call one person each day and share your love with them.
I have been looking at the videos sent out by SRF of Bro. Bhumananda, Bro.Satayanda, and our president. They are wonderful. Also, I have been attending as many of the SRF online meditations as I can.
A friend and I agreed that instead of hiking on Thursdays we would work on the Center grounds (pulling weeds). I think it’s good to be outside while keeping the social distance recommended by the governor.
Some friends and I have been having a one-hour meditation each afternoon, via Zoom. We make it a point to perform the healing service. My daughter is a nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, so I appreciate the opportunity to join the Prayer Council, praying for all those in need. We are very flexible with each other’s schedules, and plan each day accordingly. We really feel the benefit of connecting daily. During these trying times, it has really helped us all, to simply get grounded mid-day between our other meditations.
Besides practicing the presence while doing yard work and exercising outdoors, the online meditations have become our link to the SRF family of devotees. The opportunities are expanding to include SRF and YSS monastic-led meditations several times each week, which are priceless! And don’t miss the weekly monastic-led inspirational service, which can be utilized as your Sunday service and can be accessed via the SRF website.
When stepping outside first thing in the morning to do my EEs, I take a few minutes to look at the beautiful buds forming on the trees and listen to the music of the birds.
This idea comes from Sr. Subrata: Throughout the day or as you are leaving your house, just touch one of Master’s books, such as the Spiritual Diary. My favorite is Metaphysical Meditations.
And this letter from Bro. Balananda, sent recently to Encinitas Temple members:
Dear Smile Billionaires of Encinitas Temple,
Thinking of all the challenges everyone is facing during this Coronavirus pandemic, I find myself reflecting on Guruji’s unique response to the trials and problems devotees would bring before him.
Whenever the monks or nuns came to Master, with any kind of problem (either physical, mental emotional, financial–it didn’t matter), he would always tell them one of two things–either “Sit down and meditate” or “Just love God more.” That’s it–just those two remedies. Remember when Daya Mata came to him with a host of financial problems, creditors to be seen, bills to be paid, food to be bought, and so on. And Guruji’s reaction was simply: “Just sit down and meditate.” And then Ma’s mental response to Guruji: “How can he say that? Meditation is for the morning and evenings. Now it’s time to keep this growing ashram running and to keep the creditors away from our door.” But being the obedient disciple she was, she would invariably sit down at Guruji’s feet and meditate. And Ma related to us that every time she came out of one of those meditations, all of her problems would just melt away–they would seem so insignificant.
And how about Guruji’s other remedy: to just love God more. Daya Ma, who had many major physical problems in the early days, would come to Master and tell him all about the physical suffering she was going through. And instead of sympathizing with her, saying: “That’s all right my child, you go on a retreat or you take the afternoon off,” he would only say: “Just love God more.” “Just love God more.” And she learned to do just that–loving him from moment to moment, even in the midst of all her pain, duties and responsibilities. And then what happened? All her physical problems just disappeared.
So what is Master saying? That it all boils down to law and love. We can solve all of our problems with either meditation or practicing the Presence–just sitting down and meditating or just loving God more. When we do either of these, we invariably find that our even mindedness, which we lost, comes back. So, what caused us to lose our even mindedness in the first place? Not meditating enough or not practicing the Presence of God enough.
And it doesn’t get much simpler than that, does it? When we meditate, when we practice the Presence, we are in tune with God: everything is just fine; and when we don’t meditate or practice the Presence enough, we are in tune with Maya: everything is everything but fine. Everything is a nest of troubles, as Master puts it.
How wise Master is! And how receptive was his dear Daya Ma. May we all learn to have that same kind of receptivity, that same kind of attunement.
Know you are all in my deepest prayers, and heart.
In divine friendship and love,
Bro. Balananda
April 1, 2020
Dear friends,
Recently some members have sent messages telling us what they’re doing to stay connected to Master and other SRF members while sheltering in place. For example, one person practices the presence while taking daily brisk walks. So, we thought we would reach out and ask what YOU are doing that provides a sense of calmness and peace.
Let us know, and later this week we will send a list of ideas for maintaining spiritual attunement and physical wellbeing. Please send your messages to info@escondidosrf.org.
Meanwhile, we also want to let you know that members of our Housekeeping Committee are periodically going to the Center to ensure that the chapel is clean and always ready to be reopened. And, a number of our members have been taking some time to pull the weeds that are popping up across the grounds. We do have a bumper crop this year!
As always, many thanks to all of you for your support for Master’s little Center.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 28, 2020
Dear members and friends,
Mother Center is providing us tremendous support during this time of uncertainty. Given the spiritual gifts we are receiving, many of us are looking for ways to serve others while we remain at home.
Our local hospital, Palomar Medical Center, needs thousands of masks to protect staff serving in non-patient areas. Palomar Health Foundation is asking members of the community who have sewing skills to make simple masks of tightly woven cloth. For more information, please visit https://escondidosrf.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c0612c5974499be47c81c940&id=90669eecce&e=0ce1d31619 .
One of our members, Margaret Mertens, is a point of contact for this project. If you have questions, please contact Margaret at 442-281-4074 or Margaret.Mertens@palomarhealth.org.
Thank you, as always, for your kind and generous spiritual and material support.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 22, 2020
Dear friends,
Though our Center is closed for the time being, we want everyone to know that we are with you in spirit, and praying that you are in good health. While right now we are not meeting physically for group meditations and other services, we encourage you to take advantage of online meditations by visiting https://escondidosrf.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c0612c5974499be47c81c940&id=1469645ca1&e=0ce1d31619 and signing up to participate in online meditations.
Another wonderful resource is the SRF blog (https://escondidosrf.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2c0612c5974499be47c81c940&id=9762a10b25&e=0ce1d31619), which includes video talks by Bro. Chidananda, along with other information from Mother Center. And, beginning this past week, SRF is adding inspirational talks by other monastics to the blog page. A new talk will be posted each week.
Those of you who are receiving the new Lessons may want to review Lesson 13, Divine Laws of Health and Healing.
Given that we are asked to remain at home, please consider taking some time to reach out by telephone to friends and acquaintances who may be feeling isolated. Consider using Zoom, Skype or Facetime to add video to your communications.
On a bright note, we are delighted to announce that Escondido Center has been awarded $144,700 in security grant funding from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The funds will be used to upgrade our center’s security with perimeter fencing, a motorized rolling gate, security cameras, motion detectors with signage, and training to respond to an active shooter.
We feel very blessed by Master for this opportunity, and for the award of the full amount we requested.
CAL OES will reimburse us monthly as we submit receipts and other documentation. The various costs will be covered upfront through our building fund.
Apart from the training element, all the security components are in our building plan, so this puts us that much further ahead!
As Lahiri Mahasaya would say; “Banat, banat, banjai!” “Doing, doing, done!” Let’s keep our faith in Master’s protection, guidance, and our spiritual success.
And now it’s time to pass the basket. Despite the cancellation of services and other activities, our Center does have ongoing costs, primarily for maintenance and utilities. If you would like to help defray some of these expenses, you may send a check (no cash, please) to Escondido Center, PO Box 463092, Escondido CA 92046. We do thank you for your continuing support!
Again, we encourage you to maintain the connection with Master by taking advantage of the many resources available through the SRF website and at-home SRF Lessons.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council
March 13, 2020
Dear members and friends of Escondido Center,
All services and fellowship activities at Escondido Center have been cancelled until further notice. This includes informal gatherings for personal meditations in the chapel or other rooms in the chapel building. We are following the guidance of Mother Center, which issued the following letter on March 12:
Dear Friend,
We have been closely monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19 (coronavirus), and
are aware of the uncertainty felt by so many worldwide. After much prayerful consideration
about what the right course of action should be, we have made the decision to cancel all
SRF meditation and inspirational services at our temples, centers, and groups in the U.S.
and in other countries where the government has suggested we do so. We will be
contacting our meditation groups separately with guidance. We have also cancelled all
retreat programs until further notice.
Those of you who regularly participate in group meditations and spiritual fellowship know
the value and positive influence of seeking God together. We encourage you to continue
participation in group meditations via our SRF Online Meditation Center services by
visiting.
We are also looking into offering additional online inspirational events soon, and
encourage you to check our website for updates on this.
The decision to cancel our services and retreats has been made in compliance with the
request of the governor of California and the California Department of Public Health that
nonessential gatherings across the state of California should be limited to no more than
250 people, and that smaller events than this should implement social distancing of six
feet per person. These cautionary measures are also being requested and implemented in
many other states and countries.
We recommend that you continue to follow universal health guidelines with regards to the
coronavirus, which can be found on the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and
the World Health Organization
Paramahansa Yogananda expected us to use practical outer means and commonsense
methods to prevent illness, but he also urged us to have a positive attitude and faith in
God’s love and protection. That inner attunement felt in meditation and prayer will allow us
to reach into the infinite reservoir of God’s healing power to help ourselves and all those
who are in need.
In closing, let us keep in mind these words of our Gurudeva: “Whatever it is that you fear,
take your mind away from it and leave it to God. Have faith in Him….Every night, before
you sleep, affirm: ‘The Heavenly Father is with me; I am protected.’ Mentally surround
yourself with Spirit and His cosmic energy.”
May God and the Great Ones deeply bless and watch over you and your loved ones.
In divine friendship,
Self-Realization Fellowship
A PDF version of this letter is available at https://86c9ba.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/images/coronavirus-message3.pdf.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
In Divine Friendship,
Escondido Center Managing Council