Attending a LVMG Service
|
|
“To commune daily with God in deep meditation, and to carry His love and guidance with you in all your dutiful activities, is the way that leads to permanent peace and happiness.”
— Paramahansa Yogananda |
|
Welcome
We are happy that you are interested in joining us! In group meditation, devotees come together in silent fellowship to reinforce each other’s efforts toward Self-realization. Effective group meditation is possible if each person shares responsibility for creating an atmosphere of peaceful stillness. The following guidelines list some positive action we can take to help create that peaceful environment.
We are happy that you are interested in joining us! In group meditation, devotees come together in silent fellowship to reinforce each other’s efforts toward Self-realization. Effective group meditation is possible if each person shares responsibility for creating an atmosphere of peaceful stillness. The following guidelines list some positive action we can take to help create that peaceful environment.
Dress Guidelines for SRF Services: SRF Mother Center gives some suggested guidelines for attire at SRF services. It is requested that people dress conservatively, “as one generally would at a church or religious service.” Even in warm climates such as Las Vegas, we ask that no one wear shorts, bathing suits, or come in bare feet to SRF services. Please dress respectfully.
Arrival
Arrive on time. If you come late, please meditate in the Fellowship Area until a period of chanting begins, then enter quietly. While in the Fellowship Area, if conversation is necessary before and after Meditation services and before Reading Services, please speak in hushed tones. Due to the nature of our building’s structure, conversations can be distinctly heard in the chapel even when those speaking are in the Fellowship area.
Before Meditation
During Meditation
The meditation service is conducted by a leader who will guide you through periods of silent meditation, along with short periods of devotional chanting and inspirational readings.
Chanting
Chanting deeply with concentration and devotion draws the devotee inward to the altar of God’s presence. Many chants sung during our service were written by Paramahansa Yogananda. You can refer to the Cosmic Chants booklets located in the pockets of the chairs to learn the lyrics. CDs of devotional chanting by SRF monastics are available in our book room.
Prayer
During the last portion of the meditation, devotees pray for those who are in need of physical, mental, and spiritual healing and for world peace.
Preparing for Meditation
Paramahansa Yogananda said, “Meditation is the ability to take the mind away from every object of distraction and put it upon God alone.” Here are a few key points to help one achieve this state:
Additional meditation instruction, including a video series, may be found here.
Arrive on time. If you come late, please meditate in the Fellowship Area until a period of chanting begins, then enter quietly. While in the Fellowship Area, if conversation is necessary before and after Meditation services and before Reading Services, please speak in hushed tones. Due to the nature of our building’s structure, conversations can be distinctly heard in the chapel even when those speaking are in the Fellowship area.
Before Meditation
- Turn off all electronic devices and cell phones.
- Wear garments and accessories that are quiet in nature -- ones that minimize noisy friction.
- If you have a cough, cold, or any condition that creates noise or restlessness, please meditate at home until your condition improves. If you begin coughing during a service, please step outside to recover and wait until the next chanting period to return.
- Please do not wear perfumes or strong scents.
- No food and drinks are allowed in the chapel. A capped water bottle is OK.
- If you know that you will have to leave early, take a seat in the back of the chapel to minimize distraction to others.
- Please refrain from conversing or socializing in the chapel before and after services.
During Meditation
The meditation service is conducted by a leader who will guide you through periods of silent meditation, along with short periods of devotional chanting and inspirational readings.
- Remain still and quiet during periods of silent meditation.
- During chanting periods only, you may use the restrooms, stand or do gentle stretches.
- Practice the meditation techniques quietly, so as to be inaudible to others.
- If arriving late or leaving early, please try to do so during the chanting periods.
- If you need to leave during a service, please do so at the beginning of a chanting period or during a reading, so as not to disturb others.
- Please do not use cell phones at any time in the chapel, in order to maintain the meditative vibrations there.
Chanting
Chanting deeply with concentration and devotion draws the devotee inward to the altar of God’s presence. Many chants sung during our service were written by Paramahansa Yogananda. You can refer to the Cosmic Chants booklets located in the pockets of the chairs to learn the lyrics. CDs of devotional chanting by SRF monastics are available in our book room.
Prayer
During the last portion of the meditation, devotees pray for those who are in need of physical, mental, and spiritual healing and for world peace.
Preparing for Meditation
Paramahansa Yogananda said, “Meditation is the ability to take the mind away from every object of distraction and put it upon God alone.” Here are a few key points to help one achieve this state:
- Correct Posture. Sit relaxed with spine straight, feet flat on the floor, shoulders back, chest out, abdomen in, and hands with palms turned upward resting at the juncture of the thighs and abdomen. It is important that there be no tension.
- Focus Eyes Gently Upward. With the eyes closed, focus the gaze gently at the Christ Consciousness Center (the point between the eyebrows).
- Focus Thoughts on God. If no meditation or concentration techniques are known, silently call on God in the language of your heart. Keeping the attention focused is the key to meditation and the pathway to experiencing the loving and peaceful presence of God.
Additional meditation instruction, including a video series, may be found here.
