In Encinitas, the beauty of nature feeds the soul in the self-sustaining gardens of the Fellowship Fellowship

By On Oct 17, 2022

Many visitors to the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens come to look at the plants, koi ponds and vast expanses of sea.

But for followers of the Fellowship, the community gardens that SRF founder Paramahansa Yogananda established in 1937 (along with the nearby hermitage, retreat and ashram) offer much more.

Brother Nakulananda, who is a worker at the SRF Encinitas temple said: “Visitors come mainly to enjoy the beauty of the square and maybe even reflect a little. But our strict members, who are always devoted to the church, can come here with more respect for Yogananda and his teachings.

Nakulananda gave us a tour of the gardens as a way to introduce the spiritual goals and concepts of SRF, based on Yogananda’s teachings. He wrote his most famous work, “The Autobiography of a Yogi,” in the hermitage.

For devotees, Yogananda, who helped bring meditation to the West and died in 1952, is everywhere in the gardens, which were a wonderful gift from devotee Rajarsi Janakananda in 1936.

“Yogananda loved to look at the landscape. One of the main things to be said about the beauty of the landscape is that it shows the serenity of God,” Nakulananda said.

Brother Nakulananda shows a memorial plaque with a picture of the Golden Lotus Temple on the site of the original temple, which was rendered unusable in 1942 due to severe erosion.

(Bill Wechter/For the San Diego Union-Tribune)

In the middle of the garden near the mouth was the Golden Lotus Temple. There Yogananda taught followers what he called “the science of meditation” and encouraged them to look out at the ocean through the huge windows and the four-story glass tower.

“Yogananda loved the altar of the horizon, which is like the meeting of the sea and the sky, the infinity of that,” said Nakulananda.

In 1942, beach erosion and water from a nearby lake caused the temple to slide into the sea, leaving only the terrazzo steps still visible in the gardens.

“The Mother of God told Yogananda that she took it because she wanted him to find other temples. Otherwise, he would have been satisfied with this beautiful Golden Lotus Temple,” said Nakulananda. “I think what it will mean to our members is that even Yogananda, who is our great teacher and guide, had to go through trials like this. It’s just part of life on earth.”

The lotus flower from the temple appears in the SRF logo along with Nakulananda said, “the eye of the soul, which is in the center of the eyebrows. For humans, it is the spiritual center of the body.”

Image of St. Francis confirms the garden of St. Francis Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas.

(Bill Wechter/For the San Diego Union-Tribune)

Connecting with divinity

Contents

Yogananda went on to establish temples in San Diego, Hollywood and around the world to teach followers about the SRF philosophy and the meditation practice of Kriya Yoga (a different form of yoga from the poses and techniques of breathing taught in yoga studios). The Self-Realization Fellowship and the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (also founded by Yogananda) have about 800 centers worldwide, according to Blythe Fraser, SRF’s director of public relations.

“The cornerstone of SRF teachings is meditation,” said Nakulananda. “It is through meditation that we can meet that divinity within us. … Yogananda said that we do not have SRF teachings, but if we had an education, our education would be Kriya Yoga because Kriya Yoga is what brings awareness to God.

Today, devotees learn about Kriya Yoga through home study. They attend weekly services at the Encinitas and San Diego temples to learn more about how to apply SRF teachings to their daily lives (such as the meaning of salvation or worldly dreams), meditate together, sing and pray .

(Those, like Brother Nakulananda, who wish to become monks or nuns go to SRF ashrams and follow the four stages of monastic life: postulancy, novitiate, brahmacharya and sannyas.)

Garden paths lead to many meditation benches, including one near the bonsai Ming Tree, a Monterrey pine that was given to Yogananda.

Among the Missions and Ideas of SRF is to develop spiritual understanding between East and West, as well as, “To reveal the complete harmony and fundamental unity of early Christianity as taught by Jesus Christ and early Yoga as taught by Bhagavan Krishna; and to show that these principles of truth are the common scientific basis of all true religions.”

“Yogananda, through his association with Krishna and Christ, is able to come out with the definition of the true teachers, those are both great teachers. So, we are not the Christian religion, we are not the Hindu religion. We are the way to meditate on the science of yoga,” said Nakulananda.

The gardens include the circular meditation area of St. Francis. “Yogananda said he had many visions of many saints here, walking the grounds,” said Nakulananda. “And they just came to visit him. He wasn’t talking about their conversations. Saint Francis was one of the Christian saints that Yogananda loved because of his simplicity, humility and devotion.”

The circle is surrounded by koi ponds, which were once large enough for Yogananda to navigate in a small boat, but are now smaller (and lighter to prevent erosion) and have and meditation benches.

Looking at the small waterfall that connects the two ponds, Nakulananda said, “Yogananda loved water. He has waterfalls at Shrine Lake (Pacific Palisades), here in Encinitas, and Mount Washington (international headquarters), so he loved water. … The sound is peaceful and quiet.”

Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, Retreat, Hermitage and Ashram Center

Address: 215 W. K St., Encinitas

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Mondays.

Amanda Casanova meditates at Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas.

(Bill Wechter/For the San Diego Union-Tribune)

Is Kriya Yoga the same as kundalini?

Kriya yoga is closely related to Kundalini Yoga, which is based on very similar principles. Since both Kriya and Kundalini yoga work directly on energy, even beginners can quickly experience significant improvements in mood, focus, and physical and mental energy.

What happens when you do Kriya Yoga? The joy that comes from Kriya is greater than the joy of all the pleasant sensations of the body put together. ‘Disaffected by the world of senses, the yogi experiences a new joy arising from the Self. Immersed in the divine union of soul and Spirit, he attains imperishable bliss’ (Bhagavad Gita V:21).

What is the other name of yogic kriya?

6 Yoga Kriyas (Six Methods of Purification) are known as Shat Kriya or Shat Karma as explained in Hatha Yoga Pradipika. There are six types of Yoga Kriyas for complete purification.

What are the two types of kriya?

Let us discuss the six types of kriyas and their benefits:

Kapalabhati (Stimulating the brain cells by cleaning the brain)
Neti (Upper Nasal Track)
Trataka (Eye Exercise)
Nauli (Abdominal Muscle and Viscera)
Dhouti (Stomach cleansing)
Vasti (Cleansing the Rectum)

What is kriya called?

Name	Kariya
Explanation	A Soft-spoken Person; Of Wisdom
gender	A boy
Numerology	2

What is a yogic kriya?

September 2022) KriyÄ (Sanskrit à¤à¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾, “action, action, effort”) usually refers to “accomplished action”, a method or exercise in yoga. discipline meant achieving a certain result. Kriya Yoga may refer to: The school of Kriya Yoga, popularized by Yogananda.

What is a kriya in Kundalini?

In Kundalini Yoga, a kriya is a specific sequence of physical actions that work to achieve a specific result. The practice of Kriya initiates a series of physical and mental changes that affect the body, mind and spirit. There are kriyas to support the liver, balance the glandular system, stimulate the pituitary, and more.

What is the purpose of kriya?

It is an ancient form of meditation that uses pranayama (breathing), mantra (chanting) and mudras (spiritual hand gestures) to accelerate spiritual growth. The main goal of the kriya practice is to achieve spiritual awakening or enlightenment (aka Samadhi).

How many kriyas are there in Kundalini?

The practice of this system is known to bring peace and health. Only 18 kriyas are used in Kriya Hatha Yoga, which are done in stages.

What happens in kriya?

Kriya is an advanced Raja Yoga practice of pranayama (control of life force). Kriya strengthens and renews the subtle currents of life force (prana) in the spine and brain. The ancient Indian seers (rishis) recognized the brain and spine as the tree of life.

What is kriya technique?

KriyÄ (Sanskrit à¤à¥à¤°à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾, “action, action, effort”) usually means “accomplished action”, a method or practice within the discipline of yoga aimed at achieve a certain result. Kriya Yoga may refer to: The school of Kriya Yoga, popularized by Yogananda.

Is Kriya Yoga and Kundalini Yoga the same?

Kriya yoga aims to achieve spiritual growth. Through the pranayama techniques of breath control, kriya yoga allows practitioners to accelerate spiritual development. Kundalini yoga is a physical and mental practice that aims to purify the body and mind as a way to reach a state of spiritual absorption.

What are the different types of Kriya Yoga?

6 Types of Kriyas to Complete Purification.
Kapalabhati (Stimulating the brain cells by cleaning the brain)
Neti (Upper Nasal Track)
Trataka (Eye Exercise)
Nauli (Abdominal Muscle and Viscera)
Dhouti (Stomach cleansing)
Vasti (Cleansing the Rectum)

What type of yoga is kundalini?

Kundalini yoga is a form of yoga that involves chanting, chanting, exercises and repetition. Its purpose is to activate your Kundalini energy, or shakti. This is the spiritual energy that is said to be at the base of your spine.

How do I start Kriya Yoga?

One must receive initiation into true Kriya Yoga directly from Paramahamsa Prajnanananda or one of his authorized yogacharyas. There are no correspondence courses or courses available through International Kriya Yoga organizations for this course.

Where can I learn Kriya Yoga? Learn Kriya Yoga at Ananda Sangha Training Centers Ananda Sangha training centers are located all over India. This is the perfect way to learn Yoganandaji’s meditation techniques, and to incorporate them into your daily life.

How many steps are there in Kriya Yoga?

He taught the 42 steps in Kriya Yoga. For the practice of Kriya Yoga, one must learn the 42 steps in theory. The goal of those steps is to feel the body from head to toe more.

How many stages are there in Kriya Yoga?

The teaching of Kriya yoga is slow. There are six stages, appropriately named, First Kriya, Second Kriya, etc. First Kriya is for beginners and is the foundation of the system. It connects the practitioner with the body, soul, and through the seven Chakras.

How many kriyas are there in Kriya Yoga?

6 Yoga Kriyas (Six Methods of Purification) are known as Shat Kriya or Shat Karma as explained in Hatha Yoga Pradipika. There are six types of Yoga Kriyas for complete purification.

What is included in Kriya Yoga?

Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditative practice of energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is part of a broader spiritual path, which includes additional methods of meditation as well as healthy living. The Kriya method was kept secret for many centuries.

What are the steps of Kriya Yoga?

Seven Steps to Kriya

Step 1 â Meditation Skills: Basic Practices.
Step 2 â Energy and Focus.
Step 3 â Devotion: Opening the Heart.
Step 4 â Becoming a Disciple in a Guru Relationship.
Step 5 â Expanding Your Awareness â The Aum Technique.
Step 6 â Preparation for Kriya Yoga.
Step 7 – Kriya Initiation.

What happens at kriya initiation?

Students participate in a sacred ceremony to cleanse the spine and body. Everyone who wants to be initiated is an individual by meeting a specific teacher of this lineage. The teacher directly instills the three divine qualities of sound, vibration and light into the initiate.

What is kriya technique?

Can a beginner do Kriya Yoga?

A tradition that was once shrouded in secrecy has now been revealed by Paramhansa Yogananda to the world for greater good. These days, you can learn this ancient art of meeting the divine in various yoga classes. In fact, to make its practice accessible to everyone, many classes teach kriya yoga for beginners.

What happens in kriya?

How can I learn kriya?

The Path of Kriya Yoga

Prepare for Kriya Online.
Step 1 â Ananda Meditation Training.
Step Two – Living the Principles of Self-Care.
Step 3 â Discipleship Training.
Step 4 â Preparing for Kriya Yoga.
Step 5 – Kriya Yoga Initiation.

Can anyone do kriya?

After approximately eight months of preparation and practice, students who have completed the study of the 18 core Teachings are now eligible to apply for initiation into the Kriya Yoga method and formally establish an honored discipleship relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda and the lineage of home. of…

Can a beginner do Kriya Yoga?

How do I join yss meditation?

YSS/SRF President Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri inaugurates YSS Online Dhyana Kendra on 31 January 2021….To join online meditation follow these steps:

Download and install the free Zoom app (no need to create an account).
Navigate to the online meditation calendar and special programs.

How important is self-realization?

Self-awareness distinguishes, when you run into obstacles and helps to overcome them with sustainable creativity. By letting go of the meaningless things in your life, you stay focused on the things that matter most and begin to see real results as you reach your full potential.

Is self-examination necessary? Self-awareness is one of the main requirements for attaining enlightenment and liberation (moksha). Self-awareness means stripping away the imaginary parts of one’s personality to understand one’s true self, and therefore, the true nature of reality.

Is self-realization a value?

Therefore, self-awareness becomes the basis and goal of the personality itself or the power that a person has, it becomes a value in itself. All things that can promote and benefit people in themselves are important things, which have a solid value, while humanity itself and self-care are important.

What is self-realization in ethics?

Self-awareness is about your authenticity and your values and how those values influence the day-to-day behavior of dealing with business. This is different, and perhaps the antidote to the extreme greed and selfishness seen in many corporate organizations today.

What is self-realization in human values?

Self-awareness is a term used in Western psychology, philosophy, and spirituality; and in Indian religions. In the Western understanding, it is “self-realization of the possibilities of one’s character or personality” (see also self-actualization).

What is self-realization called?

Definition of self-actualization: to fulfill oneself with the possibilities of one’s character or personality.

Why is self-realization important for students?

High self-esteem and self-esteem Individuals on the path to self-care relate to their inner self and the world around them on a deep level. The depth and power of connection can free them from anxiety, fear and feelings of inadequacy. Also, it allows them to use their full potential.

Is self-realization a good thing?

It is said that once a person reaches Self-realization, their new perspective and understanding of themselves brings them continuous, eternal happiness. It will also bring: Equality in all situations. Inner peace.

Why do we need self-realization in education?

Therefore, education for self-expression helps students discover and understand their natural abilities, which can improve the achievement of the highest level of the human spirit – rational desires, but not turning the student into a warm book.

What is self-realization in life?

Self-awareness is the truth of who we are, what we are â realizing that we are not the physical body, the physical form that we believe we are, but it is the power within that physical form that says give life.

What is it called when you have self-realization?

Self-realization is the full realization of one’s potential, and the full development of one’s potential and appreciation of life. This concept is at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, so not everyone achieves it.

What are your self-realization example?

A few examples of behavior that a self-made person may exhibit include: Finding humor in certain situations. Finding happiness and contentment in the present. Understanding what they need in order to find satisfaction.