Planted by Paramahansa Yogananda himself, the cypress trees lining the walkway offer a glimpse into the tranquil oasis that awaits us at the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center. This San Diego Temple is a special place. It was founded in 1942. It marks the third location established by Self-Realization Fellowship.
Self-Realization Fellowship is an international religious organization. Paramahansa Yogananda founded it in 1920. The organization disseminates the teachings of Kriya Yoga. This sacred spiritual science originated millennia ago in India.
Let’s step inside this hidden gem. It is located in the heart of San Diego in the Bankers Hill neighborhood. Famed architect Irving Gill designed the simple building in 1909. Balboa Park borders it to the East. Hillcrest borders it to the North.
The Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center history is quite interesting. On September 5 1943 Paramahansa Yogananda dedicated this temple as a Church of All Religions. This was during the height of World War II. He offered a prayer. He asked that the church be blessed with vibrations of Self-perception. He hoped it would lead people to Self-Realization and truth.
Paramahansa Yogananda established other temples as well. The Hollywood Temple was opened on Sunset Blvd in 1942. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is located on Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.
The Self-Realization Fellowship teaches meditation techniques. These techniques promote awareness of God. They help practitioners realize their soul. The organization conveys these techniques through a home-study course. They also publish Yogananda’s books and lectures.
The Self-Realization Fellowship coordinates the Worldwide Prayer Circle. This circle prays for world peace. They also pray for those in need. The monastic order runs the Self-Realization Fellowship. Monks and nuns coordinate retreats and temple services. They also manage publishing efforts.
Yogananda’s teachings aim to disseminate scientific techniques. These techniques help people attain direct experience of God. The Self-Realization Fellowship advocates cultural and spiritual understanding. It bridges the gap between East and West.
Paramahansa Yogananda spent the last four years of his life in seclusion. He stayed at his desert ashram in Twentynine Palms California. There he completed his writings and revisions of his books.
Many notable figures were drawn to the Self-Realization Fellowship. George Harrison often visited the Self-Realization Fellowship retreat in Encinitas. Elvis Presley also visited the Self-Realization Fellowship in the late 1960s.
Today the San Diego Temple is administered by monastics. They come from the Self-Realization Fellowship Hidden Valley Ashram Center. They also come from the Mother Center in Los Angeles. Ministers conduct public lectures and services. Volunteers assist through Temple Committees.
As we stand here let’s take a moment to appreciate the vision of Paramahansa Yogananda. He created an oasis of peace. The Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram Center continues to offer solace and spiritual guidance to all.