Self-Realization Fellowship

Have you ever felt a spiritual pull, a sense of homecoming in a place you’ve never been? The Self-Realization Fellowship’s international headquarters, nestled atop Mount Washington, emanates this very feeling. Founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda, the Self-Realization Fellowship sought to bridge Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Yogananda, author of the renowned “Autobiography of a Yogi,” envisioned a world where scientific techniques could unlock direct experiences of God. He chose Mount Washington as the headquarters in 1925. The building, originally a hotel built in 1909, became the Mother Center. Yogananda’s own living quarters are preserved as a shrine within the Mother Center. The Self-Realization Fellowship offers a home-study course compiled from Yogananda’s teachings, providing a structured path toward self-realization. This concept, central to the Fellowship’s name, emphasizes the realization of one’s true self or soul. They also coordinate the Worldwide Prayer Circle, a global network dedicated to prayers for peace and those in need. One of the key practices taught by the Self-Realization Fellowship is Kriya Yoga. This technique, passed down through authorized initiation, aims to quiet the mind and attune oneself to a deeper connection with the divine. The impact of Yogananda and the Self-Realization Fellowship extends far beyond these walls. Luminaries like George Harrison found solace and inspiration in Yogananda’s teachings, even holding his funeral at the Fellowship’s Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades. The Self-Realization Fellowship’s presence atop Mount Washington offers a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustling city. It stands as a testament to Yogananda’s vision, inviting all who seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the divine.