A free public lecture, “Meditation: Finding Inner Peace and Joy,” will be held at Self-Realization Fellowship’s Washington, D.C. Meditation Center on Friday, April 19th from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Led by Brother Govindananda, a monk from the Self-Realization Fellowship founded in 1920 by world-renowned teachers paramahamsa yoganandathis event will introduce you to India’s timeless science of yoga and how to use meditation to discover your greatest inner resources.
Learn more about free public classes and guided meditations
Brother Govindananda provides some insight into yoga meditation and its benefits.
How can meditation help my life? What are the practical benefits?
Regular meditation has many practical benefits. Some of these benefits may be felt immediately, while others may become apparent over time. One of the first benefits is a deeper sense of calm, peace of mind, and greater clarity.
Over time, you may find that your intuition (sixth sense or inner knowing) improves and you start running right away. Because it is the source of making wise decisions. You will be able to deal with problems that arise in your daily life more easily and effectively.
Yogananda described these effects as the ability to be “quietly active and actively calm, that is, the Prince of Peace who sits on the throne of calm and commands the kingdom of activity.” .
Are there any other benefits?
Yes, there are many others. The practice of meditation helps us expand our awareness and attitudes towards ourselves and others, which affects our relationships. It awakens compassion. You will see more clearly how we are all in this together. We become less self-centered and more able to serve. It improves our ability to love and be loved.
Can meditation help you study at school?
Yes, it is possible by improving your concentration and concentration. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works and how to make it work for you, both in your studies and in the broader task of building the life you want.
The information and insight you need can conveniently pop into your head, often in the most surprising ways.
Are there any physical benefits?
Ultimately, regular meditation affects the body, reducing anxiety and strengthening the life force that is the source of health and vitality. Meditation helps restore balance and harmony to your body and mind.
Does meditation have a spiritual aspect? Can you tell me about that?
Yes, for us monks, and probably for most members and friends of the Self-Realization Fellowship, the sense of spiritual connection that meditation brings of The most important aspect. You don’t have to add anything to yourself to be “spiritual.” The process of meditation allows us to directly experience the blissful qualities that already exist within us. As a result of this awakening of clarity, our lives become filled with purpose and joy.
With so many daily activities and pressures from external factors, what advice would you give to college students looking to deepen their spirituality?
Meditation is the key. Even with just 5 minutes of meditation a day, we can begin to feel an inner shift in our consciousness.
Reading spiritual books, especially those that are drawn to nature, can also be helpful.
I first encountered yoga and meditation through the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. Autobiography of a Yogi. If you are interested in yoga or meditation, please read this book. This is a rare personal account written by a great yogi about his encounters with other great yogis of India, and provides a revelatory view into the wisdom of the East.
Why do you encourage people to meditate and explore the teachings of Self-Realization Fellowship?
In today’s world, we all face so many challenges. Meditation provides practical tools to help us attain and stay rooted in our inherent peace. Yogananda taught a universal, scientific path, a complete system for accessing the source of wisdom within us all. It has been proven since ancient times, and Yogananda’s approach is approachable and practical. You don’t need any special beliefs to practice it.
What can people expect from the April 19th event, “Meditation: Finding Inner Peace and Joy”?
Expect an immersive experience! The evening will include a one-hour talk introducing key concepts in the science of yoga, giving everyone the opportunity to connect directly with their inner peace through guided meditation .
Who is Paramahamsa Yogananda? What is he known for?
Paramahansa Yogananda establishes Self-Realization Fellowship, He is considered an important pioneer in bringing yoga to the West and was one of the first Indian swamis (monks) to come to America from India.Through his many writings including his Society, Self-Realization Fellowship, and Spiritual Classics Autobiography of a Yogihe has introduced Eastern philosophy and yoga meditation to millions of people around the world.
Does Self Realization Fellowship have a location in the DC area where people can come to meditate?
Yes, for those who want to establish a regular meditation habit, Self-Realization Fellowship’s Washington DC Meditation Center offers services and opportunities for meditation, volunteer work, spiritual study, and fellowship. Currently, there are over 600 of his SRF temples, meditation centers, and retreats in over 60 countries.of SRF website It’s also a great resource to learn more, including how to get started with meditation.
Do you think people’s personal meditation practices have an impact on the world?
that’s right! Sometimes the news and social media can give us the impression that everything is confusing and overwhelming. But we can cultivate peace, love, and joy in our lives and see for ourselves the impact it has.
When we start with ourselves, we are creating real change, which impacts everyone around us. According to Yogananda, it is the most important thing we can do in this life.
Paramahamsa Yogananda said, “The important thing is to reform ourselves, because if we reform ourselves, we will reform thousands of others by example.”
Learn more about free public classes and guided meditations
Email: washington.dc.srf@gmail.com; Phone: 301-514-5792 or 718-902-4486.
Learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and Paramahamsa Yogananda’s yoga teachings below. yogananda.org
