The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a global spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920. Before moving to the United States, Yogananda initiated his spiritual endeavors in India in 1917, naming it the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS). In 1920, he established SRF, and by 1925, the Mount Washington property in Los Angeles, California, became the international headquarters for both SRF and YSS. Before revisiting India in 1935, Yogananda legally incorporated SRF in the U.S. as a non-profit religious organization. He established SRF as the primary organization to continue his work, which involved caring for and disseminating his teachings.
Yogananda’s teachings encompass yoga techniques and a specific form of meditation that enhances awareness of one’s soul and broadens consciousness. The Self-Realization Fellowship is responsible for distributing and publishing his teachings, which are steered by his Aims and Ideals. Additionally, SRF coordinates the Worldwide Prayer Circle, described as a network of groups and individuals praying for those requiring physical, mental, or spiritual assistance, and also praying for global peace and harmony.
History
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920, originating as the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) in India in 1917. Its international headquarters, both for SRF and YSS, were established at the Mount Washington property in Los Angeles by 1925. Yogananda incorporated SRF as a non-profit religious organization in the U.S. before his return to India in 1935, designating it as the primary vehicle for disseminating his teachings.
Leadership transitions in SRF included Yogananda as its head until his passing in 1952, succeeded by Rajarsi Janakananda and later Daya Mata until 2010. Mrinalini Mata took over until her passing in 2017, with Brother Chidananda as the current president.
YSS, a sister organization, oversees various centers and facilities in India and Nepal, focusing on meditation, education, and charity.
Yogananda’s teachings, introduced in 1920, encompassed home-study lessons, writings, lectures, and recorded talks. He established temples, retreats, meditation centers, and monastic communities under the name Self-Realization Order, emphasizing exclusive sharing through SRF.
SRF faced controversies, including a lawsuit against James Donald Walters (Kriyananda), allegations about Yogananda’s personal life, and disagreements over expansion plans for its Los Angeles headquarters. Despite these challenges, SRF remains dedicated to its mission of spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.
Structure and Organization
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a global spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920. Its international headquarters is located at Mount Washington in Los Angeles, California. The organization’s primary purpose is to disseminate and preserve Yogananda’s teachings.
Leadership:
- Paramahansa Yogananda founded the SRF in 1920 and served as its head until his passing in 1952.
- Rajarsi Janakananda succeeded Yogananda as the president and head of SRF/YSS and served until his death in 1955.
- Daya Mata took over the leadership next, serving from 1955 until her passing in 2010.
- In 2010, Mrinalini Mata became the president, holding the position until her passing in 2017.
- As of 2017, Brother Chidananda was elected as the current president of SRF.
SRF also has a sister organization in India, the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS), which was founded by Yogananda in 1917. YSS oversees various centers, retreats, and ashrams throughout India and Nepal.
Self-Realization Fellowship Order: The SRF Order is the monastic branch of the organization. Monks and nuns of this order serve in various capacities, from disseminating Yogananda’s teachings, providing spiritual counsel, conducting temple services, retreats, and lecture tours, to administrative and maintenance duties. The monastic life in the SRF Order is structured, with daily schedules that include meditation, service, spiritual study, and introspection. The order has four stages of monastic life, each representing a deepening commitment to the renunciant life: postulancy, novitiate, brahmacarya, and sannyas. Those who take their final vows become members of the Swami Order, which traces its spiritual lineage back to Adi Shankara. The SRF monastic order was established by Yogananda in the early 1930s.
Functions and Operations
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a spiritual organization that plays a pivotal role in disseminating the teachings of its founder, Paramahansa Yogananda. One of its primary functions is to publish and distribute Yogananda’s teachings, which are rooted in yoga techniques and a form of meditation that fosters soul-awareness and expanded consciousness. These teachings are guided by his Aims and Ideals.
Another significant function of the SRF is the coordination of the Worldwide Prayer Circle. This initiative is described as a network of groups and individuals who offer prayers for those in need, be it for physical, mental, or spiritual aid. Additionally, the Prayer Circle emphasizes the importance of praying for global peace and harmony.
SRF also oversees various temples, retreats, meditation centers, and monastic communities under the name Self-Realization Order. These establishments serve as hubs for spiritual learning, meditation, and community gatherings. The monastic order associated with SRF, the Self-Realization Fellowship Order, is dedicated to serving the society’s global spiritual and humanitarian missions. Monks and nuns of this order work in various capacities, from publishing Yogananda’s teachings to providing spiritual counsel, conducting temple services, retreats, and lecture tours.
Controversy
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) has faced several controversies over the years. Here’s a summary of some of the notable ones based on the provided content:
- Lawsuit with Kriyananda: In 1990, SRF filed a lawsuit against James Donald Walters, also known as Kriyananda, and his organization, initially called the Church of Self-Realization. The lawsuit centered on Ananda changing its name to the Church of Self-Realization and issues regarding specific writings, photographs, and recordings of Paramahansa Yogananda. SRF sought to secure exclusive rights to Yogananda’s teachings, name, likeness, voice, and the term ‘self-realization’. The litigation lasted for about twelve years, concluding in 2002. The jury ultimately sided with SRF, agreeing that Yogananda had intended for the Fellowship to maintain copyrights to his works. The jury also determined that the terms “Paramahansa Yogananda” and “self-realization” could not be trademarked.
- Paternity Claims: Ben Erskine accused Yogananda of having an illicit affair with his mother, Adelaide, who was a disciple and photographer of Yogananda in the late 1920s. Erskine believed Yogananda was his father due to his darker skin compared to his siblings. In 1995, Erskine’s daughter, Peggy, presented SRF with paternity claims and financial demands. SRF initiated DNA testing, which concluded there was no relationship between Yogananda and Erskine. However, Erskine and his attorney rejected the results. To settle the claims conclusively, SRF established an independent testing process, comparing DNA from Yogananda’s male relatives in India to Erskine’s DNA. The results from two separate labs showed no relationship between Yogananda and Erskine.
- SRF Expansion Project: SRF proposed an expansion project for its headquarters atop Mt. Washington, Los Angeles, CA. The plan included the construction of various facilities over a 30-year period and a site to reinter Paramahansa Yogananda’s remains. However, the residents of the hilltop community were divided over the project. Some supported the expansion, while others believed it would be too large for the area. Due to the lack of widespread support from local residents and the growing conflict, SRF decided to withdraw the plan.
Conclusion
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a global spiritual organization established in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda. Its primary mission is to disseminate and preserve Yogananda’s teachings, which emphasize yoga techniques and meditation practices to attain self-realization. With its international headquarters in Los Angeles, California, the SRF has played a pivotal role in introducing Eastern spiritual wisdom to the West. Over the years, the organization has faced various challenges and controversies, but it remains dedicated to its foundational principles. The SRF’s influence has reached many, including notable figures in the arts and music. And it continues to foster spiritual growth in individuals worldwide, promoting peace, harmony, and a deeper understanding of the self and the divine.