Self-Realization Fellowship

For the meaning of the term self-realization, see Self-realization.

Self-Realization Fellowship
Formation1920; 104 years ago (1920)
FounderParamahansa Yogananda
TypeReligious organization
Legal statusFoundation
PurposeEducational, Philanthropic, Religious studies, Spirituality
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, United States[1]
Area served
Worldwide
President
Brother Chidananda[2]
AffiliationsYogoda Satsanga Society of India
Websiteyogananda.org
Paramahansa Yogananda, Founder
Headquarters of SRF at Mt. Washington at 3880 San Rafael Ave., Los Angeles, CA

Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a worldwide religious organization founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda, the Indian guru who authored Autobiography of a Yogi. Before moving to the United States, Yogananda began his spiritual work in India in 1917 and named it Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS).[3][4] He moved to the West in 1920 and in 1925 established SRF's headquarters at Mount Washington, Los Angeles, California. Before his return visit to India in 1935, he legally incorporated SRF in the United States, designating it as the only organization to carry on his work – to care for and disseminate his teachings.[5][6]: 154, 227 

Yogananda's teachings include meditation techniques intended to promote awareness of God and one's soul. SRF conveys these techniques through a home-study course, and they publish Yogananda's books and lectures. SRF also coordinates the Worldwide Prayer Circle, who pray for world peace and those in need.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference tbi was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference LAT-2017 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Bhattacharya, Saurabh. "Paramahansa Yogananda - The Yogi and His Fellowship". lifepositive.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012.
  4. ^ "About Yogoda Satsanga Society of India".
  5. ^ Melton, J. Gordon, Martin Baumann (2010). Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9781598842043.
  6. ^ Williamson, Lola (2010). Transcendent in America: Hindu-inspired Meditation Movements as New Religion. New York and London: New York University Press. ISBN 978-0-8147-9449-4.