Self-Realization Fellowship Church

If you read «Autobiography Of A Yogi «…
Words cannot express the BLISS you’ll FEEL among Loving beings that cradle you in the Warmth and LOVE in a non-​judgmental way .
Meditations are awesome in a group energy «Biofield «setting which has a strong magnetized energy !!!
Some of the service like Meditation on chairs is a throwback to accommodate Westerners– you’ll be sitting among neighborhood friends from Hillcrest and surrounding communities.
George Harrison (The Beatles) and Steve Jobs (Apple Computers) really Loved this Teacher — Yogi !!!
See the movie «Awake» on Netflix playing right now !
There’s a center in Encinitas as well right above the famous surfing spot «Swami’s».

Hello: I became interested in SRF while living is North County where there is a stunning Ashram and garden open to all.
I purchased Autobiography of a Yogi and it took me 5 years to pick it up off my book shelf and read it.
I have since moved to Mission Hills, and now attend the 1^st Avenue Temple.
I have found that it is not fair to compare between the two locations.
Different walks of people create the energy of the scene.
I know that there is one thing for sure and that is I have taken responsibility by reading the student lectures and attending services at each location.
I truly believe that when your ready for a teacher and to take responsibility to manifest your change you will.
I recently parked my bike off the path that the bench I was sitting at was on.
I was interrupted by a well meaning devotee to move my bike.
I will admit I had a few Fred Flintson mumbles under my breath and peddled off.
The next time I did it again and no one disturbed me from my meditation.
Yet Because I was paranoid that my bike might get lifted so I kept a half eye open. So there was no real peaceful experience.
The 3^rd time I decided to follow the rule and park in the bike zone.
What did I learn? to drop my ego, park where your asked to park while a guest and you will feel so much peace for having done the correct action.
The End.

I went Sunday and it was crowded. Tourist talking and taking pictures-​it did not feel like a spiritual place at all… I started feeling dizzy and lay down for a few minutes. A security guard came up to me — and said I could not lie down on the bench in a very demeaning tone. I explained i was not feeling well as I sat up. He showed no concern and only repeated «You cannot lie here.»
Why would SRF have people like this «guarding» the place? Paramahansa Yogananda would not like it either… Nothing special here-​might as well go to the zoo.

Compared to the fellowship in Los Angeles, this place leaves quite a bit to be desired. That said, I’m basing my review purely on the grounds, not at all on the service. The fellowship in Los Angeles has a lake (in the past with koi, but I heard they died off), and has a little path that is super peaceful and has some nice statues. This fellowship on the other hand lacks the space to do something so extravagant, so creates peaceful spaces using bushes and tarps and fountains. For the space they have, they do a good job.

There is a subtle, ethereal energy at this place that never fails to soothe. I go there to meditate and it always refreshes me heart and soul. The more I go, the more profound the experience. I highly recommend.

Searching for fellowship in San Diego can be difficult in the sea of people in the coastal city. However, there is a wisdom in the serenity found at the Self Realization Center. I started visiting the gardens for personal meditation but eventually gravitated to the services. This is a perfect atmosphere if you enjoy spiritual guidance, reflection, and the blessings found in silence. The energy is diverse but respectful as all walks of life gather to pray for peace in a turbulent world. I am thankful for this piece of heaven just a bike ride from my home in Bankers Hill.

As a person with a chronic, life-​threatening disability, I require the use of a service dog. We were told to sit outside due to «temple rules». I explained again that she is not a pet, but a service dog who assists me in handling a very serious disability. I was told again we were not allowed inside. After some time and missing the opening meditation, one person explained to the others that there are ADA rules. Of course, I really couldn’t enjoy the service, which I was unimpressed by anyway. Overall, the staff were fairly cold and militant. I’ve never felt so unwelcome in a «spiritual» institution. When I spoke with the Monastic after service, he suggested coming back on Sunday but to sit outside. They just don’t get it! Segregation based on disability is NOT a spiritual teaching. It’s good for them that I don’t have the energy for a lawsuit, but they will be reported.
From
:
«People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals.»

SRF will never tell you what to believe. It’s all about proving it for yourself. The basis of the organization is meditation, yet you don’t have to subscribe to any belief or practice to be welcome and get something from service. Yoga philosophy is the teaching which is open to everyone and aims to spread peace and happiness. You cannot help but feel better upon leaving an hour of service — Sundays 9:30 or 11am.

The Unilocal posted for the Self-​Realization Fellowship Church speaking of ocean views need to be connected to the S-​RF property in Encinitas.
This intimate property of S-​RF is located on Bankers Hill in a neighborhood of houses, adjacent to a canyon in San Diego, distant from Encinitas. Included as part of my post is an image showing the inside of the church, and another showing an outdoor area sited with representations of elephants.
To learn about Paramahansa Yogananda and about kriya yoga I have included a link to the Self-​Realization Fellowship as an introduction to the teachings.

The Meditattion Garden is beautifully landscaped. There are always several things in bloom — clearly the people who maintain this place know what they are doing. The juxtaposition of different plant colors and textures, alongside the amazing oceanside view, makes for spectacular visuals. Find a bench, sit down, and relax.
…and turn your cellphone off!

Very nice and nicely maintained gardens and definitely worth the short time it will take to walk around. A nice place to practice some photography too.
Hey geniuses, this isn’t a tourist attraction — people come here to think things through, get in touch with themselves, etc. So be quiet!
Sssssshhhhhhhhhhhh!

i took a walk through their gardens about a month ago and i don’t know, i think i was expecting more. it seemed like a new age person’s swanky backyard more than a place where i’d want to realize myself. sure, there were ocean views, but i can see those from a hundred different places in the san diego area. and sure, there were koi fish, but i could see those at a chinese restaurant.

I don’t know much about the church, but their garden is the most beautiful and peaceful in San Diego. It’s only open on Sunday to the public and there are some people meditating there, so best not bring your loud children or drunk friends.
Anyhow, it’s a good place to clear your head. I felt much better after spending the afternoon there.