Frequently Asked Questions

There are no membership requirements to attend our group meditations or services – all are welcome.

You can learn more about the life of Paramahansa Yogananda by reading his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, which can be found at most major bookstores, public libraries, and online retailers. Self-Realization Fellowship books, CD’s, DVD’s, photographs, & application forms for the SRF Lessons are also available at our Ashland book store. You can also learn more by visiting the Self-Realization Fellowship website.

While you do not need any background in meditation to attend our services, we do offer an introduction to meditation for beginners on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 5 PM. If you would like to go deeper into the meditation practices of Paramahansa Yogananda, as well as learn the techniques of Kriya Yoga, we encourage you to apply for the SRF Home Study Lessons.

We meditate with closed eyes, seated on chairs. There is no need to bring any accessories.

Our Sunday Services (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM) and/or the Introduction to Meditation for Beginners on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month (5 PM - 5:50 PM) are a good introduction for those not familiar with meditation or with SRF. The Reading Services include shorter periods of meditation that can help one prepare for the longer periods (approx. 45 minutes) in our full Meditation Services. The Sunday service also offers the best opportunity to meet & chat with other members of our group.

People are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early in order to settle in before Services begin. During the Thursday and Sunday Services, ushers will be available to assist late-comers who are entering during readings and chants so as not to disturb the meditations. Late-comers attending group meditations are asked to enter as quietly as possible and to take a seat towards the back of the chapel in order to avoid disturbing others who may already be deeply immersed in meditation.

Yes, our chapel is handicapped-accessible, and there are handicapped parking places across the street. Our bathrooms are also handicapped-accessible.

There is no charge for attending services. On Sundays & Thursdays, there is an optional offertory that helps cover our operating expenses and allows us to assist in the worldwide humanitarian work of Self-Realization Fellowship.

If you are new to SRF, you can learn more about Kriya Yoga in Chapter 26 of Autobiography of a Yogi, in which Paramahansa Yogananda describes the history & purpose of Kriya Yoga. You can also read about the Kriya Yoga Path of Meditation on the SRF website.

If you have further questions about our center & its activities, please feel free to contact us through our contact page. A volunteer from Ashland Meditation Group will get back to you within three business days.