We are happy that you are interested in joining us for group meditation and thank you for considering the following guidelines and protocols.

A leader guides the group though periods of silent meditation 30-50 minutes in length, separated by short periods of devotional chanting and inspirational readings. Meditation makes prayer more powerful, so the last portion of the service is dedicated to individual and group prayer.

Chanting with deep concentration and devotion draws the devotee inward to the altar of God's presence. Paramahansa Yogananda's Cosmic Chants is an excellent introduction to chanting and gives the words and music for the chants used in the services.

Paramahansa Yogananda said, "Meditation is the ability to take the mind away from every object of distraction and put it upon God alone." A few key points will be helpful in striving toward a state of loving absorption upon Spirit within.

CORRECT POSTURE: Sit with the spine straight, feet flat on the floor, shoulders slightly back, chest out, abdomen in, and hands with palms upward resting at the juncture of thighs and abdomen. The goal is to keep the body relaxed and motionless.

FOCUS EYES GENTLY UPWARD: With eyes closed, direct the mind and focus the gaze gently at the point between the eyebrows ~ the spiritual eye.

KEEP THOUGHTS FOCUSED ON GOD: If no techniques are known, silently talk to God in the language of your heart. A devotional thought such as, "Reveal Thyself, I love Thee Lord", repeated with deep attention can bring an inner response from God.

Devotees come together in silent fellowship to reinforce each other's efforts toward Self-realization. You can do your part by remembering and following a few simple guidelines, which will help ensure an atmosphere of sacred stillness, free from distractions.

• Wear clothing that is made of soft fabrics both for personal comfort and silence.
• If you have a health condition that may cause disturbance to you or to others, please consider meditating at home.
• Arrive early so you can choose a seat. Sit on an aisle in the back if you need to leave before the end. If you arrive late, you may wait in our Overflow Room until you hear chanting over the speakers, then transition quietly into the chapel.

• Energization Exercises taught in the SRF Lessons are performed outdoors in a group 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the service.
• Turn off electronic devices.
• Remain still and quiet during meditation periods.
• If you need to stretch, use the restroom or leave the service before the end, please do so during a chanting period.

The techniques of meditation taught by Paramahansa Yogananda, including the Energization Exercises and Hong Sau Technique of Concentration, may be learned through the SRF lessons which are sent by mail for personal study from the Mother Center. Applications for the Lessons are available at the Phoenix Temple. If you wish, feel free to talk with a minister after a Sunday or Thursday service.

Thank you for taking time to read this information and for helping to create a spiritual environment conducive to inner communion with God. If you have any questions or suggestions, please speak with one of our ministers or place a note in the satsanga box located in the bookroom.