Sri Mrinalini Mata, PreSident

international HeadquarterS: 3880 San rafael avenue, loS angeleS, California 90065-3219

tel: (323) 225-2471 • fax: (323) 225-5088 • www.yogananda-srf.org

in india: Yogoda SatSanga SoCietY of india

Voluntary League AppealF a l l 2 0 1 3

“Gifts given in quiet humility joyously unite the heart of the giver with the hearts of the benefited, and with the omnipresence of the spirit of God.”

— Paramahansa Yogananda

Dear Friend,

We in the ashrams of Self-Realization Fellowship want you to know that your gifts to Paramahansa Yogananda’s spiritual society are helping thousands around the world to receive his life-transforming teachings.

Those benefited by your generosity regularly contact us to express their gratitude. One student of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons recently sent us the following note:

“I can’t think of anything in my life that I don’t apply the teachings to or an area of my life that hasn’t improved. I am simply and truly grateful to God, Guru, and all on the path for what I have learned. I feel blessed to know what I am becoming.”

Your assistance plays an essential role in:

• preserving the places where our revered Guru lived and communed with God as shrines that thousands visit annually and find to be wellsprings of spiritual blessings;

• disseminating Paramahansaji’s soul-awakening words through the SRF Lessons, books, recordings of his voice, DVDs of talks by his close direct disciples, and other media;

• supporting the order of renunciant monks and nuns he founded to serve his spiritual family of souls for generations to come;

• so many other aspects of our Guru’s ongoing divine mission.

Periodically during the year we send you our Voluntary League Newsletter and invite you to lend your support while also informing you about some of SRF’s current projects made possible by your assistance. The enclosed issue reports on important repair and restoration work at the Encinitas Hermitage (one of the most significant shrines associated with our Guru’s life) and new online services for our worldwide membership.

Our Guru said: “All of you who wish to offer much-needed help, now or in the future, I bless. To cooperate with God’s work is to cooperate with God Himself.”

Whether your support be in the form of monetary contributions, acts of service, or prayers that Paramahansa Yogananda’s soul-liberating message may spread — we hope your offerings bring you a deep sense of joyous oneness with our worldwide spiritual family. And please receive our heartfelt and abiding gratitude for your selfless gifts.

In divine friendship,

SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP Mother Center

P.S.: Besides contributing to the Voluntary League Appeal, you can also make a deferred gift (through a bequest or other means) to Paramahansaji’s work. For those who would like to consider this possibility, we enclose a special letter from our Office of Planned Giving.

Voluntary League NewsletterVoluntary League Newsletter

Encinitas Ashram — A Gift to All of Us From Our Guru Paramahansa Yogananda was known for his boundless generosity, and this was touchingly evident in his sharing of the Self-

Realization Fellowship ashram center in Encinitas with spiritually seeking souls from around the world.Rajarsi Janakananda (SRF’s second president) gave the Hermitage building and grounds to Self-Realization Fellowship in 1936.

They were intended as a retreat where Paramahansaji could get away from the demands of lecturing and organizational work for periods of communion with God and work on the literary projects that were central to his divinely appointed mission. (See sidebar next page.)

In his deep desire to help others know God, though, our Guru could not keep the scenic seaside estate exclusively for his own use. The Hermitage became the nucleus of an ashram that he established in 1937. Paramahansaji told SRF students and friends, “This beautiful Self-Realization Encinitas Center is an ideal environment to help you find God.”

Our Guru would reside here for much of the remaining fifteen years of his life, blessing the site with the spiritual vibrations of his God-communion that the receptive visitor still feels today. Each year thousands come to the Hermitage, blufftop meditation gardens, and retreat, and find in them an endless wellspring of divine peace and blessings.

With the support of our members and friends, SRF endeavors to pre-serve the Hermitage in its original state. This is a challenging and full-time task because of its close proximity to the ocean — an environment of sun, high humidity, and corrosive salt air.

In consultation with specialists, we have taken several measures to com-bat the effects of the elements. For example, we have used state-of-the-art protective paints on the exterior; and to protect the inside of the building, we have installed a climate control and air-filtration system to lessen humid-ity, salt air, and man-made pollutants; and put UV-blocking glass in the windows to reduce damage to rugs and fabrics caused by ultraviolet light.

In addition to continual maintenance, the Hermitage requires museum-quality restoration work. Sri Daya Mata and Ananda Mata* personally

A R e p o R t o n o u R R e c e n t A c t i v i t i e s — F A l l 2 0 1 3

*Early close disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda who served respectively as SRF’s president and treasurer for many decades.

(Above left) The Hermitage as seen from the Encinitas medi-tation gardens, strikingly perched above the Pacific Ocean. (Above right) Paramahansa Yogananda at the Hermitage in 1937 with (left to right) Durga Mata, Rajarsi Janakananda, Sri Daya Mata, and Ananda Mata. (Below) Devotees medi-tate on the Hermitage grounds during a pilgrimage.

The Hermitage — A Birthplace of ScripturesThe Hermitage is where Paramahansa Yogananda wrote and dictated many of his

world-inspiring literary works.Among them were The Second Coming of Christ (his interpretation of and commen-

tary on the four Gospels), which he composed during periods of divine communion that often lasted all day long and far into the night. Sri Daya Mata, who recorded much of his dictation during these sessions, recalled: “I have watched Master’s face as he dictates his inspirations. The joy and wisdom of another world are expressed there. His eyes are afire with a blaze of love for Christ....”

Our Guru told of one occasion when Christ appeared to him in the Hermitage: “A Holy Grail appeared at his mouth; it came down to my lips and then returned to Jesus.” Christ said to him: “Thou dost drink of the same cup of which I drink.” In reverent gratitude, Paramahansaji was thrilled to realize, “His words meant that I was drinking of his wisdom through the Holy Grail of his perceptions which he has dropped in my consciousness, and he was pleased.”

In the Hermitage our Guru also received divine sanction of his translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (published as God Talks With Arjuna). One night, after several hours of intensely concentrated writing, Paramahansaji turned to Meera

“Craving to be closer to Master, we come from all over the country, and the world, to sojourn in Encinitas….At the Hermitage, kneeling at his study, our hearts expand in the realization that here he wrote his life’s story; this moment becomes immortalized in our minds. Tracing his steps in the gardens, looking at the very ocean his eyes took in, standing at the very spot he stood at the once-existing temple, we experience holy timelessness.” — S.K., Washington

directed a full, detailed restoration in the late 1970s. Last year SRF carried out a restoration project in Paramahansaji’s study. (See sidebar above.)

Additional work, however, in the rest of the building is still needed. In the year ahead we hope to replace the old fire alarm system and antiquated electrical wiring with up-to-date equipment. In addition to the Hermitage, the entrance tower (see photo right) and two smaller towers that front Highway 101 are in need of repairs and repainting. They were designed and constructed in 1948 under Paramahansaji’s direction.

The total estimated cost of all of these projects is approximately $320,000. We would deeply appreciate your assistance by a gift to this Voluntary League Appeal, and we look forward to keeping you apprised of our progress in future newsletters.

Just as Paramahansaji lovingly shared the Hermitage and grounds of Encinitas Ashram with us, we can share with present and future generations the gift of preserving this unique site — so rich in spiritual and historical significance.

(Above) Paramahansa Yogananda at work in his Hermitage study, 1938. (Opposite top) The study today. (Opposite bottom) The drawing room where Paramahansaji often met with devotees and guests. Both rooms, like other parts of the Hermitage, have been preserved as they were when the great Guru resided here.

* The line of Self-Realization Fellowship Gurus.

Mata, a close disciple who had been sitting silently nearby, and said: “You have tonight been greatly blessed to witness the end of the work I came to fulfill. I have finished the Gita....All the Great Ones* have been here in this room tonight, and I have conversed with them in Spirit.” In sharing the news soon afterwards with the other disciples at the Hermitage, he said, “A new scripture is born.”

Paramahansaji also wrote most of his Autobiography of a Yogi in his study in the Hermitage, joyously exclaiming upon its completion: “This book will change the lives of millions. It will be my messenger when I am gone.” He also completed Cosmic Chants and other inspired works here.

Member support has enabled us to take meticulous care of this sacred shrine over the decades. In 2012 your support helped fund restoration work in the study — including repainting, replacement of outdated wiring, and cleaning and polishing of the furniture and art objects by professionals skilled in preservation techniques.

Please receive our deepest gratitude for your help in preserving this unique sanctuary just as it was when Paramahansaji worked and meditated here, so that future generations of devotees may be able to experience its timeless blessings.

Expansion of online servicesRecognizing that the convenience and efficiency of online services are increasingly essential for many people, some years ago

SRF began providing online availability for services such as requesting prayers from the SRF Prayer Council, subscribing to Self-Realization magazine, and registering for Convocation and Youth Program.

SRF recently took a major next step in expanding our online services by investing in new software to replace our twenty year-old system that handles basic membership services — including mailings, fulfillment of orders, and event registration.

As implementation of the new software proceeds, we plan to introduce additional online services such as applying for the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons or making changes in existing Lessons subscriptions, modifying contact information, setting up recurring donations, and much more.

If you have not signed up to receive selected SRF mailings by email, we encourage you to do so by visiting our website at www.yogananda-srf.org and clicking on the “eNews” link at the top left of our home page.

Progress Reports: Updates on initiatives mentioned in previous issues, made possible through your generous support

Making SRF’s website multilingualTo better serve its international membership, SRF has launched an ini-

tiative to make our website multilingual. The Spanish-language version was introduced earlier this year, while versions in Portuguese, Italian, French, and German are scheduled for introduction in coming months.

We also are aiming to make some of our online services available in mul-tiple languages. For instance, we have already created a Spanish language “Email Us” page that facilitates convenient communication pertaining to a variety of topics. Work is underway on the creation of multilingual online accounts — an essential feature that will allow us to provide more person-alized assistance with increased convenience to our non-English-speaking members.

We always welcome additional volunteer help in our translations area from devotees who are proficient in translating or editing. To inquire, please contact SRF’s Central Transla-tions Department by email at centraltransla-tion@yogananda-srf.org, or by telephoning our International Headquarters at (323) 225-2471.

Contributions in response to this appeal will be used to meet the general operating expenses of SRF and to support the projects mentioned in this newsletter. Donations re-ceived later than approximately 12 months after the mailing date will be credited to the most recent Voluntary League Appeal.

Recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Self-Realization Fellowship is a public charity under federal law and a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under the Revenue Taxation Code of the State of California.

SELF-RE ALIZ ATION FELLOWSHIP • 3880 San R afael Avenue • Los Ang eles, California 90065-3219 U.S.A . • www.yog ananda-srf .org

Copyright © 2013 Self-Realization Fellowship. All rights reserved.Printed on recycled paper c 10264-J3047

Walk the Spiritual Path With GodOur president, Sri Mrinalini Mata, said: “Sadhana is not a walking to God — it is a walking

with God. Isn’t that a nicer concept? Do not think that you are here and somehow you have got to get to God. You and God are here together. And together you are going on to a higher level, a better realm of understanding and divine love.”

With God in our hearts, may we continue to work together to further the influence of Para-mahansa Yogananda’s spiritual teachings — by their dissemination in the world and by our ef-forts to express their truth in our own lives.

Current needWhile expansions of online services and digital mailings continue, each month SRF still mails

to our members tens of thousands of envelopes containing a variety of printed materials. We would like to ask your assistance with replacement of one of the key pieces of equipment that makes this possible — the machine that inserts the materials into the envelopes.

After nearly fifty years of use, our existing machine is increasingly prone to breakdowns and dif-ficult to repair. The most economical solution is to purchase a high-quality used machine, which will serve us for many years to come.

Once again we thank you for your assistance with all of these initiatives. Your help makes it possible for SRF to reach out in greater ways to our Guru’s global family in his spirit of universal love for all people. As he said:

“Let us become saturated with the consciousness of the universal love of God. That love tells you to love your country; to love the world as your country; and to love all souls as your own fam-ily. When every soul shall realize this, the earth shall truly be a heaven.”

Thank you for creating such a marvelous website for the Spanish-speaking devotees....It is a fountain of constant inspiration and encouragement that brings us even closer to Master and to those who so humbly and qui-etly serve him unconditionally. Receive the garlands of our appreciation and gratitude. Jai Guru! — A.C., Dominican Republic

OfficeofPlanned Giving

Self-Realization fellowShip

Dear Friend,

Since Self-Realization Fellowship established an Office of Planned Giving in 2006, many devotees have asked us about ways to support our Guru’s work through deferred gifts.

The simplest way to do this is through a bequest. Although most people never write one, a will allows you — and not the laws of your state — to determine the final distribution of your property.

Most people want to divide their assets among family members, friends, and their church or favorite charities. In planning your bequests, it is usually a good idea to share your thoughts with your children or other family members so that they both understand and support your decisions.

If you are thinking of including SRF in your will, you might like to contact us now so we can help you select language that assures that your gifts reflect your wishes. You can contact us by completing the detachable response below. You can also call us at 323-276-5656 or email us at plannedgiving@yogananda-srf.org. A good source of information is the SRF website (www.yogananda-srf.org). Click first on the “To Support SRF” tab, then the “Planned Giving” tab. A brochure about bequests can be downloaded; we are also happy to mail you one.

Representatives of the Office of Planned Giving can answer your questions about bequests and help you and your advisors without expectations of future gifts. If SRF is already in your will, please let us know so that we can keep you informed about deferred giving developments that may interest you.

Your gift will help Paramahansaji’s spiritual work continue in perpetuity and remain on firm financial footing — for the benefit of many who will come after us and follow in our footsteps of devotion and service to God and our great Gurus.

In divine friendship,

Self-Realization Fellowship Office of Planned Giving

Please return this response to us either by fax at 323-276-5612 or by mail to: Office of Planned Giving, 3880 San Rafael Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065.

I have already included Self-Realization Fellowship in my □ Will □ Trust

I have named Self-Realization Fellowship as a beneficiary of my □ IRA/Retirement Plan □ Investment Account □ Life Insurance Policy □ Annuity

Please contact me to discuss other deferred giving options.

I would like an appointment with the Office of Planned Giving during Convocation 2014.

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