You must never lose courage. Divine Mother sent me to pilot you out of the clouds of your mind. Everybody’s difficulty is different, and he or she has to win that test of karma and Divine Mother.

Overcome all by constant inward calling on God and utmost devotion in words, thought, action, and obedience to Guru. God does not talk readily to the devotee, but a Guru does, and the easiest way out of all difficulties is to listen to him and obey him.  Your troubles I do not mind. I will never give up my job about you. It is better to conquer evil and not go on living with it forever. Never for a moment identify yourself with momentary flashes of error. Have no fear, even when I am gone and no longer visible in your eyes. You will never be alone; I may not scold you then, but I shall ever be with you, and through Divine Mother guard you from all harm, and will constantly whisper to you guidance through your loving self.

So do not make life discouraged and tired, but be ever interested in doing for Divine Mother, no matter if war, sickness, and death dance around you. That is the secret of victory over delusion and all troubles. Be cut to pieces, but never give up. Be a divine leech — suck at the blood of wisdom even though torn to bits.  A smooth life is not a victorious life.  And I will give you lots of good karma, so you will get through. I will not only ever forgive you, but ever lift you up no matter how many times you fall. Keep unceasingly trying to conquer; then not only will I invisibly help you, but visibly through many here, all of whom know your inner self and love you very deeply. They all know what I think of your spiritual qualities. It is in kindness and continuous good behavior that you shine with happiness. Divine Mother will help you to win, through your own efforts and the blessings of the great Gurus. I am not building a mansion for you, or giving you riches that will perish; but I am making an imperishable home with all riches for you in my Divine Mother’s mansion.

Unceasing Blessings,

Paramahansa Yogananda

A letter from the Guru to Ananda Mataji

SRF Magazine, Summer 1984

Dear Jackie,

We had an inspiring visit from Brother Sarvananda and Brother Sakhyananda for Christmas, and are looking forward to the celebration of our Guru Paramahansa

Yoganandaji's birthday this month. We will commemorate our Guruji's birthday on January 5 (Sunday) with a morning service and a potluck social. There is also an important general membership meeting in the latter part of January. Hope you can join us for these events.

Also, as mentioned in the last blast email, the Center is entirely supported by volunteers.

The flower team is actively looking for new team members. Anyone interested should contact John Puddy, Sara Park, or Jamie Caroland (rcaroland@aol.com).

Gauri Prakash-Canjels

Coordinator

Celebrating Paramahansa Yoganandaji's Birthday

This month we will celebrate the birth of our beloved Gurudeva with several special events at our Center. We hope you are able to join us.

Commemoration Service: January 5, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Please bring a flower and a donation in an envelope as symbols of your loyalty and devotion to the SRF line of Gurus. This service is primarily intended for those who are SRF students or other devotees who regularly attend the SRF services. However, all are welcome who are well enough acquainted with SRF teachings to appreciate the significance of the Guru‑disciple relationship and to participate in the service with sincerity and reverence.

Potluck Social with Birthday Cake: January 5, immediately following the morning reading service

All are warmly invited to join in this birthday celebration. Please bring a vegetarian entree, fruit juice, or dessert, if you plan to attend. 

6-hour Meditation Service: January 11, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

This special meditation will be held in honor of the birthday of Paramahansa Yoganandaji. The service will consist of long periods of meditation interspersed with readings and chanting. There will be a half-hour break about halfway through. Please bring pranami, a devotional offering of fruit(s) as a symbol of your reverence and devotion for the Guru. Extra fruits will be available in the foyer on a donation basis.

General Membership Meeting

There will be a general membership meeting and selection of a Nominating Committee for our annual Elections on January 26. Lunch will be provided, and all members are encouraged to attend.

Service Readings This Month

January 5: Vol.3 #1: Kriya Yoga: Science of Realization

January 12: Vol.3 #2: The Act of Developing Memory

January 19: Vol.3 #3: Why Life's Tests are Thrust Upon Us

January 26: Vol.3 #4: Making the Most of Sundays

Weekly Services

Thursdays

Inspirational Service: 7:30-9:00 pm

Sundays

Bhagavad Gita Study: 8:30 - 9:30 am

Meditation Service: 10:00 - 10:50 am

Reading Service: 11:00 - 12:00

Special Events This Month

Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Commemoration Service

January 5, 10:00 - 11:00 am

Potluck Social Celebrating Paramahansa Yogananda's Birthday

January 5

Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Commemorative 6-Hour Meditation

January 11, 10 am - 4 pm

4-Hour Meditation

January 25, 10 am - 2 pm

General Membership Meeting

January 26