5 Major Updates From Self-Realization Fellowship: SRF’s 2025 Convocation, Lake Shrine Anniversary, And New Publications
The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), the worldwide spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, is undergoing a significant period of expansion and renewal in late 2025, marked by major anniversaries, a global convocation, and the release of rare teachings. As of this December 21, 2025, devotees and spiritual seekers around the globe are focusing on several key announcements that underscore the organization's commitment to spreading the timeless wisdom of Kriya Yoga and the "how-to-live" principles taught by the line of SRF Gurus.
This year’s news highlights a powerful blend of tradition and accessibility, ensuring that the teachings of the great master, Paramahansa Yogananda, remain fresh and available to a new generation. From the highly anticipated World Convocation to the reopening of a beloved spiritual sanctuary, here is an in-depth look at the most current and impactful developments within the Self-Realization Fellowship.
The Global Focus: 2025 SRF World Convocation Details
The annual SRF World Convocation remains the cornerstone event for the global fellowship, and the 2025 program has been a major focus for members worldwide. This week-long spiritual immersion is designed to offer a profound deepening of one's meditation practice and understanding of the SRF teachings.
A Hybrid Event for a Global Community
In a continued effort to reach all students of Paramahansa Yogananda, the 2025 Convocation is being held in a hybrid format—both online and in-person. This structure allows hundreds of thousands of individuals from various countries to participate, regardless of their ability to travel to the SRF Mother Center in Los Angeles. The Convocation offers a comprehensive schedule of yoga meditation sessions, inspirational talks, and devotional services.
- Week-Long Immersion: The program is a full week dedicated to the "how-to-live" principles and the practical application of the SRF techniques.
- Technique Classes: Specific classes on the fundamental SRF techniques—the Energization Exercises, the Hong-Sau technique, and the Aum technique—are being offered. These classes, along with guided meditations, are primarily reserved for those who have received the SRF Lessons.
- In-Person Centers: Many SRF centers, such as the Seattle Center and the Sacramento Meditation Center, are hosting local events and viewings to allow members to experience the Convocation in a community setting.
The Convocation serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual unity among disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda, reinforcing the core mission of Self-Realization Fellowship to promote the harmonious development of body, mind, and soul.
Major Milestones: Lake Shrine Anniversary and Reopening
The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades, California, a renowned spiritual sanctuary, has been a significant source of news in 2025. The beloved site, which houses a Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial and a portion of his ashes, is celebrating a major anniversary while also completing a period of updates and reopening to the public.
75th Anniversary and Property Expansion
August 20, 2025, marked the momentous 75th anniversary of the Lake Shrine. This milestone celebrates three-quarters of a century of the sanctuary serving as a place of quiet reflection, meditation, and interfaith harmony. The anniversary has been commemorated with special services and events.
Furthermore, the SRF organization announced the purchase of property adjacent to the Lake Shrine. This strategic acquisition is intended to further Paramahansaji's legacy by providing additional space for the spiritual activities and preservation efforts associated with the site. This move signals a long-term vision for the sanctuary's role in the community.
Reopening of Meditation Gardens and Temple
The Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens have been a focal point of recent updates, with the news of their reopening. As of August 23, 2025, the gardens are open, allowing visitors once again to enjoy the serene environment, the beautiful windmill chapel, and the tranquil lake. The reopening has been met with enthusiasm by the public and devotees alike, eager to return to this sacred space for personal meditation and spiritual renewal. Updates regarding the Temple and Retreat programs are also continually being released.
New Publications and Monastic Outreach for 2025
The mission of Self-Realization Fellowship is continually supported by the publication of new and previously unreleased teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, alongside the direct outreach efforts of the SRF monastic order.
Rare Glimpses: New Books and eBooks
Two significant publications have captured the attention of the SRF community in 2025. First, the book Mejda, a rare glimpse into the early life of Paramahansa Yogananda, is now available in eBook format. Mejda means "second elder brother" and refers to Yogananda's brother, Ananta Lal Ghosh. This digital release makes a deeply personal and insightful biography more accessible to a global audience.
Second, a new book titled The Spiritual Expression of Friendship has been released. This publication explores the profound spiritual dimension of human relationships, drawing on Yogananda's teachings to guide readers on how to cultivate divine friendship and see the soul in others. These works complement Paramahansaji's landmark multi-volume works, such as God Talks with Arjuna (on the Bhagavad Gita) and The Second Coming of Christ (on the Gospels), which SRF continues to publish.
Monastic Visits and Youth Programs
Outreach through direct contact is a vital part of the Self-Realization Fellowship's work. The SRF Monastic Visits are scheduled to take place in Fall 2025, where monks and nuns travel to various SRF centers and groups to conduct services, give inspirational talks, and meet with devotees. These visits provide a direct link to the monastic life and the spiritual discipline upheld at the Mother Center.
Additionally, the organization is investing in the next generation of spiritual seekers. Registration is now open for the spring session of online "How-to-Live" classes specifically tailored for children and teens, ages nine through seventeen. These programs introduce young people to the foundational principles of balanced, spiritual living in a modern context.
The leadership of SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda continues to guide these initiatives, ensuring that the organization remains true to the spiritual legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda while adapting to the needs of the 21st century. His inspiring messages, including the annual Christmas letter, serve as a beacon for the entire fellowship.
Preparing for the Next 100 Years of SRF
As the Self-Realization Fellowship moves further into the 2020s, the focus is clearly on "Preparing for SRF's Next 100 Years," a theme that encapsulates the organization's long-term vision. This involves not only preserving the sacred sites like the Lake Shrine and the Encinitas Temple but also digitizing and distributing the teachings through platforms like the weekly online inspirational services and the SRF Online Meditation Center.
The current news cycle from SRF demonstrates a dynamic and active spiritual movement. The blend of major global events like the Convocation, the preservation and celebration of historical sites like the Lake Shrine, and the continuous release of profound spiritual literature ensures that the teachings of Kriya Yoga and Paramahansa Yogananda continue to be a powerful force for personal and global transformation. Devotees are encouraged to stay connected through the official SRF Newsletter and blog for the latest announcements on events and programs.
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