July 2019

Discrimination aids the unfoldment of your divine nature. As soon as a desire comes, don't think, "It is my desire"; it doesn't belong to you. You are not the little body-identified ego; therefore do not think of its wants and "necessities" as your own. You are the soul, having everything that the Father has. That is my consciousness all the time. Any desire that comes, I take care to discern whether that desire is from God or from my mortal self. And I make up my mind to use my won't power to reject anything that is not beneficial.

In this way I have been able to follow religiously all the rules that I make for myself. There is not a day, morning and night, that I have missed the Energization Exercises and meditation. That is the secret of success--to give priority to your important desires, not to the multitude of your lesser desires. Most people never progress because they neglect their highest duties. That is why they are dissatisfied with life.

Paramahansa Yogananda
The Virtue of Won't Power
SRF Magazine, Fall 2008, p. 13
Greetings!

Guru Purnima is an auspicious day to join the many souls in India, and throughout the world, who follow the tradition of paying homage to the Guru – the “dispeller of darkness” of maya that obscures the innate radiance of our souls. The festival is celebrated on the  full moon  day ( Purnima ) in the Hindu month of  Ashadha  (June–July), as it is known in the  Hindu calendar  of  India  and  Nepal, or July 16, 2019. Let us express out gratitude to our own beloved guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, for the countless blessings he pours into our lives; and to renew our resolve to follow ever more enthusiastically the sadhana he has bestowed on us.

In this newsletter you will find many opportunities at the DC Center of SRF to deepen your relationship with God and Gurus during the month of July.

In Master’s Service

Wayne Lavallee
Coordinator
Sister Brahmani to Lead Services and Attend Volunteer Service Appreciation Social

We are happy to have Sister Brahmani lead our services on July 7. Immediately following the morning services, we will have a “Center Service Appreciation” social, to show our appreciation for all those who serve at the DC Center and to Sister Brahmani for her help and support. Volunteers will be given the opportunity to share experiences and their appreciation during this event. The Bhakti Team will provide lunch.
Greenfield Retreats This Month

One-Day Women's Retreat: July 13
One-Day Men's Retreat: July 27

The SRF Greenfield retreat in Front Royal, Virginia, will have two one-day retreats this month, one for women and another for men. There will be sign-up sheets for the respective retreats in the Center lobby. You may also contact Greenfield directly (540-635-5066) if you wish to attend. Lunch will be provided at both retreats.
Commemoration Service for Mahavatar Babaji

We will hold a special service honoring Mahavatar Babaji on Thursday, July 25 from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Please bring a flower and a donation in an envelope as symbols of your love 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 meetings. 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.

Service Readings This Month

 July 7: Vol. 2 #27:  The Science of Kriya Yoga
July 14: Vol. 2 #28:  Whence Comes Happiness
July 21: Vol. 2 #29:  Laws of Love and Truth
July 28: Vol. 2 #30:  What is the Soul?

Long Meditations This Month

We will have 3-hour meditations every Sunday evening from 6:00-9:00 pm. There will also be a 4-hour meditation service on July 20 from 10am-2pm.
Caring Friends Team


The Caring Friends Team provides support and outreach to members who are experiencing illness, hardships, and personal crisis. For more information please contact Stacey Hawkins at 301-395-9541.
Weekly Services

Sundays
Meditation Service: 10:00-10:50 am
Reading Service: 11:00-12:00
3-Hour Meditation: 6:00-9:00 pm

Thursdays
Lessons Study Group: 6:00-7:00 pm
Inspirational Service: 7:30-9:00 pm
Special Events This Month

Services with Sister Brahmani
Volunteer Service Appreciation Potluck
July 7

Greenfield One-Day Women's Retreat
July 13, 9:30am - 5:00pm

4-Hour Guided Meditation
July 20, 10am - 2pm

Commemoration Service for Mahavatar Babaji
July 25, 7:30 - 9:00pm

Greenfield One-Day Men's Retreat
July 27, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Washington DC Center of Self-Realization Fellowship
4911 Niagara Road College Park MD 20740
washington.dc.srf@gmail.com
DCcentersrf.org