Greetings, Portland Center members and friends!
The PCSRF Managing Council and committee chairs met recently and were inspired by reviewing the purpose of SRF and its centers and groups, and reflecting on how to connect our actions to these principles. We believe this is an activity that will also energize and benefit you.
Our Guru said, “The one central purpose of Self-Realization Fellowship is to teach the individual the way to personal contact with God.”
The purpose of the Portland Center and all SRF centers, groups and circles is three-fold:
1. To Bring Together Truth-Seeking Souls for Group Meditation
The foremost spiritual duty of center and group members is to meditate deeply and to manifest divine peace and harmony in all their daily activities. When our thoughts, actions, and all other aspects of our lives become filled with the consciousness of God and Guru, we automatically convey Their spirit to others.
2. To Hasten the Spiritual Progress of Each Member
“Those who wish to perfect themselves,” Yogananda said, “are urged by the Masters to keep in close association with others of similar nature in order to strengthen their right aspirations.” Participation in the spiritual activities of the group helps to inspire each devotee to make a greater effort, and to protect him or her from distractions to spiritual progress.
3. To Serve the Work of Self-Realization Fellowship
Centers and groups do this in a variety of ways – the first and foremost of which is to serve as a center where devotees can come together to build their lives around the aims and ideals of SRF. In addition, there are many opportunities for members to serve in different capacities in the centers and groups.
We are grateful for the many members whose selfless actions and welcoming, harmonious devotion help to make the Portland Center a spiritual hive of activity supporting our Guru’s purpose.
Quick note: The 'hive' will be buzzing over the Memorial Day weekend. SRF monastics will visit from May 26-29. Please mark your calendars. More details to come.
Thank you all for your prayers and material support!
In divine friendship,
Kripa Raguram, Mike O'Brien, Paulette Fritsch,
Rebecca Field and Shikha Misra
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