For Newcomers
New to Our Group? Welcome!
Whether you’re just beginning your spiritual journey or are a long-time student of Paramahansa Yogananda, you are warmly welcomed at the Vancouver Meditation Group.
What You Can Expect:
- Warm greeters at the door
- A peaceful, meditative environment
- Fellowship with like-minded seekers
- A potluck is held on the first Sunday of each month, and tea with light refreshments is offered after every Sunday service
- Information on the SRF Lessons
- Some books, pictures, and free literature are available
We recommend arriving a few minutes early to settle in or ask questions. Our goal is to help you feel at home on your spiritual path.
As the life story of Paramahansa Yogananda — who is often referred to as the Father of Yoga in the West — Autobiography of a Yogi has touched the hearts and minds of millions around the globe.
The lessons teach the SRF techniques of meditation and Yogananda’s ‘How-to-Live’ teachings.
What to Expect During Meditation
Our meditation services are open to all, no prior experience is needed.
Typical 1-Hour Service:
- Opening prayer
- Short readings and chanting
- 30–40 minutes of silent meditation
- Closing prayer and healing affirmation
Longer Meditations:
- Held weekly on Tuesdays and on special occasions
- Up to 3 hours with short breaks for chanting
Helpful Tips:
- Please arrive a few minutes early
- Dress modestly and comfortably
- Observe silence in the chapel to help create a peaceful space
- Enter/leave at any time during chanting
- Out of consideration for others, please refrain from wearing scented products. This is a fragrance-free space
FAQs
Is there a fee to attend?
No. All services and programs are offered free of charge. Voluntary donations are gratefully accepted.
Do I need to register before attending?
No registration is required. All individuals and families are welcome, regardless of background or meditation experience.
Is there a dress code?
We ask that attendees dress modestly and comfortably to help maintain a meditative environment.
How long are the services?
Most services last about 1 hour. Longer meditations are up to 3 hours.
Are children welcome?
Yes! Children ages 3–13 are welcome in our Sunday School, held twice a month.
How many people attend each service?
On average in 2025:
Sundays: ~30-40 attendees
Tuesdays: ~15 attendees
Thursday Inspiration & Prayer Service: ~10-15 attendees
Saturdays: ~10-15 attendees
“Group meditation is a castle that protects the new spiritual aspirants as well as the veteran meditators. Meditating together increases the degree of Self-realization of each member of the group by the law of invisible vibratory exchange of group magnetism.” – Paramahansa Yogananda
Will I be taught how to meditate here?
The techniques for meditation are taught through the SRF Lessons. The meditation services at the Vancouver Meditation Group are for group meditation, which includes chanting, inspirational readings, and silent meditation.
“The temple of God is within your soul. Enter into this quietness, and sit there in meditation with the light of intuition burning on the altar. There is no restlessness, no searching, no striving here.”
~ Paramahansa Yogananda