In Self-Realization Fellowship, devotees come together in group meditation to share silent fellowship and to reinforce each other’s efforts to realise their oneness with God.

Effective group meditation is only possible if each participant shares responsibility for creating an atmosphere conducive to deepening one’s communion with God.

The following guidelines should be followed by all participants in any Self-Realization Fellowship service to ensure a peaceful meditation environment for all:

• All services start sharply at the scheduled commencement time. Try to arrive early, at least 5-10 minutes prior to commencement, in order to get seated, to ready yourself for meditation and so as not to disturb the participants who are already present and settled. If arriving late, please do not tap on the door. By the commencement of the first chant of the service, a door usher will come to the door to check for any latecomers.
• Maintain silence outside unless well away from the building and especially if there is a meditation in progress.
• Maintain silence inside the meditation room, and within reason, in the adjoining rooms and hallways. Remember to turn off all electronic devices such as mobile phones, watch chimes, or pagers prior to entering. Shoes may be left outside the room.
• If you have a Cold or Cough please do not attend.
• Wear clothes made of soft fabrics that don’t make noise and avoid wearing perfumes or strong scents.
• Food or drinks should not be taken into the meditation room, except for water which you may drink quietly at any time, or ideally during the periods of chanting.
• Do your best to ensure your breathing is inaudible to others when practising any of the SRF techniques of meditation, particularly if practising Kriya Yoga.
• Refrain from physical restlessness and try to remain as still as possible during meditation periods. Standing and gentle stretching during periods of chanting is fine.
• Refrain from exiting the room during the meditation periods, if at all possible, as this tends to disturb the stillness. If you must, do so as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, and only during periods of chanting.
• Plan to stay for the full duration of the meditation service. If you must leave early, please do so quietly, unobtrusively and only during periods of chanting.

If you should note that any of these guidelines are not being followed, please be sensitive, considerate and compassionate if electing to bring this to the attention of an individual, first noting that they operate as SRF-recommended guidelines, rather than rules.