SRF silent one day and weekend retreats  

In his book “God First: A Retreatant’s Pocket Companion” Paramahansa Yogananda writes that the purpose of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) retreats is to help us feel an awareness of the Spirit which resides in us all. By taking time out of our busy lives to think of God, we develop a deeper and more personal relationship with Him. Some go on retreat to rest and try to find inspiration and spiritual renewal. Others may be seeking solutions to problems that can only be resolved by deep reflection, understanding and inner guidance. Perth Meditation Group Ltd holds calming weekend retreats twice yearly in a bush setting at Mundaring in April and opposite the ocean in Shoalwater in October. We also enjoy a one-day silent retreat at a devotees’ property in Irishtown.

Our weekend program begins on Friday night with a shared meal followed by a meditation service. Silence begins after dinner and continues until lunch on Sunday. There is a perfect balance of exercise, chanting, meditation, SRF readings and free time. The group also enjoys a video talk by a senior monastic on topics relevant to our spiritual growth.

Our one-day program usually begins at 10.00 am and finishes around 4.00 pm with a break for lunch. Activities during the day are the same as for the weekend retreat.

Often people contemplating the prospect of a silent retreat say “I couldn’t possibly not talk for that length of time”, but those who do participate say they feel a blossoming inner peace and closeness with other devotees during and after the retreat. The value of silence cannot be understood except through experience.

Following are some excerpts from SRF teachings regarding the joy that can be gained through the practice of regular, long and deep meditation:

‘Joy that rhythmically changes all the time ... is what all of us are seeking. Such joy can only be found through regular deep meditation.’ (Paramahansa Yogananda in Divine Romance page 45).

‘I repeat Thy name on mystic beads fashioned of my crystal teardrops and polished with my love for thee. Come Spirit Come!’ (Whispers from Eternity, page 12).

‘Let me hear Thy voice, O God. In the cave of meditation I will find perpetual celestial happiness within. Then peace will reign in my heart whether I am in silence or in the midst of activities.’ (God First: A Retreatant’s Pocket Companion).