Minneapolis Meditation Group Of Self-Realization

Our meditations are held in silence for the purpose of God-communion with the practice of techniques as taught by our Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda. For the benefit of all attending, we ask that you observe the following guidelines: Arrive early so you will have time to find a seat and get calm before the meditation begins. No one is allowed to enter after the meditation has begun except during periods of chanting. Seating generally begins about 15 minutes prior to each service. Late Arrival: If you arrive after a service has started feel free to meditate in the Sunday school area downstairs until chanting begins, or until an usher directs you into the chapel. Note that the sound system is available in the Sunday school area so that you can listen to the service. Plan to stay for the entire meditation. If you must leave early, please do so quietly, during a period of chanting. Noise Makers: Cell phones, hourly watch chimes, pagers, and any other potential sources of noise should be turned off prior to entering the chapel. Clothing: Please avoid wearing “noisy” clothing such as leather and nylon, which make noise even with the slightest movement. Fabrics such as cotton or wool are much quieter to avoid disturbing others. Armrests: for the Aum meditation technique may be used during meditation services only. Try to adjust your armrests quietly. Please do not bring them to the Sunday morning Readings Service or Commemorative Services. Movement: During periods of meditation, we try to maintain silence without bodily movement. However, standing and gentle stretching can be done during periods of chanting to relieve bodily tensions. Elaborate stretching and floor exercises are not allowed at any time. Body Scents: Please do not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave, or other body scents. They can trigger allergies and distract others in their meditation. Illness, Coughs, and Colds: If you have any health condition that might disturb others, please meditate at home and try to “tune in” with the group meditation. If you experience coughing, sneezing, or breathing problems during a Group service please go quietly (and immediately) into the foyer or downstairs to recover. You can continue your meditation in the Sunday school area and return to the chapel during the next period of chanting. If you need to use a cough drop or throat lozenge, please unwrap it only during periods of chanting or prior to entering the chapel. Do not unwrap it at any other times during Group services. Food and Beverages: Please leave all food and beverages in your vehicle. You may bring bottled water into the services, but limit drinking to the chanting periods only. Meditation Techniques: No meditation technique should be heard by others. If you are not able to practice silently, then practice by visualizing the technique in your mind.