“How do we go about forming SRF meditation group in Cincinnati ?” was the request by one of oursenior members to Mother Center in April, 1976.
There was silence. Complete silence on Mother Center part.This senior member was not yet a kriyaban. He received his Kriya in July, 1976. Soon after a letter arrived from the Mother Center informing him that he should get ready for forming a meditation group in Cincinnati. Mother Center
will need to know about meeting place, time, persons to contact and so forth. Also, Mother Center stipulated that this devotee should be the secretary for the first year.
On January 14, 1977 this meeting was held at a rented home of another devotee. Forty two devotees showed up. Thus our Group was formed - Cincinnati Meditation Group.
We met on Sunday afternoon for meditation. About 5 to 7 devotees showed up. The devotee from Lexington came regularly for five years to meditate with us. Later, he was instrumental in forming SRF meditation group in Lexington.
Only the devotee at whose home we meditated knew how to play harmonium. We celebrated our guru’s and paramgurus’ special services, learned how to make garlands, learned how to play harmonium, tablas, cymbals and bells.
We were here at this location till 1991. This was central part of Cincinnati.
We moved to another devotee’s home located in the westernpart of town. We changed our time on Saturday morning. There was a core of devotees, 7 to 10 strong. Devotees came and generally went. But our core held together. We were now made Cincinnati Meditation Circle. Mother Center requested that we rent a room in a church or temple. So we moved to a church in 2001. We were there in this church till 2010. The rent was very nominal.
Our present day church has welcomed us with open arms. Our schedule - Wednesday 5.30pm to 7.00pm;Saturday 9.30am to 10.30am. Some ardent devotees start at 8.30am on Saturday.
Last Saturday of month we have extended meditation of one hour of kirtan. On
special commemoration days, we extend meditation by one hour. We have a
dedicated room to our group.
Our group has strengthened one another and made ourresolution to meditate regularly and deeply very strong. “Four or five of you get together and meditate” our paramguru, Swami Sri Yukteswarji’s admonition has worked well for us.
Guruji has blessed us abundantly and his protection andguidance is with us constantly. Indeed he is a living guru. We are very fortunate to have found our true guru.
