Denver Meditation Group
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Paramahansa Yogananda
"Look only for the good in everything, that you absorb the quality of beauty."
~ Paramahansa Yogananda
If you would like to know more about Paramahansa Yogananda and SRF, visit the website for Mother Center in Los Angeles California.
The Autobiography of a Yogi is a spiritual classic written by Paramahansa Yogananda more than 60 years ago. It has been a best seller, translated into 26 languages worldwide.
HISTORY OF THE DENVER MEDITATION GROUP
Note: A narrated pictorial history of the Denver Meditation Group from 1924 - 2020 is located at the following link including a description of Master's visits to Colorado during 1924 - 1931.
The Denver Meditation Group was formed in August 1924 during our Guru's first visit to Denver. Our first known meeting location was at 939 Grant Street. We do not have any information on our meeting locations prior to when the picture below at 939 Grant Street was taken of Master with his Denver students. We do not know when the Group first started meeting at this location either. We met here on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons at 3:30 P.M. until May 1932. Unfortunately, this building at 939 Grant Street was demolished and is now a parking lot.
Swami Yogananda with Denver Yogoda students at the 939 Grant Street Temple in Denver, August 23, 1931
The Denver Meditation Group was called a Center in the early years. From the April 1932 East-West Magazine under the ”New Centers” section, it reads: ”Yogoda is in progress in America attracting much attention and meeting with enthusiasm and co-operation. In this great movement Yogoda has a new temple in Denver, which was dedicated by Swami Yogananda in August of last year. It is one of the most beautiful places in Denver and is ideally located at 939 Grant Street just three blocks south of the State House. The entrance to the Temple is very impressive with its wide stone steps denoting progress of Yogoda and huge columns that remind one of the everlasting strength of Yogoda. This home was made possible by Mary I. Dillon whose love for Yogoda prompted not only the gift, but the dedication of her life to God through Yogoda.”
Denver Meditation Group Meeting Locations, Activities, and Monastic Visits 1932-1964
From June 1932 through July 1933 the Denver Meditation Group met in room 204 of the Pythian Building (pictured below) at 14th and Glenarm Streets. The group met at 8:00 PM on Thursdays. A footnote in the June 1932 East-West Magazine says ”The (Denver) center is newly inaugurated and will be acknowledged and ordained after three years' trial.”
The Pythian Building was torn down many years ago and now is the site of the Hyatt House condominiums (pictured below).”
The Group met at 8:00 PM on Thursdays at the Woman's Club (or Woman's Press Club) located at 1325 Logan Street (pictured below) for just a couple of months from August through September 1933. This building still stands today. A note for our Group in several of the East-West magazines during this time period said, ”You and your friends are cordially invited to attend.”
The group met at the YWCA building located at 1545 Tremont Place (pictured below) from May 1933 through at least December 1941. The exact end date that the group met here is not known because meeting group locations were not listed in the Self-Realization Magazines after this date, except for a short period in 1953-1954. The group met in room 303 at 8:00 PM and closed by 9:30 PM on Fridays.
The YWCA building was torn down many years ago and now is the site of the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel pictured below.
From May 1933 through at least December 1941 a study class was held at 7:30 PM on Tuesdays at a devotee's home located at 429 Acoma Street (pictured below). Mr. Arthur Hilliard was the conducting teacher during part of this time period. The August 1934 Inner Culture magazine indicated that our Center was now acknowledged and ordained after a three-year trial.
A listing for the Denver Center in the August 1936 SRF magazine said that the Inner Culture Magazine was for sale at Daniels and Fishers located at 16th and Arapahoe Streets and at the Publication Book store in downtown Denver. Below is an image of the building from a 1940s postcard. It should be noted that the East-West Magazine was renamed Inner Culture in April 1934, renamed back to East-West in July-August 1944, and finally to Self-Realization Magazine in January 1949.
Below is a recent picture of the 375-ft tall Daniels and Fishers tower, which is all that remains of the original building.
The Group met at 418 Fillmore Street (pictured below) from December 1938 to until about May 1939. This was the residence of conducting teacher Mr. Arthur N. Hilliard. Meetings were held each Friday at 8:00 PM. Beginning in about November 1939 our meetings resumed at the YWCA Bldg. located at 1545 Tremont Place.
Sri Ranendra Kumar Das (pictured below) was a traveling minister and lecturer for Master in the 1930s and 1940s. He came to Denver on at least one occasion to give lectures and classes, somewhat similar to our current-day Center Tours. An August 1939 ”News of the Centers” article in the Inner Culture Magazine stated, ”Sri Ranendra Kumar Das, traveling lecturer for the SRF, whose inspiring work is bringing thousands to a new understanding of life, is giving classes in Denver at present.”
The Group met in a multi-family home at 2309 S. Federal Blvd. during at least 1953-1954 but the beginning and end dates are unclear. Meditation Group meeting location addresses were not included in the Self-Realization Magazines from 1944-1952 and from 1954 thereafter. Meetings were held on Sundays at 7:00 PM. The multi-family home was torn down many years ago and an auto parts store is located on this spot today.
In the autumn of 1956, SRF President Sri Daya Mata and her sister Ananda Mata (pictured below) visited Denver as part of a business trip that also included New York, Detroit, and St. Paul.
Sri Daya Mata mentioned in the video ”Seeking the Greatest Love in the World” that during her visit to Denver they stayed at the Brown Palace Hotel. She said that the hotel was beautiful. Pictured below is a recent view of the interior of the Brown Palace Hotel.
Below is a recent picture of the Brown Palace Hotel where SRF President Sri Daya Mata and Ananda Mata stayed during their visit to Denver in 1956.
In the January-February 1957 Self-Realization magazine it says that the Sisters were deeply touched by the devotion of SRF students to the ideals of SRF and to the beloved Guru Paramhansa Yogananda. It appears that this was only a business trip and that the Sisters did not give any public lectures, give a Satsanga for local devotees, or lead a service for the local devotees. In any event, the city of Denver was blessed by the presence of these saints.
Below is a picture of President Sri Daya Mata and Ananda Mata upon their return to Mother Center on November 26, 1956 after visiting Denver and the other cities.
Brother Anandamoy (pictured below) from the Self-Realization Fellowship International headquarters in Los Angeles gave lectures, classes, and Kriya Yoga initiation in Denver sometime between July and September 1964. This was part of a lecture tour that he conducted in eight major U.S. cities including New York.
The picture below shows Brother Anandamoy teaching the Hong-Sau concentration technique in one of the classes.
Denver Meditation Group Meeting Locations, Activities, and Monastic Visits 1968 - 2024
Correspondence in the Denver Meditation Group records indicate that the group must have completely stopped meeting for a time between Brother Anandamoy's visit in 1964 and 1968. We have a letter from Brother Mokshananda in Center Department indicating that local devotee, Mrs. Dora Hirth, ”re-formed” the group in 1968. The initial meeting of our re-formed group was held on July 26, 1968 at Mrs. Hirth's home located near the Mount Vernon Country Club in Golden. Mr. Jerry Grebb, who was to become one of the leaders of the group, attended this initial meeting. After the initial meeting, the group began meeting in the YMCA building, pictured below in 1909, located at 25 East 16th Avenue in downtown Denver. The group met in the YMCA Chapel. Unfortunately, there was a high degree of exterior street noise during our services there.
Below is a recent picture of the YMCA building, which still stands today.
From about 1970 through 1977 the group met in a north-side chapel of St. Mark's Episcopal Church (pictured below) located on the SE corner of E. 12th Avenue and S. Lincoln Street. We held a Readings Service on Wednesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. An average 6-12 devotees attended the services during this time period. Beginning in July 1974 the group also added an Inspirational Service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, held at various devotee homes. Sunday services were suspended during the summer months.
Below is a picture of the main sanctuary of the church during the time when we met here. The side chapel where we met for our mid-week services in St. Mark's held about 25 people, but we never filled the chapel. It was rent free at first, but we stopped meeting there in 1977 when they wanted to charge us to use their space.
The St. Marks church building was sold in the early 1990s and renovated by its new owner. The picture below is how the former sanctuary looks today. It opened as a nightclub on New Year's Eve 1996 and is still operating as such to this day as ”The Church”.
Sometime during April-June of 1972 Brother Mokshananda (pictured below) spent about one week in Denver conducting a Center Tour, giving classes on the SRF meditation techniques, and holding meetings. The events included a Wednesday evening meeting for group leaders, a Thursday evening review of the SRF meditation techniques, a Friday evening public satsanga held in a hotel, Kriya Yoga initiation to eligible students on Saturday, a kriya yoga review class, and a special meeting for all SRF members on Sunday.
On April 11, 1976 the group held an ”SRF Fellowship Day” that included meditation, an Inspirational Service, Dinner, and activities. It was attended by about 50 devotees and was held at Ponderosa Pines (entrance sign pictured below) located at 15235 Furrow Road near Monument. The Ponderosa Retreat and Conference Center shown above is located just off of I-25 about midway between Denver and Colorado Springs. The vegetarian food was prepared by local devotee David Praver, who was head chef at Chez Bon restaurant in Denver and Yesterdays in Lakewood.
On October 3, 1976 the group held an ”SRF Fellowship Day” at Camp Elephant Rock, near Palmer Lake that was attended by about 20 devotees. Below is an image of the so-called Elephant Rock. The 37-acre camp had a large meeting room, 12 cabins, and a chapel. The camp was run by the Salvation Army. The group held another SRF Fellowship Day at this location on October 15, 1985.
During 1976 and 1977 the Aspen-Snowmass SRF Group hosted several ”Rocky Mountain” retreats in Snowmass. Many devotees from our group attended these retreats, most of which were devotee-led. One of the devotee-led retreats was held on October 8-10, 1976, another one on May 13-15, 1977, both at the St. Benedict Monastery House pictured below. This monastery was founded by Fr. Thomas Keating in 1958.
On September 16-18, 1977 the Aspen-Smowmass SRF Group hosted a regional retreat at the Stonebridge Condominiums in Snowmass Village, pictured below.
This regional retreat was led by Brother Achalananda (pictured below) and Br. Dale. About 40 devotees attended the retreat, which cost $70 per person.
For a short time in 1976-77 the group held Thursday evening services in the basement of the Cheesman Park Community Center (pictured below), located at 1290 North Williams Street. We had to bring everything with us, however, such as the altar, harmonium, etc., and take it back home with us for each service, which was a hassle, to say the least.
During 1974 through about 1986 the Group held services in the basement of a devotee's home located at 2772 S. Race Street (pictured below). A Thursday evening Inspirational and Healing service was held at 8:00 p.m. On Sunday our Meditation Service was at 9:00 followed by a Readings Service at 10:00 a.m. About 10-20 devotees attended Sunday services during this time period.
During 1977 through 1979 the Group also held some Thursday evening services in the basement of a devotee's home located at 1355 S. Franklin Street (pictured below). Our all-day Christmas meditation was also held here on December 1, 1978.
In an attempt to have a permanent meeting place, in 1977 the Group purchased a property at 1627 S. Washington Street. It was a small brick building on the back of the lot (pictured below). Denver Meditation Group devotees made donations and pledges for a down payment on the property. A mortgage was obtained from a local bank in the name of local devotee Tom Black. Tom lived in this back building at the time and served as the caretaker. We held services in this back building only for a few months. This building was sold in 1978 along with the tan building with the red roof behind the trees. Denver Meditation Group devotees built this small ”Temple” (as it was called) on the front of the lot.
The ”Temple” building had an address of 1631 S. Washington Street (pictured below).
Much of the architectural planning and labor costs were ”in kind” contributions from group members, thus alleviating many of the expenses involved in building the structure. The picture below is of Denver Meditation Group devotees and others building the ”Temple” at 1631 S. Washington Street in 1977. The building had a social hall on the second floor. We never held any services in the building, however.
Unfortunately, the Group hadn't checked city zoning laws before the Temple was built and, belatedly, we found out that the ”meeting hall” was in violation of city ordinances. The city inspected the property and said that we couldn't have church meetings there because of this zoning problem. After getting this news, we held a ”Prayer Day” meditation in the back building on May 27, 1978 to try to get an answer as to whether we should ”let go” of the property, or fight the city to keep it as a Denver Meditation Group ”Temple.” There was only a small group at the meditation, but they all got the same message that it was time to ”let go” and we sold the property later that year. Even though we had decided to let go of this ”Temple” Building, on June 14, 1978 Sisters Bhavani and Namratha visited Denver and held a satsanga for us, preceded by a potluck, with about 50 devotees in attendance. They gave a very supportive and inspiring message.
With the proceeds from the sale of the Washington Street properties we purchased two properties at 2550 and 2568 S. Lincoln St. The lot to the north (2550 S. Lincoln St.) was sold soon after the purchase with the plan being to use the proceeds to enhance the 2568 S. Lincoln St. property (shown in the following pictures), which had a bigger lot. The plan was to build a ”Temple” on this property, but that plan never materialized. The group instead decided to keep this building as an investment to protect funds from inflation and to provide the group with additional income.
For a brief period of time in 1978, we met at this location with meditations being in the living room. Local devotees initially rented this property from the Group and were the caretakers. Non-SRF devotees rented the property after about 1980, however. There were many expenses for upkeep of this Lincoln Street property with rent being insufficient to cover them. Therefore, the Mother Center and Denver Meditation Group managing council decided to sell the property in about 1989 with the proceeds being put into the Denver Meditation Group building fund at Mother Center.
For a period of time in 1978-79 the group met at the East Central Community Center (pictured below), located at 1200 Williams Street in Denver.
On September 22-24, 1978 Sister Subrata (pictured below) and Brahmacharini Valeri led an all-women's retreat at Ponderosa Pines near Colorado Springs with 14 devotees in attendance.
During May 24-28, 1979 Brother Mokshananda (pictured below) and Brahmachari Gary visited Denver to lead a Center Tour including kriya yoga initiation.
All of the events were held at the Hilton Hotel located in downtown Denver (pictured below). The monks also had an informal meeting with the local devotees on Thursday May 24th at the Denver Meditation Group Chapel.
Annually during at least 1975 through 1984, the group held a ”Fellowship Day” at Foss Park, located in Indian Hills. We did group energization exercises together, held a meditation service, a vegetarian lunch, and played volleyball together. It was a fun day. The cost per person for food and facilities rental was $3.50 for adults and $1.00 for children. The vegetarian lunch at these events was prepared by local SRF devotee David Praver, who was head chef at the Chez Bon restaurant in Denver and the Yesterdays restaurant in Lakewood.The following two pictures show the inside and outside of the chapel where we meditated.
The group also held at least two devotee-led weekend retreats at Foss Park. About 26 devotees attended the October 12-14, 1979 retreat. Our meditations were held in the Foss Mountain Chapel, shown above. The park was owned and operated by the First Baptist Church of Denver at this time. This stone chapel was built by Martin Foss, in memory of his wife, and was used as a summer camp. In 1938 it was deeded to the First Baptist Church in Denver and was in great demand for small weddings but is now a private residence.
During October 17-19, 1980 Brother Achalananda (pictured below) and Br. Simon led a retreat at the Quaker Ridge Camp Retreat Center. The cost of the weekend retreat was $70 per person.
Below is a picture of Brother Achalananda with the retreatants. About 25 devotees attended. Pictured fourth from the left is Mrs. Alma Hilliard, a long-time SRF devotee and member of the Denver Meditation Group. She was a direct disciple of Masters, whom she met in 1931.
Below is a portion of the 1931 picture taken of Master and Denver Meditation Group (DMG) devotees in front of the 939 Grant Street Temple where we have circled Mrs. Alma Hilliard.
Below is a picture of Mrs. Hilliard taken in about 1979. Mrs. Hilliard met Master twice, she said. Devotees who knew her said that she was one of the humblest people that they had ever met. She cleaned other people's homes all her life and faithfully gave money monthly for a Denver Temple. Mrs. Hilliard dressed very simply. When another devotee noticed that she had started wearing a necklace, which was uncharacteristic of her, the devotee asked her about it. Mrs. Hilliard replied that a friend had given it to her, and that she wore it to remind herself to regularly pray for her. Such were her ways. Mrs. Hilliard was born June 9, 1900 and passed away February 11, 1989 at the nursing home where she spent her last days.
On April 16, 1981, the Denver group was privileged to have SRF lay minister Gene Bardwell (pictured below) lead a meditation and give a satsanga to about 20 local devotees. He also sent a letter to the Group afterwards in appreciation for the group's hospitality and fellowship.
The picture below of the Denver Meditation Group was taken on May 3, 1981. Standing at the far left is Mr. Jerry Grebb, a leader of the Group for many years. Mrs. Alma Hilliard, the direct disciple of Master, is dressed in blue in the middle of the picture. Based on this picture, there were about 16 devotees attending services at this time.
During May 14-17, 1981 Brother Achalananda (pictured below) and Br. Simon visited Denver to lead a series of classes on Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings and techniques of meditation (what we call a Center Tour today).
Below is a picture of Brother Achalananda speaking during the Center Tour. Highlights of the program were Kriya Yoga initiation plus a film of an inspiring Christmas satsanga with Sri Daya Mata recorded in 1978.
The 1981 Center Tour was held at the Ramada Inn (pictured below), located at 1150 E. Colfax Avenue in Denver.
Below are a few pictures of the monks socializing with the Denver devotees at our meeting location during the May 14-17, 1981 weekend.
Periodically over the years, typically when there is a change of group leadership on the council, new signature cards are required by our bank. This requires approval by the SRF Board of Directors. As an example, on July 13, 1981 the SRF Board of directors held a meeting in which the new council members of the Denver Meditation Group were approved to be co-signers for our account at the Union Bank and Trust in Denver in the name of the Self-Realization Fellowship corporation. Note the co-signers on the bottom of this second page of the document pictured below.
Below are pictures of the blessed Mata sisters who helped guide our group at that time: Sri Daya Mata, Mrinalini Mata, Durga Mata, Ananda Mata, Uma Mata, and Sahaja Mata.
During the 1970s and 1980s, when the group was meeting in devotees homes, we did not have sufficient space to accommodate all of our devotees for our All-Day Christmas meditations. Consequently, we rented space in nearby hotels for the all-day meditations. For example, on December 17, 1983 we held our All-Day Christmas meditation in the Ramada Inn located at 7150 E. Colfax Avenue (previously pictured above). On December 15, 1984 we held our All-Day Christmas meditation at the Holiday Inn, located at 1475 South Colorado Blvd (pictured below). Fifty-six devotees from all along the front range attended this meditation. On December 14, 1985 our all-day Christmas meditation was held at the Airport Ramada Inn. Seventy devotees attended. This hotel was torn down after the demise of Stapleton Airport.
In October 1983 the group held a devotee-led, silent weekend retreat at Woodspur Lodge in Winter Park (pictured below). There were several inches of snow on the ground when we arrived.
Pictured below is one of the very comfortable sleeping rooms. The owner said that the lodge would be solely ours if we guaranteed at least 15 people would rent rooms. Although only 13 devotees attended the retreat, we booked the other two rooms as well so that we were the only ones in the lodge at the time.
Below are a couple views of the Woodspur Lodge lobby. The ski lodge facility was marvelous for the group. The owner was a fantastic cook and specialized in vegetarian food; we really feasted. The cost of the retreat for each devotee for two nights lodging, plus 5 scrumptious meals, was only $55. The group held another devotee-led retreat here on April 26-28, 1985. (The second picture below is of the Woodspur Lodge Lobby at Christmas time).
Br. Todd (now Brother Satyananda) and Br. Sean led a retreat at the Julie Penrose Center in Colorado Springs (pictured below) in about 1985. About 40 devotees attended.
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Below is a picture of Denver Meditation Group taken in about 1985. Based on this picture, about 20 devotees were attending services at this time.
From March 1986 through May 1990 the Group met in the Dupont Room of the Mary Reed Building at Denver University (pictured below). Rent was about $85 per month plus $45 per month for chair rental. About 20-25 devotees attended Sunday services at this time.
Sometime during when we were meeting in the Mary Reed Building, Brother Ramananda (pictured below) visited Denver and led services. He may also have given public lectures as well, but we're not certain of that. There is a humorous story that wedd like to share with you from one of Brothers services here. There was a devotee in the group at that time who had trained their German Shepherd dog to obey with hand signals and would bring the dog to the meditation services. The dog always sat attentively at the end of the room, waiting for her master's signal. During one of Brother Ramananda's services he remarked after the meditation that the dog was the most disciplined member of our group!
During 1986 through 1990 we held Thursday evening services at a devotee's home located at 6793 S. Ash Way in Centennial (pictured below).
During June 5-7, 1987 Brother Devananda and Br. Miles (pictured below) led a retreat at the Julie Penrose Center in Colorado Springs.
The Julie Penrose Center (pictured below) was a very nice facility located a short drive west of the Broadmoor Hotel. The facility currently is known as the Penrose House and is a nonprofit meeting place; it does not allow retreats anymore. The second picture below is a sleeping room at the Julie Penrose Center.
About 65 devotees attended the 1987 monastic-led retreat at the Julie Penrose Center (pictured below). The cost of the retreat was $54 per person, which included two nights lodging and 5 vegetarian meals. The following year, on May 27-29, 1988, the group held a devotee-led retreat there with about 60 devotees attending. The cost per person that year was $70.
Actor and long-time devotee of Paramahansa Yogananda, Dennis Weaver (pictured below), moved to Ridgway, Colorado in 1989. Mr. Weaver built his ”earth ship” solar-powered home in Ridgway (two pictures below), primarily out of recycled materials. He was recognized worldwide for his inspirational model of sustainable living.
Mr. Weaver was a devoted follower of our Guru since the 1960s and was asked to lead services at the SRF Lake Shrine Temple for a time. On at least one occasion, members of the Denver Meditation Group reached out to Mr. Weaver and invited him to join our group activities. We don't have record that he was ever able to join us, however. He passed away on February 24, 2006 in Ridgway.
During October 10-13, 1989 Brother Ramananda (on the left in the picture below) and Br. Bradley (now Bro. Naradananda, on the right) led a Center Tour to Denver.
Below is a picture of Brother Ramananda speaking at the event.
The Center Tour was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Centennial. The title of his Friday lecture was, ”The teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: Introductory talk on the science of Yoga.”
On May 10, 1990 we held our first service at 2242 Albion Street, an office building owned by Mr. Carl Bender who gave us a very favorable rental rate for 25 years. We held our services here until moving to our Garrison Street chapel in April 2015. When we first moved here, we held our services in the room located in the northeast corner of the building. Sunday School and socials were held in the northwest corner of the building, on the left in the picture below. In the summer, we grew flowers in the garden for the special service garlands. During that time, we had Sunday and Thursday services, 3-hour Saturday morning meditations, Tuesday evening Lesson studies, and three grade levels in our Sunday School (ages 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12). Attendance at our Sunday school was rather large at the time. Socials were often held in the yard and driveways of the property over the years.
On May 18-20, 1990 Br. Keith (on the left in the picture below) and Br. Terry (now Brother Ritananda) led a retreat at the St. Malo Retreat Center near Rocky Mountain National Park (on the left in the distance in the picture below).
The beautiful St. Malo stone chapel (in the foreground of the above picture), which seats 80, was available for individual meditations during the devotees free time. The St. Malo Retreat Center where we had our group meditations, energization exercises, and classes, is visible in the background with 13,911-foot Mount Meeker visible on the horizon. The retreat center had a very holy vibration. In August of 1993 Pope John Paul II visited, giving his blessings on the Center.
Below is a picture of the retreatants and monks next to the St. Malo Retreat Center. About 90 devotees attended. The three-story retreat center had a large meeting room that could accommodate over 200 people, 49 guest rooms, each able to accommodate 3 to 4 people, was perfect for our retreats.
Sadly, the St. Malo Retreat Center burned down on November 14, 2011 and has not been rebuilt.
The picture below of the Denver Meditation Group was taken in about 1990 shortly after our move to the Albion Street property. Based on this picture, about 30 devotees were attending services at this time.
On May 24-26, 1991 the group held a devotee-led silent retreat at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs (pictured below). Thirty devotees attended. This was the first of many devotee-led retreats that we conducted here.
On June 7-9, 1991 the Group was visited by Brother Achalananda (on the left in picture below) and Br. Bradley (now Brother Naradananda) as part of SRF's Lake Shrine Temple promotional tour. On Thursday the 7th Brother Achalananda led a meditation service which was followed by a potluck. On Friday the Brothers conducted a meditation and presented two films on the Lake Shrine including a then recently-produced film featuring Sri Daya Mata and Brother Anandamoy, who described the Guru's wishes for the current building activities at Lake Shrine. The monks stayed at the Writer's Manor Hotel, which was located at 1730 S. Colorado Blvd. It was torn down a number of years ago and now is the site of a Best Buy store.
On May 22-24, 1992 the group held another devotee-led retreat at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs (pictured below is one of the many deer on the retreat grounds). This time less than 20 devotees attended. This was a disappointing turnout as the group came up $100 short in covering expenses. Consequently, the council decided that a minimum of 25 devotees would be needed to register for future retreats, otherwise the retreat would need to be cancelled.
On October 23-25, 1992 Brother Santoshananda (on the left in picture below) and Br. Glen (now Brother Sevananda) led a Center Tour with lectures and classes in Denver.
The events were held at the Embassy Suites Hotel at 7525 East Hampden Avenue (pictured below).
Below is a picture of Brother Santoshananda giving the Friday public lecture entitled ”The Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: Introductory talk on the Science of Yoga.” 290 souls attended the public event and 88 devotees attended the kriya initiation on Saturday. A public lecture and showing of the video ”Glimpses of a Life Divine” was presented on the following Sunday, which was attended by 112 people.
The picture below of the Denver Meditation Group was taken on April 4, 1993. From this picture it looks like we had about 30 devotees attending services at this time.
On October 27-29, 1993 Brother Ramananda (on the right in the picture below) and Br. Terry (now Brother Ritananda) led classes and services in Denver as part of the Centennial SRF Tour, a celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the birth of our Guru.
A public lecture and film were presented on Wednesday October 27th at the Embassy Suites Denver Southeast Hotel (pictured below), located at 7525 E. Hampden Avenue in Denver.
On Thursday October 28th the monks led a meditation, gave an inspirational talk, and showed a film at our chapel (pictured below).
On March 17-19, 1995 Brother Santoshananda (below on the left) and Br. Peter (now Brother Kripananda), led a Center Tour with classes and Kriya Yoga initiation in Denver. The event was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, located at 7525 E. Hampden Avenue (pictured earlier). The Friday public lecture was entitled ”The Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: Introductory talk on the Science of Yoga.”
On October 28-30, 1994, Br. Brian (now Brother Jayananda, pictured below) and Br. Henry led a retreat at Camp La Foret. About 46 devotees attended the weekend retreat, which was lower than what we expected, since we had about 100 devotees attend a previous retreat here. The cost of the retreat was $125 per person, which included a $25 donation to Mother Center.
The Camp La Foret main lodge (pictured below) is located at 6145 Shoup Road in Colorado Springs.
On June 2-4, 1995 Brother Dharmananda (pictured below) and Br. Thomas led another retreat at Camp La Foret. The cost of this retreat was $115 per person, which included a $25 donation to Mother Center.
About 50 devotees attended. Pictured below are the monks and retreatants in front of the Camp La Foret lodge.
May 10-12, 1996 the Group was visited by Br. Martin (now Brother Anatananda) (pictured below) and Br. Eduardo. On Friday May 10th the monks conducted a Commemorative Service for the birth anniversary of Swami Sri Yukteswar.
On Saturday the 11th the monks conducted a one-day retreat. On Sunday the 12th they led the Meditation and Readings services and greeted devotees at a social afterwards. About 70 devotees attended the event (picture below).
The current Denver Meditation Group altar was built during August 1996 through May 1997 at a cost of about $8,000. The altar was built by SRF devotees (one is pictured below with the altar nearing completion). The golden lotus on the altar was also made by a DMG devotee.
The picture below was taken in April 1998 showing the completed altar in our chapel.
In 2010 the group decided to upgrade the altar with the addition of oval fade-out pictures and gold leafing, seen in the picture below for the All-Day Christmas meditation in December 2010.
During 1995 to 1996 attendance at Group services increased. As a result, early in July 1997 the group voted to rent and renovate the SE and SW portions of the building. The picture below is a view of the new main entrance to the chapel in the SE corner of the building. We began holding our services in the renovated space early in 1998. At that time, our Sunday school moved into our old chapel area on the NE corner of the building, on the right side of this picture, where it remained until we moved to the Garrison Street chapel in 2015.
During May 29-31, 1998 Brother Bhumananda and Br. Anthony (pictured below) visited the Group and led services.
The monks led a workshop on Saturday and led services on Sunday followed by a potluck. In the picture below the monks are seen with the Sunday School children.
Following are several pictures from the potluck, including Brother Bhumananda leading the devotees in Master's prayer before taking food. After the potluck on Sunday devotees also drove the monks into the mountains for a scenic ride.
During October 1-3, 1999 Brother Naradananda and Br. Anthony (pictured below) led a Center tour to Denver including kriya initiation.
The event was held at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel at 360 Union Blvd in Lakewood (pictured below).
The picture below shows Brother Naradananda speaking at the Friday evening public lecture that was entitled, ”Meditation - The Way to Inner Peace.”
Pictured below is a portion of the Friday evening crowd. Most of the lectures, classes, and services were in the Golden and Bergen Park rooms of the Sheraton Denver West Hotel.
It was a very successful event, including socials as well as opportunities for the attendees to greet the monks plus christenings, and renewed wedding vows. The monks also led the Lahiri Mahasaya Birthday Commemorative service at our chapel. Following are a few additional pictures from some of the activities.
On Monday October 4th following the weekend's events, a group of devotees went with the monks on a hike in the mountains (picture below), which was enjoyed by all.
Over the years the group periodically has held picnics at nearby parks. This picnic (pictures below) was held in July 2001.
In September 2002 Brother Sarvananda and Br. Lynn (now Brother Padmananda) (pictured below) led services Thursday evening and went on an outing with devotees on Friday. After leading a 3-hour meditation Saturday morning, the monks played a recording of Sri Daya Mata and answered Satsanga questions from the Denver devotees.
On Sunday the monks led the morning Services followed by a social where they greeted everyone. We presented the monks with presents to show our gratitude for their service (pictures below).
Over the years the group has sent birthday wishes and letters of appreciation to SRF President Sri Daya Mata and she always wrote back. Many of the letters from Sri Daya Mata, such as this one below from January 29, 2003, were to our Sunday School children.
Brother Anilananda and Brother Jayananda (pictured below) led a Center Tour in Denver April 4-6, 2003 including Kriya yoga initiation.
The event was held in the Doubletree Hilton Denver Tech South Hotel (pictured below) located at 7801 East Orchard Road in Greenwood Village.
As you can see in the following pictures during the Friday evening public lecture, there was a good-sized crowd in attendance.
The title of the Friday evening lecture was ”To Be Victorious in Life.”
In addition to the events at the hotel, we also had a number of events at our chapel including a satsanga (pictured below), christenings, renewal of wedding vows, our Thursday and Sunday morning services (pictured below), and socials.
Brothers Satyananda and Bholananda (pictured below) visited the Group on May 20-23, 2004. The monks led our regular Thursday evening service and on Friday the devotees joined the monks for a lunch and afternoon hike.
On Saturday the monks led a 2-hour meditation in the morning followed by a potluck social (pictures below) and in the afternoon the monks led a Gita class.
The monks also joined the devotees for lunch at the Royal India Restaurant on Colorado Blvd. (pictured below); a wonderful time of fellowship.
On September 29th through October 1st of 2006 Brother Satyananda and Br. Lynn (now Brother Padmananda) (pictured below) led a regional retreat at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs.
This was the retreat where Brother Satyananda first referred to us as the ”Rocky Mountain Yogis.” That identifier has caught on with us! About 82 devotees attended.
Below we see Brother Satyananda leading one of the retreat classes.
The Franciscan Retreat Center is a peaceful and beautiful facility; very conducive to silence, meditation, and introspection.
On October 26-27, 2007 Brothers Satyananda and Bholananda made a return visit to the Denver to lead our weekend services.
The monks also led an afternoon Satsanga (pictured below), providing spiritual guidance and answered the devotee's questions, followed by a potluck.
On Sunday the 27th following our services we had a potluck where the devotees were able to greet the monastics (pictures below).
On April 28-29, 2008 Brother Satyananda and Br. Lynn (now Brother Padmananda) made a return visit to the group to lead our services and to give classes. We were getting quite used to (and spoiled at this point) by Brother Satyananda's frequent visits! To say that we greatly enjoyed and benefitted from the annual visits by the monks during this time period is not an overstatement.
We had a potluck lunch coupled with fellowship with the monks on both Saturday and Sunday following the services and classes (pictures below). One of the classes was for kriyabans only.
During their visit the monks discussed with the devotees a proposal being considered by the group at the time to build a ”Temple,” which had caused some friction within the group.
Over the years we've had many fund raisers for various projects associated with the Group. The fund raiser pictured below was held on May 31, 2008 coupled a silent auction with entertainment from a number of professional musicians who are members of the Group.
On September 26-28, 2008 Brother Devananda and Br. Gordon (pictured below) led a Center Tour to Denver plus services at the Denver Meditation Group chapel.
The event was held at the Double Tree Hotel located at 7801 E Orchard Rd in Greenwood Village.
The title of Brother Devananda's public lecture on Friday the 23rd was ”Living a Life of Inner Peace and Happiness.” The picture below is of him speaking during his talk.
As you can see in the picture below of the Friday evening public lecture, it was well attended.
Brother Devananda also led our Thursday evening service at the Denver Meditation Group chapel which included our kirtan group.
On Wednesday September 24th prior to the public events, Brother Devananda and Br. Gordon joined a group of the devotees on a hike in the mountains.
Brother Sarvananda and Br. Lynn (pictured below) returned to Denver to lead services at the Denver Meditation Group chapel on March 14-15, 2009.
In addition to leading our services over the weekend, the monks also conducted a workshop on Saturday March 14th with the theme of ”Harmony.” About 55 devotees attended the events.
On Monday March 16th a group of devotees joined the monks for lunch and a hike in Evergreen.
In October of 2009 the group added new outside signage in front, in order to make the Denver Meditation Group more visible at the Albion Street meeting location.
On November 7-8, 2009 Brothers Satyananda and Vratananda (pictured below) visited the group to lead services and classes.
We had a potluck after the Sunday service, giving the devotees an opportunity to greet and visit with the monks. A blessed and joyous event.
About 75 devotees attended the weekend's events.
Over the years we have celebrated the Indian roots of the Self-Realization Fellowship teachings with an India Night celebration. The picture below was taken during the July 10, 2010 India Night celebration.
We have had special entertainment on several occasions. The pictures below was taken during the September 8, 2012 and September 21, 2013 India Night celebrations, when we were entertained to an Indian dance. All of the movements have a special symbolic meaning.
For the September 19, 2015 India Night celebration devotees and children performed hatha yoga postures.
On October 19-21, 2010 we held a devotee-led Rocky Mountain Yogis retreat at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs. The cost of this retreat was $140 to $185 per person, depending on the number of devotees sharing a room. About 50 devotees attended.
At all of our devotee-led retreats we practice the energization exercises together every day.
Our meals are in silence but we smile and greet one another!
Of course, we meditate, chant, have kirtans, and watch inspirational SRF videos.
At our devotee-led retreats we have plenty of free time for introspection, rest, and relaxation on the beautiful Franciscan Retreat Center grounds.
Over the years, we've always had very good interest in our devotee-led retreats at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs. For the 2011 devotee-led retreat, about 44 devotees attended. The cost was $160 per person.
For the 2013 devotee-led retreat, about 53 devotees attended. The cost was $180 per person.
For the 2014 devotee-led retreat, about 55 devotees attended. The cost was $195 per person.
For the 2015 devotee-led retreat, about 55 devotees attended. The cost was $200 per person.
For the 2016 devotee-led retreat, about 60 devotees attended. The cost was $200 per person.
For the 2017 devotee-led retreat, about 60 devotees attended. The cost was $210 per person.
For the 2019 devotee-led retreat, about 60 devotees attended. The cost was $210 per person.
We resumed our devotee-led retreats at the Franciscan Retreat Center following the COVID-19 pandemic on October 6-8, 2023. For the 2023 devotee-led retreat, about 46 devotees attended. The cost was $225 per person.
For the 2024 devotee-led retreat, about 48 devotees attended. The cost was $230 per person.
Br. Wolfgang and Br. Rich (pictured below) visited Denver on January 15-26, 2012 and led two services. Fifty to sixty devotees attended both events.
In addition to the services, the monks also conducted a christening ceremony in the chapel.
We had a social where we presented Br. Wolfgang and Br. Rich with presents.
A group of devotees also joined the monks for lunch on the 26th plus a hike to a nearby park where Br. Wolfgang led the group in meditation.
Brother Satyananda and Br. Cormac (now Brother Govindananda) led a Regional Retreat October 26-28, 2012 at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs.
The cost was $195 per devotee. A record 113 devotees attended the blessed weekend retreat.
It was a very inspiring weekend of talks, chanting, kirtan, meditations, silence, introspection, and fellowship.
Following the retreat those volunteers who were available joined the monks on an outing to Red Rocks Open Space.
The group also went to the summit of a chilly Pikes Peak, where Master traveled on his first visit to Colorado in 1924.
There Br. Cormac read Master's poem Pike's Peak over a cup of hot chocolate. After the reading, Brother Satyananda commented that Master captured the energy of the mountaintop in his poem.
Brother Satyananda and Br. Cormac also led services at our chapel where the devotees socialized with them afterwards.
Brother Vijayananda and Br. Andy (now Brother Kartikananda) visited Denver on September 19-21, 2014. The monks led several services and Br. Andy led the Sunday School.
Over the weekend the monks provided instructions on the Energization Exercises, led a workshop on ”Group Introspection,” and showed a recording of Sri Daya Mata entitled ”In Master's Footsteps.” More than 100 devotees attended the events!
We had a social on Sunday after the services where we gave gifts to the monks. A group of devotees also joined the monks for lunch plus a hike in Mt. Falcon Park.
In August of 2014 the Denver Meditation Group learned of the possibility of purchasing a church property located at 1360 Garrison Street in Lakewood, which at that time was owned by the Denver House of Prayer. Ironically, the DMG had considered purchasing this same property about eight years earlier but deemed it unsuitable at that time for our needs. Note the steeple and cross on the roof (now removed) in the picture below taken on September 20, 2014.
Many improvements and upgrades had been made to the property over the intervening years making the property now suitable to our groups needs by 2014. Below are a couple of views of the yard on September 20, 2014 when we first visited the property: the yard on the south side of the chapel looking west and a large hole in the backyard.
Below is a picture of the chapel as it looked when we visited the property on September 20, 2014 with Brother Vijayananda and Br. Andy, showing the musical and sound equipment that the Denver House of Prayer used in their services. Note the pillars and arch in the front of the chapel, which were removed by our building committee after the purchase.
Below is a view of the foyer as it looked at the time of this visit, with all of the Denver House of Prayer furnishings.
Devotees and monastics made several visits during the period when we were evaluating whether to purchase the property. You can see in the following images some devotees with Brother Vijayananda and Br. Andy during their September visit to Denver.
During our period of evaluation, DMG devotees visited the property and had meetings in September as well as October to discuss the situation and consequently voted to pursue purchase of the property. The SRF Board of Directors approved the purchase in October and the purchase was completed in January 2015. Many thanks to the many devotees who donated their time as well as their money toward the purchase to supplement the funds that we had in our Mother Center building fund, largely from sale of the Washington and Lincoln Street properties in 1989.
Following are a few pictures of the fellowship building from when we first viewed the property compared to after it was cleaned out by Denver House of Prayer, and before we moved in.
Br. Andy (now Brother Kartikananda) and Br. Simone (now Brother Tyagananda) from the SRF Center Department visited the Group on February 11-12, 2015. Following an evening meditation on February 11th at our Albion Street chapel many devotees were able to socialize with the monks. The monks also led a meditation at our newly purchased chapel (1360 Garrison Street). All present could feel the Guru's presence in our new location.
On April 19, 2015 (pictures below), prior to our move from our Albion Street meeting location to the Garrison Street chapel, we had a thank you event for Carl Bender, who had been our landlord for the past 25 years! We were very thankful for his generosity and kindness over the years.
Much work had to be done to get the Garrison Street property ready for our move in - including removing the arch in the front of the chapel, painting all of the walls in both the front and fellowship buildings, cleaning, and other maintenance. Following are a few pictures of some of the devotees hard at work.
Our move-in day was April 25, 2015 and everything went smoothly. Many hands make light work, as the saying goes. Following are a few pictures of just some of the many devotees who helped out during the move in.
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who have served in the past and continue to serve the Denver Meditation Group in the many ways that you are capable. May God and Guru bless each and every one of you!!!
During our move in we joined together on the lawn for a meal. I guess that you could say that this was our first potluck at the new chapel.
Our first service at the Garrison Street chapel (picture below) was held the very next day after our move in, on April 26, 2015, with about 70 devotees in attendance. It was a joyous occasion to be meditating in a chapel of our own!
The Garrison Street property is the first one that the Denver Meditation Group has owned outright. However, we donated the property to the SRF Mother Center right after its purchase, so technically we don't own it. The picture below shows the parking lot during our first service on April 26, 2015 (a rainy day).
The chapel holds about 112 devotees (picture below), a big increase compared to our maximum seating of about 60 at the Albion Street location.
The fellowship building of the Garrison Street property has multiple uses including for our Sunday School (below);
...our fellowship teas and potlucks;
...and our bookroom (pictured below in June 2015). The fellowship building also has a kitchen and a storage room. The fenced yard, patio, and meditation garden also are used for socials.
We were thrilled to have Brother Sarvananda and Br. Roberto (now Brother Sakhyananda) conduct several special services at our new chapel on December 17-21, 2015. On Thursday evening they also led a meditation and satsanga followed by a reception.
On Saturday the monks led our All-Day Christmas meditation accompanied by our Rocky Mountain Yogis Kirtan Group. Many Rocky Mountain Yogis from across Colorado joined in for this special occasion.
The altar was beautifully decorated and we had 65 devotees! Brother Sarvananda said that the stillness was the deepest that he had felt at any All-Day Christmas Meditation; quite a compliment since he has participated in many!
On Sunday, a record 105 devotees attended the meditation and lecture services, which was followed by a special service to dedicate our new chapel (below). It was a joyous occasion!
Br. Roberto also helped lead our Sunday school that day.
The special weekend was capped off by our annual Christmas party in the new chapel including a special Christmas slide show (at right) presented by Br. Roberto.
On Friday a number of devotees joined the monks on a social outing to Red Rocks and to Crown Hill Park.
On April 19-21, 2017 Brother Bhumananda and Br. Martin (now Brother Anatananda) led an SRF Center Tour to Denver.
The event was held at the Sons of Italy Denver Lodge located at 5925 W. 32nd Avenue in Wheat Ridge.
Here we see Brother Bhumananda giving the Friday public lecture which had a title of ”MEDITATION: Awaken Your Inner Power.”.
About 179 devotees attended the Friday public lecture. Kriya initiation was given the next day, which included 32 new kriya initiates!
On October 21, 2017 we held the first of perhaps many concert fundraisers at our chapel. Professional musicians performed for the group. It was a tremendous success.
When we purchased the Garrison Street property, we recognized that the gravel parking lot would need to be paved as soon as possible. The parking lot was a muddy mess both in the winter (picture below) and when it rained, which resulted in mud being tracked into the buildings during our services.
Consequently, two years after moving to our new chapel, on November 10, 2017, paving of our parking lot was completed including striping for parking spaces. It was a tremendous improvement in our property.
A severe hailstorm damaged the roof of both the chapel and our fellowship building in May of 2017. Consequently, in November 2017 we had the roof replaced. The steeple on the roof was also removed at that time. You can also see in this September 2018 picture below that our sign had been moved to its current location near the driveway.
On September 20-24, 2018 Brother Jitananda and Br. Martin (now Brother Anatananda) led an SRF Regional Retreat at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs.
Following are a few pictures taken during the retreat weekend.
We had 102 devotees attend the retreat. The cost of this retreat was $235 per person.
The monks also led a service at the Denver Meditation Group chapel the preceding Thursday followed by a social in our fellowship building.
Devotees who were available joined the monks on an outing to nearby Garden of the Gods on Monday following the retreat.
Brother Brahmananda and Br. Kapildeo (now Brother Akshayananda) led our All-Day Christmas meditation on December 16, 2018.
One special treat that day was that Brother played several chants on an organ, which were wonderful.
The monks also answered devotees' questions during a Satsanga.
About 100 devotees attended.
In addition to the services and satsanga at our chapel, a group of devotees joined the monks for a hike on the Clear Creek Trail.
Brother Balananda and Br. Jeff (now Brother Druvananda) led our first ever public outreach event on May 14, 2019.
The event was held at the Sons of Italy Denver Lodge located at 5925 W. 32nd Ave. in Wheat Ridge.
The subject of Brother Balananda's presentation was ”Meditation: The Source of Lasting Joy.” Following is an image of the poster used to advertise the event. About 120 people attended the event including about 26 new people!
Following is a picture of Brother Balananda speaking during the event.
On May 15th about 15 devotees joined the monks for a hike at Genessee Park. Pictured below are most of the devotees at the summit of Genessee Mountain, where we had spectacular views of the Rockies including Mt. Evans and Pikes Peak. The monks very much enjoyed the hike, views, and fellowship.
Following the hike Brother Balananda led the devotees in chanting ”Spirit and Nature” and in a meditation prior to our picnic lunch; a very serene setting. Brother also shared some inspiring personal stories.
On the way back to town we drove the monks on a scenic drive through the mountains with a brief stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater, which they also enjoyed.
On the evening of May 15th the monks led a service at our chapel (pictured below) with the subject of ”Keys to Deeper Meditation.” About 60 devotees attended.
On April 28, 2019 prior to the public event we held our first ever Open House (pictured below). We gave a free showing to the public of the film ”AWAKE: The Life of Yogananda.” The primary purposes of the Open House were to advertise the May 14th Public Outreach event and also to welcome newcomers to the Denver Meditation Group. We only had about six newcomers attend but nevertheless felt that it was a success and hope to have similar events in the future.
As part of that day's activities we also had a volunteer appreciation lunch.
The non-profit organization Heavens Hope, owned by SRF devotees in Boulder, very graciously and generously donated their expertise, time, and resources for installation of a meditation garden on the south side of our chapel as well as a fence and other landscaping improvements. By the end of July 2019, the meditation garden and landscaping in front of our chapel was completed. Following are a few pictures documenting the transformation.
View of the shrubs on the south side of our property prior to the start of the landscaping.
The next few pictures show the completed landscaping on the south side of the meditation garden.
View of the north side of the meditation garden prior to the start of the landscaping.
View of the north side of the meditation garden following completion of the landscaping, including installation of a new sidewalk!
Following are a number of pictures taken both before and after completion of the landscaping around the front of our chapel.
View before the landscaping began.
New landscaping in process.
Finished landscaping.
Following are pictures of some of the many Denver Meditation Group devotees involved in the landscaping in 2019-2020.
On September 15, 2019 we had a special service to dedicate our new meditation garden, named the Dhyana Meditation Garden by Heavens Hope. About 50 devotees attended.
A severe rainstorm early in 2019 resulted in flooding within our fellowship building, which caused about $2,000 in damage. Along with installing the needed drainage system between the two buildings to rectify this problem, the group also installed a patio in that area. Following is the view between the buildings prior to installing the patio.
At the same time, we had the contractor conduct some additional landscaping in the back yard including needed fence improvements. Following is the view of area south of the fellowship building prior to starting the landscaping work.
Following are a few pictures showing the evolution of these projects, all of which were completed in November through December of 2019. Here we see the patio work and installation of the drainage system beginning.
Here the patio base is being installed.
Here the patio base is being compacted.
Here the construction crew is installing the patio pavers.
The finished patio! Note the finished yard and fence work in the background.
Installing the new drainage pipes south of the fellowship building.
Finished backyard area. Note the fence between the meditation garden and the backyard / patio area was lowered at this time.
In November 2019, following two break-ins of our shed, the group decided to add a more secure door and to expand our storage shed. Following are a few pictures showing devotees extending our shed behind the fellowship building and adding the secure door. These first two pictures show the shed extension in the process of being framed. The work was completed by our building committee.
The shed extension is almost completed here, including the new more secure door.
The completed and painted shed extension. This enlarged shed allowed us to store much more of our supplies that seasonal materials that had previously been stored in the chapel or in the fellowship building.
Here is a view of the inside of the enlarged shed, including the new shelving that was installed.
To take advantage of our new patio, and make it more accessible, early in 2020 the group decided to install a French door leading from our social area in the fellowship building to the patio. This had been a vision of ours since purchasing the property. Once again, our building committee completed the work, which saved the DMG a lot of money! Following is a view inside the fellowship building before the french door was installed.
Following is a view outside the fellowship building before the french door was installed.
Here we are removing the window and enlarging the opening prior to installing the french door.
And finally, the completed french doors (although they weren't painted yet at the time these pictures were taken).
In March 2020 the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic swept across the globe. This caused major disruptions and hardships for everyone. All of the in-person services for the Denver Meditation Group were cancelled during the pandemic. Devotees nevertheless were able to complete several projects at the center during the pandemic including the painting of our fellowship building and much gardening. Following are a few pictures showing the evolution of these projects.
The following pictures show devotees tuck pointing, applying caulk, and painting the fellowship building.
A new meditation grotto was built and installed by devotees on the south side of the chapel in the meditation garden during September 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the group held zoom socials approximately once per month, such as the one pictured below held on December 20, 2020 to celebrate Christmas. During the zoom calls we typically had a time for greeting one another, an opening prayer, chant, and short meditation, followed by some ”entertainment” such as the sharing of pilgrimage pictures from India or viewing portions of the DMG history video. It was wonderful to connect with fellow devotees during this difficult time when we couldn't meet in person.
We still made donations to the JeffCo Action Center during the pandemic, such as this delivery by devotees on February 23, 2021.
Begining in December 2020 we added Christmas lights to the outside of our chapel to celebrate the holy season as shown in the following pictures.
In January 2021, the group decided that we should install pavers in front of our shed, on the east side of the fellowship building. We did not have any water irrigation in this area, and it was difficult to maintain the grass. Fortunately, a generous devotee donated some of the needed patio pavers to make this project more affordable. The installation work was completed by the same company that installed our main patio. Below are a couple of pictures of the finished project.
The flooring in the fellowship building was a known problem from the time we purchased the property. Most of the rooms were covered with carpeting, which was old and worn, and the kitchen floor was covered with old and dated linoleum tile - not very nice (see the pictures below).
Consequently, in May 2021 we installed new tile throughout the fellowship building. Thankfully, once again, a devotee generously donated all the tile for the project! Following are some pictures of the work in progress, which was completed by a contractor.
Although a contractor installed the tile, many of our devotees completed the finishing touches.
Following are a couple of pictures of the finished product.
After more than one year of no in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic, we re-opened our chapel again on June 27, 2021, and held our first service. It was wonderful to meditate together once again!
It was at this time that we began setting up an altar on the patio with seating for interested devotees in this area (pictured below).
We also had a fellowship tea including a joyous time to reconnect with fellow devotees following the pandemic.
Even with the extension of our main storage shed, it was quite full, in part with all our gardening tools and supplies. So, in September 2021 the group decided to install a small shed to store all our gardening supplies. Following are a few pictures of the construction process by our building committee.
Framing up the walls.
Putting the pieces together.
Inside of the completed gardening shed.
The final painted, finished product.
Paving of the parking lot had been a high priority following the purchase of our Garrison Street property and was completed in November 2017. After four years of weathering and use, however, it needed seal coating. So, in October 2021 the group had the parking lot seal coated. Following are several pictures documenting the process.
Power sweeping prior to applying the seal coat.
Applying seal coat around the edges of the parking lot.
Spraying on the sealer.
Striping of the parking stalls.
The finished parking lot seal coat.
Many devotees over the years have made generous donations of their time, resources, and expertise. Below we see devotees installing a donated statue of Krishna in our meditation garden in October 2021.
When we purchased the Garrison Street property in 2015 it was recognized that we needed to install French doors to separate the chapel and the foyer. This was needed for several reasons, primarily to minimize sounds from foyer from entering the chapel during our services. The tile in the foyer and bathrooms also needed replacement. In addition, we also wanted to update one of our restrooms adjacent to the foyer, making them handicapped accessible (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compatible). During December 2021 through January 2022 this remodeling of the foyer and bathrooms was completed. An added blessing was that a devotee donated all the floor tile needed for the project! Following are a few pictures documenting this process.
The foyer prior to the remodeling.
Removing the old flooring.
The completed foyer tile and installed french doors.
The completed ADA bathroom.
In March 2022 we started to hold in-person classes on How to Play Master's Cosmic Chants on the Harmonium (the picture below shows the class on February 19,, 2023). The self-paced course teaches devotees to play by ear and sight (with the harmonium keys and hands playing each chant displayed on the computer screen). Each chant is learned by the devotee one phrase at a time and at varying tempos. The in-person class attendance has been strong and consistent, averaging about five students. The classes are open to everyone!
We did not have devotee-led retreats in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, however, we hosted a regional retreat at the Franciscan Retreat Center led by Brother Sattvananda and Br. Jeff (now Brother Dhruvananda). The October 7-9, 2022 retreat cost $245 per person and about 67 devotees attended (pictured below).
An unfortunate side-effect from the COVID-19 pandemic was numerous incidents of trespassing and vandalism of our property. As a result of these incidents, it was necessary to make several improvements to our property security. In February 2023 we replaced all of our conventional screens with sturdy, metal security screens that are virtually impervious to vandalism (picture below). All the windows that were damaged on the north side of our chapel also had to be replaced at this time.
To prevent future trespassing of our property, in March 2023 we installed new metal security fencing along the north and west sides of our property (pictures below). This was a very welcome addition to our security; we have not had any (knock on wood) incidents of vandalism since installing the fencing!
In recent years we were not able to have kirtan accompaniment to our services due to a lack of kirtan players. In July 2023, however, we realized that we had enough players to justify re-forming our DMG Kirtan group. The picture below is of our kirtan group that played for the Babaji Commemorative service on July 23, 2023.
Due to an influx of families with younger children, there was a perceived need to hold Sunday School every week. Consequently, we decided in the fall of 2023 to hold Sunday School every week for children ages 4 through teens. The picture below is of the younger Sunday School children on Sunday September 9, 2023. Many thanks to the parents and children who are making our Sunday School a huge success!
The small yellow shades/awnings that we installed in 2021 to cover our patio (picture below) began falling apart after a couple of years being under the intense Colorado sun.
Consequently, we installed a motorized retractable blue awning in August 2023 (below). We got a very good price on this awning, which will last much longer than the yellow awnings seeing as they will not be exposed constantly to the sun and weather.
As mentioned earlier in this centennial pictorial history of the Denver Meditation Group, we joyously decorate our chapel each Christmas to help celebrate this holy season. Following are several pictures of the December 2023 Christmas decorations at our chapel.
Over the years, the SRF Center Department has sent representatives to help our group and to inspire the local devotees. One such Center Department assistance visit occurred during March 16-18, 2024. Brother Ritananda and Br. Daniel led services over the weekend, including kirtan, followed by Satsanga and fellowship. Following are several pictures from the weekend's activities.
Brother Ritananda leading the Sunday service, March 17, 2024.
Brother Ritananda leading us in practicing the healing technique, March 17, 2024.
Br. Daniel leading the Sunday School, March 17, 2024.
About 69 devotees attended the Sunday events.
Brother Ritananda and Br. Daniel next to our meditation garden grotto, March 17, 2024.
On the following Monday, several devotees accompanied the monks on an outing to Boulder.
Each year the DMG selects one or two days to have a 'Day of Service,' where devotees are given the opportunity to practice some 'karma yoga' by doing some gardening, organize and clean up our property. The following are a few pictures from the Day of Service on May 5, 2024.
As we discussed at the beginning of this Pictorial History of the Denver Meditation Group, our Guru first came to Denver in 1924 and formed the Denver Meditation Group in August of that year. As part of our centennial celebration, on August 24th a group of DMG devotees went on a ”footsteps” pilgrimage tour to some of the locations where Master lectured and visited in 1924 and 1931. Twenty-five devotees joined in on the tour. After a 2-hour meditation and lunch at the Little India restaurant, our first stop for the footsteps tour was inside the Denver City Auditorium as Master called it (now called the Ellie Caulkins Opera House).
We were given a personal backstage tour of the auditorium. Then we were led onto the stage to the exact spot where Master gave his final public lecture to 3,000 people on August 24, 1924 (below)!
We all felt Master's presence with us - truly a sacred event and blessing (below)!
Below is the view of the auditorium from the stage. Although it has been remodeled several times since Master spoke here in 1924, one can imagine 3,000 people filling the auditorium and being inspired by his lecture.
Our next stop was at the exact location outside the auditorium where Master was photographed (below) advertising his upcoming lecture in the auditorium. We offered flowers to our guru and were thrilled to feel his presence with us.
We took a group picture at this spot (below) and also took turns getting our individual pictures taken at the spot where Master was standing in 1924. Once again, all present could feel Master's presence with us! Truly a blessing!
The final stop on our centennial footsteps tour was to 939 Grant Street, which as we discussed earlier, is the first known meeting location of the DMG. This also is the site where Master is pictured with about 100 DMG devotees in a picture taken on August 23, 1931 (below).
Although the actual building was removed many years ago, Master was nevertheless there with us. We took a group picture near the location where the 1931 picture was taken (below). Once again, Master's blessings were felt by the group! Many thanks to all those who joined in on this footsteps pilgrimage tour and made the tour possible. If there is interest, we could make the tour an annual event.
There are several additional pilgrimage spots that devotees can take that we didn't have time to visit this day (see the map below). Included is the Denver Union Station, which is still standing and where Master arrived in Denver in 1931 for his public lectures. Union Station is located at 17th and Wynkoop Streets. The Barnes College building, where Master gave two free public lectures in 1924 also is still standing. It is located on the SE corner of 14th and Glenarm Streets. Other pilgrimage spots where Master visited include the former location of the old Denver City Hall where Master met Mayor Stapleton in 1924 (NW corner of 14th and Larimar Streets), the former location of Unity Center where Master gave his first free public lecture in 1924 (SE corner of 14th and Welton Streets), the former location of the Albany Hotel where Master gave 9 free public lectures in 1931 (NE corner of 17th and Stout Streets), and the former location of the Metropole Hotel where Master spoke to the Optimists Club in 1924 (SE corner of 18th and Broadway Streets).
This concludes the centennial pictorial history of the Denver Meditation Group from 1924 through 2024. We hope that you've found it inspirational, informative, and enjoyable. Many thanks and blessings to all the devotees who have devotedly donated their time, resources, and expertise over the past 100 years helping to make the Group what it is today. Jai Guru!!