The Foundation is Friendship

This Yogacharya’s Birthday, we celebrate our friendship and all we’ve accomplished together over the years…

I don’t know how long it was later on that Master laid out my work and pointed out just what he wanted me to do, and foretold what would happen. I said, ‘How can I do anything like that? I know what you want, but it would take the tax-exempt money from 12–15 of the richest millionaires in the country to finance a thing like that!’

He said, “Forget that... all I’m asking you to do is put your mind to it, and we’ll all help you.”
— Yogacharya Oliver Black Excerpt from My Dear Oliver

What Our Circle of Friends Represents

For 37 years, the Circle of Friends has been the foundation of Song of the Morning, carrying forward the vision that Paramahansa Yogananda entrusted to Yogacharya Oliver Black.

The Circle of Friends helps sustain this sacred refuge where Truth Thirsty souls come to meditate, renew their spirits, deepen their relationship with God, and experience the blessings of this spiritual community.

As we celebrate Yogacharya's Birthday, we give thanks for all who have faithfully supported this mission through friendship, generosity, service, and prayer. Together, we now look toward the future with the goal of welcoming 108 Circle of Friends.

Whether you choose to give monthly or annually, your participation in Circle of Friends helps carry this sacred mission into the future. No amount is too small. It’s about being part of this, together.

We are doing all of this for God and Guru. Join us.

  • Circle of Friends

    These monthly or annual contributions helps us with the regular upkeep of our 800 acres including utilities, general maintenance, and staff benefits.

  • Genesis Building Fund

    This fund helps us keep momentum with our current renovation projects. Top of the list for summer 2026 is Domes AC.

  • General Donation

    Give a one time donation towards sustaining our mission. These contributions are essential for our ability to continue our mission.

Celebrating All We’ve Done Together:

Renovating & Restoring our Buildings

“On the way to the Garden Court”

The Boathouse

Our beloved Boathouse, where Yogacharya lived, has been completely renovated with a meditation sanctuary and two hermitage suites for guests.

The Wheelhouse

The Wheelhouse upper yoga room flooring and bathroom renovation is complete, with the deck almost done. The lower apartment has been completely renovated for guests to enjoy quiet retreat.

If a project speaks to you, serves you, inspires you, please consider helping us keep the momentum by giving to the Genesis Fund…

Taking care of our current infrastructure is an ongoing project, but there are key improvements and renovations we need to make:

Boathouse: We still need to replace the old deck, make it ADA-compliant, and eventually replace the roof.

Wheelhouse: The gutter system needs replacement, and the roof needs a new seal.

Mainhouse: We were able to hire a structural engineer to assess the space and this winter will begin plans for the various phases of renovations, with a focus on expanded dining capacity. This will be a major project!

Domes: Current needs include installing AC, and later on we need to add windows to the private rooms and renovate the bathrooms.

The Lodge: Future plans include expanding the entry and adding ADA accessibility.

Lower Bridge: The bridge leading to the Domes must be completely replaced or restored. It will be a very expensive project upwards of 300-500K. Work is in process to explore grants and finalize quotes.

Cabin: This past spring we completed the porch, and future plans include finishing the interior and building more!

The Garden Court

To complete our vision is the Garden Court.

View more closely the vision for the Garden Court presented and designed by Paul Gorden under leadership from our Board.