Greeted by the peace- and joy-emanating sight of blossoms in vibrant colours, more than 750 devotees and friends joined an inspiring discourse by Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri, president and spiritual head of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/ Self-Realization Fellowship (YSS/SRF), at the dhyana mandir of Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math - Ranchi on Sunday.  Several Sadhus and Sadhvis of other religious ashrams from Ranchi also attended this event.

Leading the programme with a brief group meditation, Swamiji gave a satsanga based on the how-to-live wisdom from Paramahansa Yoganandaji’s writings, stressing the value of regular meditation.

Swamiji expressed his joy to be back to Ranchi ashram where his Guru, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, had started his divine mission.  He lauded the tremendous role played by India in the world stage, and described it as the place where great hope for mankind lies, springing from India’s ancient civilization and divine wisdom. “Each one of us can be a living link between the golden age of India’s spirituality and our emerging global civilization.”  He urged all to go into the inner sanctuary where God is eagerly waiting to embrace each soul with great affection.

Swamiji explained that behind that beat of our heart, is the great power that sustains the universe. Once this is realized, the lives of each one of us will be transformed. Swamiji reminded the enraptured audience that no devotee needs to harbour fear or other negative emotions since divine help is ever within their reach and the God is nearer than our own breath and heartbeat.

Swami Chidanandaji is presently on a month-long visit to India during which he will preside over a special Sangam programme at Hyderabad from February 12-16, in which over 3,500 YSS and SRF devotees from across India and the world will participate. Learn more: yssi.org/Sangam202

YSS was founded by Paramahansa Yoganandaji in 1917 to spread across India and neighbouring countries the Kriya Yoga teachings of his line of gurus. The science of meditation taught as part of the Kriya Yoga path includes those techniques that Yoganandaji said bring the greatest healing to body, mind, and soul. His Yogoda Satsanga Lessons give instruction in those techniques, and in how to live a balanced spiritual life.

“Mediating with Swamiji and listening to his words fill us with renewed enthusiasm to follow the path of Kriya Yoga and meditation shown by our beloved Guru Yoganandaji,” said a YSS devotee who attended the talk.