Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) organized its first-ever Young Sadhak Sangam at the YSS Ranchi ashram, from September 10–14, 2025. Over 200 young sadhaks, aged 23–35, gathered for five days of meditation, workshops, seva, and fellowship, deepening their attunement with God and Guru.
The sangam was an extremely fulfilling and enriching event. We were privileged to be in the priceless company of God and Gurus.…being part of Gurudeva’s divine family drew us together, towards an instant and everlasting connection.
Setting the Tone
The sangam began with an in-person orientation and satsanga after the young sadhaks arrived at the ashram, encouraging them to open their hearts and focus their minds. A guided tour of the Ranchi ashram, steeped in memories and vibrations of Paramahansa Yogananda’s presence, created an atmosphere of reverence and fellowship, instantly drawing young sadhaks into Guruji’s divine family.
The Young Sadhak Sangam at Ranchi was beyond words — one of the most blessed experiences of my life. In other sangams we feel inspired to practise Guruji’s teachings, but this time we actually lived them. I felt Guruji’s presence so strongly, and by the end, something deep had changed within everyone...
A Balanced Daily Routine
A carefully prepared balanced schedule was the backbone of the sangam. The sangam flowed with a rhythm that blended inner stillness with outer activity. Each day offered a thoughtful balance of energization, meditation, study, fellowship, and recreation. Silence from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. drew everyone inward once more.
The programme was beautifully designed, blending spiritual depth with practical wisdom and joyful fellowship. Each session, meditation, and interaction felt like a step toward inner clarity and peace. It was both transformative and uplifting…
Like-minded seekers from every corner of the nation came together with the same divine intention. The fellowship was heartwarming and inspiring. Evening sports quickly made us friends and created bonds that might otherwise have taken much longer. The concept of groups and group leaders was especially meaningful, as it gave us the chance to listen, share, and learn from one another on this sacred path.
How-to-Live Workshops
Interactive workshops addressed the real challenges of modern life, guiding young seekers to apply Guruji’s wisdom in practical ways. Workshop sessions on Making Life’s Important Decisions and Living a Balanced Life offered clarity and confidence to navigate life’s priorities, challenges, and crossroads while remaining anchored in God.
The sangam was truly mesmerizing. The workshop thoughtfully considered the age group, and the topics covered, along with the techniques taught through rich analogies and practical tips, made the entire experience deeply engaging and relatable.
Workshops encouraged open dialogue and peer learning in applying Guruji’s wisdom.
Breakout groups provided space to exchange ideas and apply Guruji’s teachings in practical ways.
Deepening Sadhana
The sangam offered space to revisit the fundamentals of spiritual practice through special review classes on the Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, and Aum techniques. A review class on the Kriya Yoga technique was also offered for kriyabans, along with a special satsanga for non-kriyabans. These sessions helped young seekers refine their practice, strengthening focus and deepening their experience of meditation. In addition, individual counselling with YSS sannyasis provided personal guidance, encouragement, and reassurance on the path of sadhana.
I truly enjoyed every session. For me, meeting Swamijis and Brahmacharis personally was the highlight. With such love and compassion they listen and offer pearls of wisdom one cannot find anywhere else. Just being in their presence filled me with love for God…
Technique review classes encouraged sincerity and steadiness in daily practice.
Fellowship and Seva
The sangam placed a balanced emphasis on fellowship and service, as young seekers discovered the joy of working together to serve each other and the ashram in Guruji’s name. From welcoming fellow seekers and managing accommodation to helping in the kitchen, assisting the Books department, and maintaining the ashram grounds, seva became a natural expression of gratitude. Informal evening gatherings fostered soul friendships. Special sessions also guided youth in ways to volunteer at YSS and to become familiar with the monastic way of life. Opportunities for full-time seva and for joining monastic life were shared for those wishing to dedicate themselves more deeply to seva and the spiritual life.
I feel so blessed to have joined this sangam. Staying in the ashram, having silent meals, and connecting with spiritual friends has been a truly transformative experience. Every moment—whether in silence, satsanga, or service—touched something deep within me. This sangam was not just a gathering; it was a return to something essential and timeless within.
Seva in the ashram grounds became a joyful expression of gratitude.
Outing to Patratu Lake
One of the highlight of the sangam was the outing to Patratu Lake. Chanting together en route created an atmosphere of devotion, while at the lake, young sadhaks enjoyed nature walks, boating, and a soul-stirring group kirtan and meditation.
I feel blessed to have been part of this sangam. I did not want to leave the ashram or the company of fellow devotees. The arrangements were beautifully managed. With deep pranams and love to Guruji, the Swamijis, and all the volunteers.
A Memorable Evening of Fellowship
On the penultimate evening, a special kirtan meditation was organized as the highlight of the sangam. As the young sadhaks came out of the Dhyana Mandir, the ashram grounds glowed with thousands of lamps. The Open House that followed gave young sadhaks the opportunity to engage and interact with the sannyasis in the divine atmosphere of the illuminated ashram.
The experience was one of a kind….The kirtan sessions were the highlight for me….They filled me with renewed devotion to God and Gurus. I wish I could stop time and attend sangams like this forever.
With a heart full of gratitude, I cannot thank enough every set of hands that made this event possible—monastics, volunteers, ashram staff, even the trees of the ashram grounds! …This sangam was blissful, peaceful, and soul-invigorating.
A night of light and joy — the ashram aglow with devotion during the Sangam Open House.
The Open House allowed young sadhaks to interact informally with Swamijis amidst the radiant glow of diyas. Personal moments deepened bonds of guidance and fellowship.
Closing Reflections — The Power of Habit
On the final day, young sadhaks shared their learnings, resolutions, and gratitude. The Sangam concluded with a closing satsanga on ‘The Power of Habit’.
The overall theme and topics spoke directly to me. It felt as if only Guruji, Swamiji, and I were having a conversation. Many of my questions were answered without even asking them. Over the week, I became more polite, more aware of my shortcomings, and more compassionate towards myself.
Under the Litchi Tree: Guruji’s Vision
Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: “My aim was to establish an institution where young boys could be trained not only in academic efficiency, but in moral and spiritual values as well. The ideal of right education is to train the youth of today to be the useful, balanced men and women of tomorrow.” (Autobiography of a Yogi, Ch. 27)
A Renewed Vow
... I’m now fully convinced that YSS has everything that I need for my salvation....I will not find fault in the teachings but in my efforts.
Young Sadhaks — young adults aged 18 to 39 years — who would like to pursue and practice balanced spiritual living, who would like to be included in the Young Sadhak Whatsapp community to receive information about future sangams, retreats, and online fellowship, are requested to fill this Interest form. The Young Sadhak Fellowship team will get in touch with you as we come closer to the next set of events or opportunities planned for young sadhaks.
