“When I am no longer in the body, this organization will be my body. As you have helped me, and served this form while I am here, so serve this organization."
Guru Purnima, which falls on July 16 this year, is celebrated by devotees throughout the world by paying homage to their guru. On this sacred occasion, we too lay at the feet of our own beloved Gurudeva, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, our hearts’ love and devotion. As a token of gratitude for the countless blessings Gurudeva has bestowed on their lives, many devotees wish to make an offering to support Gurudeva’s mission — the spread of his Kriya Yoga teachings.
As more and more spiritual seekers across India are discovering these teachings, Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS), his vehicle for this divine dispensation, is preparing itself to welcome and nurture these souls as they learn “How-to-Live” in this modern-day world, according to Gurudeva’s sublime teachings. Some of the ways in which YSS assists devotees in their spiritual journey are given below:
Building Spiritual Hives: Gurudeva envisioned and established YSS ashrams and meditation centres to be spiritual hives where devotee-bees may gather for group meditations and devotional programmes, to sip the honey of God-realization. He said: “Group meditation is a castle that protects the new spiritual aspirants as well as the veteran meditators. Meditating together increases the degree of Self-realization of each member of the group by the law of invisible vibratory exchange of group magnetism.”
Establishing new hives and maintaining the existing ones is thus a significant responsibility. Visitors to the Ashrams are provided free boarding and lodging facilities, which are maintained solely by donations received from generous devotees.
Public Talk, Infosys, Chandigarh
Imparting Gurudeva’s “How-to-Live” teachings: Every year, sannyasis travel to various cities across India to lead retreats, conduct classes on meditation techniques, guide devotees in their sadhana, and initiate eligible ones into Kriya Yoga.
Swami Chidanandaji’s India Tour: A special highlight of this year is our revered President, Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri’s visit to India in October-November 2019, during which he will preside over special programmes at three major cities: Noida, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Around 5,000 devotees have already registered for these programmes, many of whom would be provided accommodation, meals, and other facilities. No fixed charges are being levied for accommodation during these functions so that devotees with limited means are able to participate. We hope to meet accommodation and other allied expenses through voluntary contributions from devotees.
Retreat, Igatpuri
Reaching out to Truth-seekers: Gurudeva’s writings and teachings are beacons of light and truth to countless individuals around the world. YSS organises several outreach programmes — public talks, open house sessions (on occasions such as the International Day of Yoga), and seminars — for the general public, to acquaint them with the benefits of these teachings, so that they may discover their own true potential.
Spiritual Counselling
Spiritual Counselling: YSS sannyasis, who live a life anchored in meditation and selfless service, reach out to countless devotees who call or write to YSS every day seeking a deeper understanding of Gurudeva’s teachings, and their practical application in solving their day-to-day problems and challenges.
YSS incurs an expenditure of around five crore rupees every year for such “How-to-Live” spiritual training activities and programmes for devotees, so that they may learn the art of balanced spiritual living as taught by our divine Guru.
Many times devotees approach us asking if there is an activity of YSS for which they could donate. During this sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, you may consider donating for spreading Gurudeva’s “How-to-Live” teachings. If you wish to do so, then please choose “How-to-Live” from the list of choices given in the Donation Form. Your generous contributions will help to support this vital spiritual activity.
For all that you do to further YSS spiritual activities — whether through your financial support, prayers, or efforts to follow the spiritual path he brought to the world — receive our deepest appreciation and gratitude.
Guruji said, “Inherent in the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship techniques and teachings are the help and blessings of the YSS line of gurus. Devotees who conduct their lives according to YSS principles will be blessed with the hidden and open direction of the YSS Gurus.”
May you ever be in tune with Gurudeva, and receive his omnipresent blessings and guidance.
