Regard the Guru with deep love. To keep company with the Guru is not only to be in his physical presence (as this is sometimes impossible), but mainly means to keep him in our hearts and to be one with him in principle and to attune ourselves with him.
— Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri
On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, YSS devotees offer heartfelt homage to the revered lineage of YSS Gurus — especially to our beloved Gurudeva, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, whose divine inspiration and guidance continue to lead us on the path of Self-realization.
To commemorate this occasion and honour the sacred guru-disciple relationship, we invite you to join us for the following special programmes in July:
- Tuesday, July 28: Discourse in Hindi by a YSS sannyasi
- Wednesday, July 29: Commemorative Meditation
बलिहारी गुरु आपने, गोविंद दियो बताय
(Glory to the Guru Who Leads Us to God)
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (IST)
In this discourse, YSS sannyasi Swami Vasudevananda Giri draws on the wisdom teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda to tell us that the Guru is the tangible, living bridge that connects the human soul to the Divine; reminding us that spiritual progress is not possible without acknowledging the source of our awakening; and the essence of Guru Purnima as a day is not just about ritualistic worship but about celebrating the light of knowledge that dispels our inner darkness.
This discourse in Hindi is titled, “बलिहारी गुरु आपने, गोविंद दियो बताय (Glory to the Guru Who Leads Us to God).”
“गुरु गोविंद दोऊ खड़े, काके लागूं पाँय
बलिहारी गुरु आपने, गोविंद दियो बताय”
Drawing on the above beautiful couplet from Kabir, the famous 15th-century mystic and poet, Swami Vasudevananda explains that without the grace of the Guru, and without his wisdom and guidance, the seeker will remain “blind” to the divine presence of omnipresent God. It is the Guru who polishes the mirror of the mind, removes the darkness of ignorance (avidya), and pointed the way to the Divine. Therefore, we honour the Guru as the medium of realization even before the ultimate destination (God).
We welcome you to view this discourse with family and friends.
Please note: This discourse will be available for viewing till Thursday, July 30, 10 p.m. (IST).
Commemorative Meditation
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (IST)
On July 29, there will be a special online meditation led by a YSS sannyasi which will include periods of chanting and meditation, followed by a discourse.
Please note: This event will be available for viewing till Saturday, August 1, 10 p.m. (IST).
In-person Events
Special in-person programmes commemorating Guru Purnima will also be conducted at the YSS ashrams, kendras, and mandalis. To learn more and participate in one of these events, please contact a meditation centre near you.
Message from YSS/SRF President Swami Chidananda Giri
To read a special message from our revered President and Spiritual Head, Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri on this occasion, please click the button below:
If you feel inspired to make an offering on this sacred day, you may do so by clicking on the button below. We are truly thankful for your generosity, which we see as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the many blessings that come through the YSS lineage of gurus.
If you wish to express your love and gratitude to our Gurudeva, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, and the YSS lineage of gurus for the abundant blessings they have poured forth in your life and reaffirm your commitment to serve his divine mission, we invite you to read the Guru Purnima Appeal:
To make an offering on this special occasion, please click the button below:
