The Yogoda Satsanga branch ashram in Ranchi commemorated the 197th birth anniversary of Lahiri Mahasaya with deep reverence and joy. The day commenced with an online meditation session, led by Swami Shankarananda Giri, drawing participation from devotees across India and globally from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM. During the meditation, Swami Shankarananda Giri elaborated on Lahiri Mahasaya’s life as “the best example of the essential balance needed for happiness in the modern world — combining daily Kriya Yoga meditation with Karma Yoga, which is selfless action dedicated to the welfare of family and society.”
Following the morning meditation, the ashram was filled with devotional fervor during heartfelt bhajans led by Brahmachari Gautamananda and Brahmachari Aradhyananda from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
In the evening, a special two-hour meditation session led by Brahmachari Hridayananda took place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. He shared excerpts from the Yoga Sutras (written by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda) highlighting Lahiri Mahasaya’s teachings, including the words, “‘Remember that you belong to no one and no one belongs to you. Consider that one day you will have to leave everything in this world, so know God from now,’ the great guru told his disciples. ‘Prepare yourself for the subtle journey of death by flying in the balloon of God-realization every day. Under the influence of Maya, you consider yourself a mass of flesh and blood, which is only a house of sorrows. Meditate continuously so that you can quickly recognize yourself as the eternally free supreme element, free from all suffering. Learn to escape from the prison of the body and participate in the supreme element by using the secret key of Kriya Yoga.'”
Lahiri Mahasaya, one of the paragurus of the Yogoda Satsanga tradition, was a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji, the great Himalayan immortal yogi. Mahavatar Babaji imparted to Lahiri Mahasaya the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, instructing him to initiate all genuine seekers. A notable aspect of Lahiri Mahasaya’s life was his initiation of spiritual seekers from all religious backgrounds into Kriya Yoga. He was a householder-yogi, who exemplified a balanced life of devotion and meditation while fulfilling his familial and societal duties. This served as an inspiration for numerous individuals in society. He provided solace to society’s marginalized groups, and, although he was of the Brahmin caste, he made courageous efforts to dismantle the rigid caste barriers of his time.
For further information on meditation and Kriya Yoga, please visit yssofindia.org.