The Yogoda Satsang branch ashram in Ranchi celebrated the 197th birth anniversary of Lahiri Mahashay with deep reverence. The day’s events commenced with an online meditation led by Swami Shankarananda Giri, joined by devotees from around the globe from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM. Swami Shankarananda Giri stated that Lahiri Mahashay’s life serves as an exemplary model for achieving contentment in today’s world by combining Kriya Yoga’s daily practice with Karma Yoga, which involves selfless action for the betterment of the community and family.
Following the meditation, the ashram resonated with devotional fervor during heartfelt bhajans, conducted by Brahmachari Gautamananda and Brahmachari Aradhyananda from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Later in the evening, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Brahmachari Hridayananda led a special two-hour meditation session. Readings from ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda, shared Lahiri Mahashay’s teachings. His teachings emphasized the need to detach from worldly possessions and prepare for death through God-realization. He encouraged consistent meditation as a means to recognize one’s true, eternal, sorrow-free nature and the use of Kriya Yoga for liberation.
Lahiri Mahashay, a pivotal guru within the Yogoda Satsang lineage, was a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji, the immortal yogi from the Himalayas. Mahavatar Babaji entrusted Lahiri Mahashay with reviving the ancient Kriya Yoga science. Lahiri Mahashay distinguished himself by offering Kriya initiation to spiritual seekers of all faiths. As a householder-yogi, he illustrated how to harmonize family and societal responsibilities with devotion and meditation. He was an inspiration to countless individuals, providing hope to those marginalized and actively working against caste-based discrimination. For more information about meditation and Kriya Yoga, please visit yssofindia.org.