Brother Santoshananda, a monastic disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda for nearly 68 years, passed away peacefully at the Self-Realization Fellowship Mother Center on Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2026.
He will be remembered by countless members of Self-Realization Fellowship for his dedicated service over many decades at SRF temples and through his numerous visits to meditation groups in Europe, South America, North America, and other locations throughout the world.
A public memorial service will be held for him on Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m. at the SRF Encinitas Temple. After the service, a fuller account of Brother Santoshananda’s life will be added to this post.
At this time of his transition into the blessed realms of divine light and bliss, please join us in prayers for our dear Brother Santoshananda. We send him our love and gratitude for the goodness and spirit of joyous service with which he inspired all who crossed his path.
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Dear Brotherji was the funniest saint I knew. For many months I shared breakfast, lunch and dinner with him in the “goody box” in Upper India Hall at Hollywood Temple while I served there full time during the day. A few months later, we went to the George Harrison concert at Long Beach Arena and he drove. It was a magical night and Brother had me in stitches the whole time. I will never forget his divine “Joy, Joy, Joy, Ever-New Joy!”
My favorite thing he ever said to me......
"Don't stand out, just be outstanding."
He lived what he spoke!
Beloved Brother!
You have always been such a loving inspiration to all of us!
I first met you at the very first Spanish Convocation at the Biltmore Hotel in 1979. I will always remember your sweet presence and the love you shared with the Spanish-speaking devotees.
Your inspiring lectures, kind counsel, and loving heart have been a beautiful reflection of Master's divine love.
You will be dearly missed and forever remembered with much love and gratitude.
Jose Gallardo
It’s clear in reading the comments that anyone who ever heard Brother Santoshananda recite Master’s affirmation “Peace like a river….” whether on a Minister Sunday at a Temple or only once in a lecture hall in any corner of the world, knew he KNEW what he was talking about—and wanted that same experience for ourself. I’m touched by how that shared experience not only keeps him alive in our hearts, but unites us as a spiritual family and demonstrates through his life that Peace is also the father of Joy and Happiness. We are all made better for knowing him.
While working at the Lake Shrine, I had the great honor of getting to know and spending time with Brother Santoshananda. We would often meet on Saturday mornings in the Lake office, where I assisted Brotherji with various tasks. Over time, what began as service grew into a treasured friendship.
Brotherji's smile, wisdom, and reassuring calm counsel helped me tremendously as I navigated the spiritual path, and his guidance continues to inspire and support me to this day. I am deeply grateful for the profound impact he has had on my life.
God bless you, Brotherji.
My first contact with SRF was in Encinitas where I was fortunate enough to meet Brother Santoshananda. Impossible to forget, I still remember his warm smile when he welcomed me and showed interest in me. I was in his blessed presence many more times, and when I returned to my country I met him again and I enjoyed his inspiring messages . Memories keep coming back. Thank you, Brother, for your life, your dedication and service, and joy. Until we meet again, may God and Gurudeva embrace you.
God Bless your beautiful soul. Om Shanti. Om Krishna Gurus.
Miss you Brother, loved our time together at the Fullerton Temple. God rest your soul in master's eternal loving arms ❤️
Sending love and gratitude to Brother Santoshananda for his countless years of service to Guruji’s work in uplifting humanity. Prayers to you on your next mission. Jai Guru!
I never formally met Brother Santoshananda, but remembered sitting in the Encinitas Temple on retreat in the 1990s after I had first entered this blessed path. I was sitting by the aisle with closed eyes and distinctly felt what can only be described as a presence of joy wrapped in love passed by me. When I opened my eyes to see who or what had passed, it was Brother Santoshananda.
I will never ever forget the sublimity of that moment!
Wishing him all the love as he makes his transition into the realm of light and joy.
Thank you for your service Brother.
Jai Guru.
Dear Brother Santoshananda, you gave me the great blessing of Kriya yoga- initiation...I wish you a lightful way with Master and the Great One in the Astral World
In Love
When I joined SRF as an Encinitas teenager in 1983, Brother was the minister at Sunday service almost every week. He seemed the epitome of his name Santosh, "complete contentment". As a young person without SRF contacts in San Diego for my first 6 months in Encinitas, Brother was the ideal antidote to counteract the seriously drastic change in my lifestyle. At a time when I thought the lyrics to our chant were "Die Guru Die", Brother's laid back and humorous personality reminded me to laugh at myself and not to take my ignorance too much to heart. Thank you Brother!
Sending love, gratitude, and prayers for Brother Santoshananda and his 68 years of joyous service. Thank you for a life that inspired all who crossed his path. May he rest in divine light and bliss.
The Phoenix Temple was honored to have Brother Santoshananda as our head monastic for a number of years around 2000. His ever-present smile brought so much joy! He did make it clear he preferred cooler weather, though - and joked that Phoenix is the only place that near-boiling water comes out of a hose! On a few occasions he was able to join a group of teens on skiing trips, when he also spoke to the devotees of the White Mountain meditation group. His skiing
Such a shining soul--we were so blessed to have him with us. We recall the time he was explaining where to do the Energization Exercises. He said "Best to do it outdoors or in front of a window" ...Then a short pause...then he added "An Open Window!".
Brother Santoshananda was so effective in the satsangs he gave at the Convocation. Both wisdom and humour flowed from him.He visited London Centre and was so appreciative of little things. Was trying to see if we have any of his satsangs on you tube,couldn't locate any ,however he will be deeply remembered by all who came in contact with him.Brother must be resting in in Master after decades of selfless service.
About 25 years ago I ran into Bro. Santoshananda at Target in Encinitas and he mentioned he was buying gifts for the Monks Christmas party. We chit chatted a bit and as I ended up ahead in the same check out line I asked the cashier to pay for his items and handed her my credit card. She was totally into it and a quick study so as he got ready to pay she says "all free today!" The look of bewilderment on Brother's face was priceless! As he was leaving the store, with a twinkle in his eyes he came up to me and exclaimed; “I Guess there REALLY IS a Santa Claus! “
delightful story. thank you for your kindness and generosity to Brother❤️ who was full of joy at Christmas and always.
Que descanse en paz y que este reunido con nuestro amado Guru Paramahansa Yogananda!
Brother performed our marriage ceremony at Encinitas 43years ago. His constant sweet smile and calm joy uplifted our lives. We are happy for his freedom but will miss him dearly.
Our dear Brother was a traveler, and somehow his journeys often crossed with my own. He visited Miami Beach in the 1980s, and later I heard him speak at Cranbrook, Michigan, where Oliver Black was among those in attendance.
Years later, I would see him quietly reading the newspaper upon the high rocks overlooking Swami’s Beach, a beautiful and peaceful image that remains with me.
And now, his journey continues into the astral plane. A traveler in this world and beyond.
Safe journeys, dear Brother. Your travel are filled with light.
Pranams Brother Santoshananda, a beautiful soul. My husband and I enjoyed him, many years ago, as our head Monastic at the Phoenix Temple.
We cannot forget the beautiful smile, and joyous spirit that he had. I cannot think of ever seeing him without that beautiful smile, and joyous spirit. Thank you Brother for many years of loving service.
We went riding on my Harley Davidson together all over north Phoenix and he was a lot of fun
He knew how to have a good time and he loved cycling
Dear Blessed Gentle Soul, may God and Gurus bless your Soul's return to the Infinite. Brother Santoshananda initiated me into Kriya Yoga ~ Guruji's Infinite Grace flowed through his gentle kind and devotional presence, an experience I could never forget... His warmth and loving kindness shine like joy in the heart. Thank you Brotherji for the blessing of your life and service to God and Gurus, and to us all. Thank you for all that you gave to us... and for your many years of loving service to our precious Gurus
This year I thought I'd like to see and hear Brother Santoshananda's talks again.
Soon after this I was walking on Mt. Washington. It was hot. I saw this elderly gentleman walking in front of me. As I passed I said hello. Lo and behold! There were those twinkling eyes and radiant smile coming from our beautiful Brother Santoshananda.
I hurried back to my car and got a bottle of water to take back to him. When offered it he said , with eyes aglow & the sweetest voice , "No thank you divine mother."
He's in Master and Divine Mother's embrace.
My first time is Encinitas Bro. was giving the service. At that time my English was very bad, but the way he spoke it made me feel welcome with his humor. Thank you Brother for all the years at Convocation and the love for Master.
Rest in Master's Arms
Querido Hermano Santoshananda. Guardo muchos bellos recuerdos de su visita al Templo de Buenos Aires, y sus anécdotas que no olvidaré nunca:- Cuando habló sobre el Karma y relató su experiencia en un aeropuerto donde al ponerse en fila para abordar pensaba en su buen karma, pero en ese momento alguien fumando se le adelantó y siguió con su mal karma. Todos los devotos nos reímos de sus ocurrencias... Om Jai Guru.
What remains as the most vived remembrance of Brotherji’s presence and service on the occasions I was able to participate in the early eighties, was this utter contentment he was able to express with his radiant smile in all he said and did. The lasting impression he made in my heart was that of a human being that had managed to become a smile trillionaire, which in my opinion is close to a miraculous performance in this world! What a victorious life campain Brother Santoshananda must have delivered in the sacred hands of our Master. Jai Guruji! Jai Ma!
Love and gratitude for Brothers Service and God's and Guruji's Blessing to him
The first words I ever heard from an SRF monk were ‘Peace like a river flows in me.’ and that monk was Brother at the Encinitas Temple.
A story: when the Desert War was happening in the 1990’s I took a vow that I would not eat until it was over. After three days I had food. I felt so bad that I called Encinitas Ashram to speak with someone. Brother answered and after I explained my distress, he said, “fantastic. The war must be over then.” Great sense of humor and positive thinking. Thank you Brother. Jai Guru.
I had the privilege of driving Brotherji around Seattle when he came up for yoga fair to represent SRF/YSS. He had a full display of SRF literature, But very few people seemed interested. They were interested in hatha yoga mostly. So he started doing EE’s in front of the display to attract people. We laughed a lot as he told me stories while driving him around. It was a real joy and blessing. I send you love and joy Brotherji!
That's lovely. Thank you, Steven, for this remembrance.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Self-Realization Fellowship family on the passing of Brother Santoshananda. What a remarkable life of devotion and service to God and Guru. May his many decades of faithful service and the countless lives he touched remain a lasting blessing and inspiration to us all. Jai Guru.
Querido Hermano Santoshananda!
Nunca olvidaré la hermosa ceremonia en la que recibí de Ud la iniciación en la bendita técnica de Kriya Yoga hace ya 30 años, durante una visita monástica aquí en Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Inspirador, amoroso, simpático, GRACIAS por siempre. OM PAZ AMÉN
I vividly remember a monastic visit in Rio, Brazil, where Brother Santoshananda made a inspiring lecture abour Jesus'Sermon on the Mount. So inspiring!
Hace muchos años, estuvo en Madrid en la convención anual que se realiza en España. El último dia, al terminar la sesión, se puso a impartir bendiciones personales a todos aquellos participantes que lo desearamos. Me acerque a él con total devoción, convencida de que a través de ese santo templo, mi amado Guru Paramahansa Yogananda me haria llegar su bendición y la experiencia que obtuve fué maravillosa y duró varios dias. Por eso siempre le he tenido un cariño muy especial. Buen viaje de regreso a casa
Oh, how we’ll miss your smile, the twinkle in your eyes and the joy that radiated from your being. Thank you for your decades of loving service to Master’s sacred work and his spiritual family. Rest in peace, and in the arms of the Divine, dear Brother Santoshananda.
With Love & Gratitude,
Lynne
Jai Guruji, Jai Brother Santoshanandaji... honored!
I was missing the joy he emanated and wondering where he was in his retirement. My friend and I were at the grotto at Lake Shrine when someone said “excuse me” to get by. After he passed me, I realized it was Brother. Master gave me a glimpse and answered all my questions. I loved the story of Turiananda coming to check the troops on a motorcycle - such an amazing story. His homecoming celebration has just begun! Jai Guru
QUERIDO HERMANO SANTOSHANANDA, AUN RECUERDO COMO SI FUERA AYER, CUANDO EN 1996 EN CHILE, ME INICIASTES EN LA SAGRADA CIENCIA DE KRIYA YOGA. SIEMPRE TE HE RECORDADO POR AQUELLA DIVINA Y MARAVILLOSA CEREMONIA.
HOY, NUESTRO AMADO GURUDEVA, TE HA LLAMADO A SU LADO. DISFRUTA JUNTO A ÉL, A LOS PARANGURUS, AL PADRE CELESTIAL Y LA MADRE DIVINA, TU NUEVA ETAPA EVOLUTIVA EN EL REINO DE LA DICHA DIVINA.
UN FUERTE ABRAZO A LA DISTANCIA.
OM, PAZ, AMEN.
In the bible, Jesus said, that the true teacher would be recognized by his fruits. After having read Autobiographie of a yogi, Brother`s words prepared the soil, in which the seed of my spiritual growth took root. I became a devotee of our beloved guru paramahansa yogananda and was initiated in krya yoga in 1993. Love and gratitude to beloved brother santoshananda, who now has attained final union with our creator . OM, SHANTI
Thank you, dear brother Santoshananda for your living example of being a wonderful channel of gogs`s love, widom, peace and divine joy. May god bless you forever.
Such a beautiful Soul, a surfer on Divine Joyful Waters. Ever quick with a smile and a joke. Performed all his duties with such a genuine sense of Love for God and Love for Guru. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this news of Brother Santhoshanandaji! I knew him only through a few talks I heard him give at Convocations. I greatly enjoyed his divine personality and the analogy he used of a sailboat - to fill our sails with the wind of devotion to speed our way-back to God. Now, I suppose he's sailing in the cosmic sea of bliss! Au revoir, and Joyous sailing, Frère Santoshananda! Que Dieu et Guruji et tous les Maîtres vous benissent on your return to the heavenly abode!
Brother was very kind , serviceful Humble and loving He helped me a lot and I will be always thankkfuul for his wise counsels He will be always in my heart and of many devotees of our group.
May Master joyously receive you and take you ‘all the way’. Thank you for giving your life to this blessed work. Jai Guru, Jai Ma!
Love and Blessings to your journey in heavens❤️
Recuerdo con mucho amor cuando nos visitó en Mar del Plata...nos brindó tan genetosamente su presencia, nos contó su historia deportiv previa a ser monje y emocionó con toda su inspiración. Gracias por tu Amor, Hermsno! Buen Visje! Te llevamos en el corazón.
Br Santoshananda is joy joy ever new joy .Such a divine smile when he greets you.
I was blessed to receive many counseling sessions from Brother when I was on retreat as sacred Lake Shrine. I am ever grateful for the wisdom, inspiration, and love of God and Guruji that was ever present in him. His sweet and joyful nature automatically uplifted you in spirit, as he turned your mind to God and Guru. Sending him divine love and goodwill as he journeys home into the arms of omnipresence, welcomed by our sacred lineage.
Oh my, sad to hear of Brothers passing. So blessed to have him in Encinitas. So many beautiful memories listening to his messages of love and humor. Remember when he was sent to Phoenix and he didn’t seem thrilled because of the heat there. It might melt his chocolate which he was fond of. Love to you Brother
Dearest Brother Santoshananda, With eternal gratitude we remember You in our hearts and prayers for all your beautiful, enthusiastic, loving encouragements and for bringing us all God's and Guruji's Joy, here in London, and wherever you were, and at the many Convocations where you gave such beautiful talks, and at Lake Shrine, where we last saw you a few years ago, shining radiantly, filled with God and Guruji's light, and where you warmly took our hands in yours. Thank you for your amazing selfless service. May you live on in Eternal Joy and Bliss at our beloved Guru's lotus feet.
Thank you for everything you did for my husband and me, we love you so much, you are always in our hearts, now you have coming home, God bless you
My heart is so full w so many stories from the past! I met Brother in 1974 when I came to work in the Hollywood Temple Garden. As many we all spents hours in volunteering. At that time brother resided in the little room off the Temple. Saw him almost everyday, for around 5 yrs. Then through many years since e. He was so joyful, his Swiss French accent endearing! Would often see him going to the kitchen at lunchtime, “where r you going Brother?, h replied, the goody box. So inspirational he would lift every conversation to Guruji! Much love so much love!!
Beloved Brother I am happy to know that you have transitioned into Bliss and the Divine Light. I have known you since
1960 and while happy for you I will miss you dearly. Times with you, at the Lake Shrine, with Brahmachari Adolf and Brother
Turiyananda are dear to my heart. You have been a good friend and inspiration all these years.
Blessed to have experienced his wisdom and wit. He was of service to many.
Love, Light and peace eternal.
Que o Irmão se dissolva na luz amorosa da Mãe Divina!! Gratidão pelo lindo serviço ao Mestre!
Dear Brother Santoshananda,
Now you are Immortally Content.
My prayers to the great brother
We were so fortunate to have Br. Santoshananda at the Encinitas temple for some time. I believe it was in ‘90’s and I had just moved back to Encinitas after being gone 12 years. It was a special time for me and I felt so fortunate to attend services again in Encinitas. His smile could lit up a stadium and his services were always so inspiring. I was so sad when he had to leave to go to a different temple and I missed his joyous smile. I am so happy that he is back with God. Thank you Brother for all your kindness and hard work for Master.
What a beautiful and great soul. I remember when he came to Santiago, Chile for a monastic visit—it was the end of his tour. We came to our home in Pucón for a few days of rest and climbed the Villarrica volcano. Brother was very athletic; even though we were younger, he climbed faster, doing energization exercises along the way—always with a smile
Every time I met Brother Santhoshanana
at convocation or in Encinitas or New York
I felt that he was a loving, fun filled embodiment and manifestation of Guruji's words
'" A Tiny Bubble of Laughter I Am
Become The Sea Of Mirth Itself"
Thank you, Brother Santoshanandaji, for your wonderful warmth and humor, and for so beautifully embodying Guruji's teachings. My wife and I are sending you our prayers and love. Jai Guru!
I was a new student from Florida when I attended brother Santoshananda’s visit to Atlanta in the early 2000s. We chanted Om for an extended period. It cracked open my heart that Master had been and was my Guru. I wept and wailed with unfathomable gratitude for 4 hours of the drive home. Forever loving Brother for being Masters emissary.
May he rest in the divine light and bliss, and may his loving spirit and joyful service continue to inspire us all.
Amados irmãos Santo Ananda irmã Iswara somos um único corpo espirito amor alegria meu sentimento é convosco eternamente em todos vós amém assim É assim seja amém Senhor.
Thank you Brotherji for Inspiration over so many years. God and Guru love you. Sending you love and light.
Om…….
I only knew Brother through a few talks while attending Convocations, but he was immediately unforgettable with his radiant smile and joyful presence. Thinking of him now is actually uplifting my heart - God Bless you Brother. He is a true example of what it means to be a "A Smile Millionaire".
Dear Brother Santoshananda conducted my first Kriya Initiation 1980 in Cologne. To me he always spread divine bliss. We will miss him here but pray for his journey to the divine realms.
So many beautiful comments for our Dear Brotherji
I, too, am enjoying reading all these sweet remembrances, filled with gratitude and love for Brother Santoshananda. He touched so many lives, some with just his smile alone.
I’ll never forget a story he told us during the 1994 Convocation. It was about a nurse who had to turn a patient over every hour to prevent bed sores. He felt unwilling and saw it as a burden. But then he imagined that he was not turning the patient over, but Jesus, and his entire attitude changed. He danced with joy and could hardly wait to go back into the patient’s room to lift him up again. I felt the truth of his words in my heart. Santoshanandaji is the embodiment of bliss and Christ love. Om - Christ - Gurus
Thank you so much Brother for bringing so much joy and humor to Convocations. We love you dearly and know you are home with Gurudeva and all his SRF angels. ❤️
My husband and I visited the Phoenix Temple when Brother Santoshananda was the minister in charge. At the end of the Sunday service, he said, “We will now have the closing chant” but the organist didn’t start playing. He repeated, “We will now have the closing chant.” Silence. Then he looked up into the balcony where the organ was located and said, “Is someone in samadhi?” We quickly got a closing chant, with much laughter and smiles.
That is so sweet, TFS. I am always awe with monks who are enjoying their life and showing us to be happy from soul not from materialistic world. Hard lesson to learn on this earth, in this physical body.
Yes, happy to share. Our spiritual leaders have such good senses of humor.
Aum Shanti!
God bless
Brother was minister when I first came to Encinitas… He was so loving and sweet and funny! His beautiful smile, so encouraging., helped us to be more at ease on our spiritual journey….
What a beautiful and delightful soul, like Master, gently loving us, nudging us onward and upward with his kindness and joy.
I was, we were, so blessed by him.
And now , I can only imagine he is home, full of mirth in heaven’s Joy…
Of all the Brothers who hadn't known Master in the flesh this time around*, along with Brothers Premamoy and Bhavananda sweet, saintly Santoshananda most impressed me. He treated me with Divine Love. It was a blessing to know him. I'm sure he is now happily with Sri Yukteswar on Hiranyaloka giving all there his million dollar smile. *As blessed Bro. Anandamoy always said with a chuckle: "If I am a 'direct' disciple does that make you an 'indirect' one?!"
It was an honor to be in Encinitas with Brother Santoshananda as our minister. He was so joyous! Pure, wise, loving. Bless you Brother!
I remember him always saying in his lectures “ Peace like a river flows through me “…
Now he is in the deepest and Joyous Peace.
We will miss his smiling face.
As a child of God he is enjoying his real life now! With him/ her
Brother Santoshananda, such a beautiful soul, with so much joy.
He conducted the wedding ceremony fot my late husband and me in 2007. It was so special and joyous. A great privilege and many thanks to have met such a beautiful soul. Jai Guru dear Brotherji!
Awe…thank you for sharing that, Mieneke. What a joyous wedding that would have been!
The blessed London trip, couriering excess luggage to Germany, our son calling family to get addresses, communicating, your pleased sweet appreciation, the last Convocation talk, taking notes, sitting together on the Lake Shrine steps, quietly with Master, photos with Premamoyji and Anandamoyji, Now with Master Smiling Again That Million Watt Smile!! Thank you!! Jai Guru!
Remembering showing Brother Santoshananda and Brother Kripananda around Battle and the grounds where William the Conquerer defeated King Harold. My husband and I along with another dear devotee were very blessed to have the opportunity to do this. Afterwards sharing a pot of tea in the aptly named ‘Monks’ cafe. Jai Guru!
When I first was starting the lessons I attended weekend mini classes at the Hollywood temple given by Bro. Bhaktananda. Then "bramachari" Santoshananda, demonstrated the energization exercises for us.
I loved his story about riding his motorcycle on the autoban. He would get up to speed, close his eyes, and chant Om...
The embodiment of bliss :)
Buen viaje, al Hogar Celestial querido Bro Santoshananda. Nuestro Dios, amado Guru y todos los hermanos que le antecedieron; lo esperan con Amor, allí en Luz Divina para siempre***
I have so many fond memories of Brotherji from the trips that my late husband (Eugenio Ruiz) and I took to South America to assist with translation and Kriya. Our trip to Cuba in 1998 was very special and Brother was so sweet, compassionate and loving with the Cuban devotees. He went above and beyond to accomodate their needs and requests.
Receive our love and gratitude dear Brotherji!
A beautiful soul who will be in the hearts and memories of all those who met him. I will never forget his sweet smile and great sense of humor. May Master and Divine Mother receive Brotherji in love and bliss.
Agree.
May God and Guru be with Brother in his ascension journey. Thank you Brother for serving Guruji loyally and truthfully. Jai Guru
Many pranams. And thankyou for your inspiring life.
I was blessed to be present at a Convocation meditation Brother Santoshananda led many years ago at the Biltmore Hotel. He was trying to play a chant on the harmonium and was just not getting it right. After a few missed tries, he said, "there's something wrong with this harmonium." We all roared with laughter. Enjoy your spiritual pension, Brotherji.
I too was at that meditation at the Biltmore hotel when Brother blamed the harmonium!!
It was such a joyful moment and one I will always remember!!
Guruji Paramhansa Yogananda received the brother Santoshananda in his arms in heaven. Om Shanti peace Om.
Brother Santoshananda came into the Lake Shrine Visitor Center a couple times, just a few years ago, seeking gift items for others. He was so humble and radiant, an example of divine contentment. One of "Master's little boys."
Love and Light and peace eternal .
Om Shanti
Thank you Brother for all your wisdom and counsel all these years!!
What a beautiful soul and special minister he was. He had a sweet love for God and a delightful sense of humor .
He prayed for a family situation I was having years ago.. I prayed too and suddenly the trouble lifted. I know Brothers prayers were much of that blessing. Thank you
and God bless you Brother Santoshananda for your lifetime of love and service to Master and all his devotee’s.
My pronams to brother Santhoshanandaji. We at LGC in 2008 had the blessings to meet and check my Kriya.
As the name given to brother, he was the embodiment of happiness. Always smiling and compassionate and kind soul. We will miss brother. But you are a in a better place, so wish you are in bliss now not just happiness.
I took my first kriya initiation from Bro. Santoshananda back in 1987 in Buenos Aires, Argentina and again from him in 1994 in Auckland, New Zealand. I always enjoyed his lectures and the funny way he had to explain complex subjects. Always smiling!! Last time I saw him at a distance was before the fires at Lake Shrine. I definitely will miss him.
Brother Santoshanamda gave my husband and I Kriya in 2001, just after 9/11 happened. It was a rather tense time, but our ceremony was beautiful. Fortunately, he and Brother Tayagananda were able to travel to the New York City Centre afterwards to help the devotees there.
Brother will be so missed! I will never forget a concert we did on the Lake Shrine grounds which he attended. And we played "the Swan" and the Swans of the Lake Shrine swam right up to us and I felt that it was Brother they were coming to. I know it must've been.
Brother Santoshananda was Master's channel to give my husband and I our first Kriya initiation in Detroit on May 18, 1985. What a joyous soul he is! I will never forget him. It was always so much fun to listen to him. Always with a deeper meaning in the fun stories. Peace, love and joy to you, Brother Santoshananda! Jai Guru!
Oh, we will also very much miss him. I was able to speak with him over the past years many times at Lake Shrine while volunteering and visiting. My wife and I lovingly always referred to him as the little Buddha. We know he is with master and sending his love and peace to all of us. We always remember his kind words, his gentleness and his ever glowing smile.
Thank you Brother for bringing the joy of God into my life! I'm so happy for you that you're finally home with our blessed Guru!
Thank you, Brother Santoshananda, for your peace and wisdom shared during various Convocation lectures and your love that effortlessly poured out in blessings to us all. Your joyful smile of Divine Mother's Love will forever be remembered. JAI JAI GURU ✨️
Dearest Brother Santoshananda, thank you for helping to lead me onward and upward on the path of Self-Realization. You will always have a special place in my heart and my memory. Wishing you joy eternal in the loving arms of our Mother and Father!
Cherished memories and gratitude for dear Brother Santoshananda who bestowed my Kriya initiation, and sweetly blessed my baby grandson whose 28th birthday it is today. Peace and joy to you,
Brother Santoshananda had initiated me into Kriya Yoga in 1990 Convocation and when he touched my third Eye, I woke up into my deep spiritual awakening. May Gods and Gurus help his Soul to merge it to Divine Light, Jai Guru
Blessings to you Brother, our Divine Guru awaits you
Very wonderful comments from those who interrelated with you Brother.❤️
God Bless your beautiful soul. You are surrounded in His light eternal. So grateful to have witnessed him on Earth.
So many great memories of the ever joyful Brotherji. In the early 1980s, along with Brother Turiyananda and Brother Andamoy - the Swiss Army! Last year I think it was at Convocation, we reminisced about his visits to Texas. Once he said that while Switzerland seems smaller than Texas, if you would push down on the Alps, it might be even bigger that Texas.
Sri Santoshananda came to Boston back in the ‘80s-90s and gave us a glimpse of what our lives could be like with a little more devotion, a little more discipline, and a little more love. His smile was joyous and seemed to permeate the atmosphere. He was a wonderful inspiration.
Always remember him at the Encinitas temple and for some reason recall his pronunciation of hippopoTAmus.
Loved his talks, God bless him.
I was at Encinitas temple as well and I remember that too! He was such a joy to have with us and such a wonderful sense of humor he had!
Agreed, there was such a great array of SRF talent there then, with Brothers Ramananda and Santoshananda and Bramachari Glenn (Brother Savanande). It was magic.
Brother Santoshananda was pure love. It was so heartwarming how he would take your hands and smile and you could feel the joy and kindness emanating from him. I would always look for him and can remember seeing him in the break room at convocation at Lake Shrine and you could feel his presence as sweetness. I'm sure he is in the light and enjoying his reward for so many years of service to Master. Wishing you peace and joy eternal, Brother. Josh
How I too, remember him. When everyone else was so harsh and criticizing, he instead was kind and understanding. He knew the key to everyone’s heart.
I first heard Brother speak at the 1983 Convocation at the Biltmore Hotel. He was an absolute delight to listen to! I lived in Encinitas in the 1990's where he was the minister in charge for a number of years. We were all getting ready for the annual Halloween show, and I had my mini-camper parked on the grounds. I told him I had been planning to live in it for a while but then got married, and he said, "Oh, I see. You were going to be a wandering Sadhu." :-D
He always had a smile, and it lifted my spirits just to be around him.
Now he is going to make the Astral residents laugh.
Love and Light and peace eternal.
Thank you Brother for your years and years of devotion and love.
Another beautiful soul joins his brothers in the astral realm. I can just imagine the reunion between Brother Santoshananda and Brother Turiyananda. Great joy!
I remember you well Br. Santoshananda. A very joyous soul indeed.
We have missed you. However, we know you are in a good place
I am grateful having met him, he has given us courage, strength, enthusiasm, love for God and Guru
I've been to the mother center what an amazing place to transition from God speed
Oh what a lovely and cheerful soul with such enthusiasm to help and cheer one up,
I can imagine Master and Brother Turyinanda welcoming him into the astral home.
Gratitude that we knew him and his counseling..
In appreciation for his spirit
Sara and Allen Smith
Loved Brother!
Great convocation experiences featuring his beautiful soul and sense of humor!!!
No way to turn that smile off or even to turn it down but why would you!
Safe in Master's Arms.