Self Realization Fellowship | Final Update

We invite you to follow Brother Chidananda, president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (SRF/YSS), on his current travels throughout Paramahansa Yogananda’s beloved homeland, as he visits the ashrams and centers of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (the name by which Paramahansaji’s work is known there) and participates in several one-day spiritual programs being conducted by YSS in various locations.

Please enjoy this final installment of a photo essay of Brother Chidananda’s trip.

Departure From SRF International Headquarters

SRF monks shower Brother Chidananda with rose petals as he departs from the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles (the Mother Center).

SRF nuns honor Brother Chidananda's departure from the Mother Center.

Visiting Sydney, Australia

On his way to India, Brother Chidananda stopped in Sydney, Australia, and is shown here with SRF members and friends.

Brother Saralananda, from the SRF Mother Center, accompanied Brother Chidananda on his travels.

After conducting a satsanga, Brother Chidananda greeted each of those attending.

Arrival in India

Brother Chidananda arrived in Bengaluru (formerly called Bangalore) on January 28 to start his India tour, welcomed here by YSS monks and devotees at the Bengaluru airport.

Welcome at the YSS Dhyana Kendra in Bengaluru

On January 31, Brother Chidananda, visited the Yogoda Satsanga Dhyana Kendra (Meditation Center) in Bengaluru, where he received a warm welcome from YSS devotees.

Brother Chidananda offers a floral tribute and pranams at the altar in the main meditation hall.

Brother Chidananda addresses the gathering of devotees.

After the program, Brother Chidananda greeted the devotees, distributing prasad (blessed offerings) in an exchange of divine friendship.

Bengaluru Program

On February 2, Brother Chidananda met with many hundreds of YSS devotees and friends in a spirit of divine fellowship to share wisdom from the Kriya Yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, as part of a one-day spiritual program.

The all-day program began with Brother Chidananda lighting a ceremonial lamp.

Brother Chidananda greeting participants.

Brother Chidananda conducted a three-hour meditation accompanied by devotional chanting.

More than 1,500 were in attendance for the all-day event.

He also gave a satsanga, speaking inspiringly on how meditation serves as a pathway to inner transformation and spiritual growth,...

...and how meditation empowers one to live a life of purpose, peace, and joy.

During the program Brother Chidananda released the Kannada translation of Paramahansa Yogananda's "To Be Victorious in Life" and...

...the Malayalam translation of "Man's Eternal Quest."

Brother Saralananda gave prasad to devotees at the conclusion of the program.

Brother Chidananda is offered flowers as a token of love and gratitude of behalf of all the devotees.

Brother Chidananda greets devotees before his departure from Bengaluru.

YSS Chennai Ashram Visit

Brother Chidananda traveled to Chennai on February 6, and is greeted at the airport by YSS monastics and members.

Devotees welcome his arrival at the YSS Chennai Ashram.

Devotees assemble for the inauguration of a new reception area and bookshop.

Brother Chidananda conducts a prayer and...

...inaugurates the new facility.

Visit to the Chennai Dhyana Kendra

On February 8 Brother Chidananda visits the Chennai Kendra (Meditation Center) and is greeted by YSS devotees offering rose petals.

Brother Chidananda gives a satsanga to the many members gathered at the Chennai Kendra.

After the satsanga, Brother Chidananda gave prasad to devotees as they came forward.

Brother Chidananda also met with the renowned Indian actor Sri Rajinikanth, a devoted YSS devotee and Kriya Yoga practitioner of many years.

Brother Chidananda and Sri Rajinikanth had an inspiring discussion based on a mutual devotion to their Guru and his liberating path of Kriya Yoga.

Chennai Program

On Sunday, February 9 Brother Chidananda conducted a day-long program in Chennai with over 1,000 YSS members and friends, sharing wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings.

Brother Chidananda led a three-hour meditation.

The event concluded with a satsanga in which Brother Chidananda spoke on how meditation serves as a pathway to inner transformation and spiritual growth.

During the program, Brother Chidananda released the Tamil translation of Paramahansaji's "Metaphysical Meditations," and...

...the Tamil and Telagu translations of "The Holy Science" by Swami Sri Yukteswar.

Arrival at Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi

Brother Chidananda traveled to the YSS Ranchi Ashram on February 10, where he is greeted by YSS monastics and members.

He is garlanded here by senior YSS sannyasi, Swami Krishnananda.

Joyous devotees make floral offerings in welcome.

Brother Chidananda proceeded to the shrines associated with Paramahansaji’s life, including the Paramahansa Yogananda Smriti Mandir, and...

...the room in which Yoganandaji lived while he was in Ranchi.

Satsanga at Ranchi Ashram

On Sunday, February 16, Brother Chidananda addressed an audience of members and friends at the YSS Ranchi Ashram.

To open the event, Brother Chidananda showers the altar with rose petals.

Brother Chidananda spoke inspiringly on how Paramahansaji's teachings are uniquely suited to help lead a balanced and successful life in today’s world.

More than 800 were in attendance.

Brother Chidananda released the ebook edition of Paramahansaji's "Autobiography of a Yogi" in the Odia language.

Participants warmly express their gratitude as Brother Chidananda leaves the hall.

Other Events at the YSS Ranchi Ashram

Throughout his stay at the Ranchi Ashram, Brother Chidananda met with YSS devotees and is shown here speaking to members who serve at the YSS Dakshineswar Ashram (located near Kolkata).

Brother Chidananda would walk around the ashram grounds each evening, joined here by YSS monks.

Here he greets a group of devotees visiting from Colombia.

Brother Chidananda is welcomed to an event with YSS children and teens.

YSS youth enact a skit based on Paramahansaji's story "The Bad Man Who Was Preferred by God."

Brother Chidananda with YSS young devotees after a satsanga.

And here he poses with the volunteers for the youth program.

Brother Chidananda personally greeted participants afterwards.

Visit to Ahmedabad Dhyana Kendra

Following a ten-day stay at the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi, Brother Chidananda arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday, February 21.

YSS members joyously welcome Brother Chidananda and Brother Saralananda with floral offerings.

Brother Chidananda offers rose petals at the altar of the Ahmedabad Dhyana Kendra (Meditation Center).

Brother Chidananda addresses those gathered.

Brother Chidananda and Brother Saralananda with YSS devotees at Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad Program

On February 23, Brother Chidananda led events during a program in Ahmedabad.

Brother Chidananda greets participants coming from far and near.

During the event, Brother Chidananda led a three-hour livestreamed meditation (view video below).

About 1,000 YSS members and friends attended the one-day event.

Brother Chidananda then gave an inspiring talk about how meditation connects one to the source of infinite grace and power (view video below).

The livestreamed event was joined by thousands around the world.

During his talk, Brother Chidananda released the Gujarati translation of Paramahansa Yogananda's "The Divine Romance."

Brother Chidananda pranams to appreciative YSS devotees as he departs the hall.

Watch Brother Chidananda's Ahmedabad Satsanga: "Meditation: The Path to Divine Bliss and Abundance"

Join special long meditation with Brother Chidananda

Mahatma Gandhi's Ashram at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad

On February 24, Brother Chidananda visited the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, welcomed here by ashram director, Sri Atul Pandya.

Brother Chidananda, Brother Saralananda, and the accompanying YSS monks are given a tour of the ashram grounds.

Upon his return to India in 1935, Paramahansa Yogananda met Gandhiji at his Wardha Ashram and initiated him into Kriya Yoga. A detailed account of this meeting is recorded in Paramahansaji’s "Autobiography of a Yogi."

One of the rooms in which Gandhiji stayed, including some of the items he personally used.

In front of Vinoba-Mira Kutir, where Vinoba Bhave (who Gandhi hailed as an exemplar of his nonviolence movement) resided for several years.

Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Noida

Brother Chidananda next traveled to the YSS Noida Ashram where he gave a satsanga on February 27.

An audience of more than 1,500 YSS devotees and friends attended the event.

Brother Chidananda is greeted by YSS Vice-President, Swami Smaranananda.

Brother Chidananda spoke inspiringly on the topic “Awakening Our Divine Potential through Meditation.” (View the video of his talk below.)

In his talk, Brother Chidananda described how practicing meditation with faith, dedication, and regularity can help unlock a reservoir of infinite potential hidden within, guiding us towards the highest expression of our true selves.

Attendees express their gratitude as Brother Chidananda departs.

Watch Brother Chidananda's Noida Satsanga — "Awakening Our Divine Potential through Meditation"

Visit to Nepal

On March 1, Brother Chidananda and accompanying monastics visited Kathmandu, Nepal. This was the first visit in more than fifty years of a SRF/YSS president to this Himalayan nation, home to many YSS devotees and friends.

The devotees give Brother Chidananda a warm welcome.

Brother Saralananda conducts a group meditation before Brother Chidananda speaks.

Following the meditation, Brother Chidananda gave and inspirational talk on the Kriya Yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.

He also released the eBook edition of "Autobiography of a Yogi" in Nepali.

Brother Chidananda pranams in farewell at the conclusion of his talk. Among the hundreds who participated were SRF devotees who had traveled from other parts of the world to attend.

Brother Chidananda also visited the Kathmandu Dhyana Kendra (Meditation Center).

Brother Chidananda offers rose petals at the altar of the Dhyana Kendra.

Brother Chidananda begins the gathering with a prayer.

After words of inspiration, Brother Chidananda gives prasad to those attending.

Devotees bid farewell to Brother Chidananda at the conclusion of his visit.

Departure from India and Return to SRF International Headquarters

On March 6, Brother Chidananda departed Paramahansa Yogananda’s beloved homeland, saying farewell from the YSS Sakha Ashram at Noida, where he was showered with rose petals from YSS monastics and devotees.

Brother Chidananda shares final words of inspiration with the gathered devotees.

Arriving on March 6, Brother Chidananda is welcomed back to the SRF International Headquarters (the Mother Center) by SRF nuns and monks.

David

It is so rewarding to see the growth of Master's mission around the world.
Brother Chidananda continues the Divine expansion.

Marc

I am just a new member but I see this and feel like I am already part of a great spiritual family.

How blessed we are to have such a wonderful spiritual family. Jai Guru!

David broccoli

Brother Chidananda, remembering all your online SRF/YSS talks and meditations and how you have a wonderfull ability to take us deep into meditation. Jai Chidananda, JaiYogananda our Guru.

Ambarish Desai

Dear Brother Chidanandaji , We bow to you for your excellent leadership for our Guru’s work all over the world , We cheers your enthusiasm, we will wait for your upcoming visits to different parts of the world , since our world guru’s promised that Kriya yoga will be spread all over the world in each and every one’s home .

Renee Rolle-Whatley

It's so lovely to see the depth of the happiness and joyBrother Chidananda's visit brought to our Australian and Indian brothers and sisters. So grateful that the photos were shared with us. Blessings. Jai Guru!

Maria Guadalupe PALACIOS

Brother Chidananda ji , thanks you for Letme see those wonderfull places of our beloved India that made me feel I was there with you and with our beloved Guruji . My heart is FULL of Love and Joy . Thank you , Thank you , Thank you . Jai Guruji Jai

RAJAGURU S Madurai

Thanks for sharing the photos of Brother Chidananda's visit to India. Filled with joy and excitement. JaiGuru.

Mark Elliott

It's difficult to describe the wonderous feeling of beholding these exquisite... images of Brother in India!.. and the radiant faces of all in attendance... actually I feel like I'm being transported somewhere else ...to a higher level of existence in beholding them!.. what a blessing!... Pranam♥️...

Sharon

Such a joy to read the blog posts about Br chidananda’s visit to Sydney and India. While the world is in turmoil they bring a shining light of Master’s love and teachings into our lives. Heartfelt appreciation for the hope and peace radiated by their example and presence.

Jenny Morrell

Thank you for sharing all the wonderful photos, so inspiring to see so many beautiful souls in our World Wide SRF Family
We felt so blessed Brother Chidananda and Brother Saralananda stopped off in Australia on the way to India.
It was a divine experience to be in Brother Chidanand's presence and recieve his blessing
Thank you from a grateful Perth Devotee, Jai Guru!

Manisha Jenny Morrell

Jai Guru

Helen

When Br Chidananda gave darshan in Sydney, a great light of love and joy entered. For this I am eternally grateful. Gazing into Swamaji’s eyes was an unparalleled experience of entering into a portal of never ending, beckoning light . We are all so blessed . Thank you for being so personal, Br. Chidananda

Devi Surampudi

I just saw the pictures of Br. Chidananda and Br. Saralananda’s visit to Sydney, Australia and Blore, India
The photos are very beautiful. It gave me so much joy to know that more and more people are joining this great and wonderful path of our Gurudeva

Ruth

Dear Brothers Chidanandaji and Saralanandaji,
We were immeasurably blessed to receive darshan which will forever remain in our hearts Jai Guru
Ruth

Ram Appadoo

I'm more than grateful to belong to the SRF/yogoda..... family. I'm blessed with the teaching and the spirit of our Guru (s). Thank to the Brother Chidananda and Brother Saralananda and all those contributing to the work of the SRF. Very heartwarming to see the beautiful people at the event in the pictures.

Liliana

Thank you for sharing these inspiring photos and stories! So lovely to see our dear President and Indian devotees. We are truly part of an amazing spiritual family.

Mamta Agarwal

It was an amazing experience to meet Brothers. Their unconditional love and blessings left us with never ending joy.
Jai Guru
Mamta

Anonymous

It truly was a very special blessing for me personally for Brother Chidanandaji and Brother Saralanandaji to visit Sydney and grace us with God and Guru’s love, joy, light, and wisdom for truly that was what was expressed, radiated, and vibrated through into my heart, mind, and soul. It was truly overwhelming and an experience that I will cherish in my memory. We are so fortunate in this age of Dwapara Yuga to have regular “live streams” of Guru’s wisdom through the ether and screens into our hearts and homes. And yet, it was an extra special blessing to be graced with a darshan.

Robyn

I was sitting at my computer looking at all these amazing images, and realized I had a permanent smile of my face. Just feeling such joy, love and devotion emanating from them all. Jai Guru, Robyn.

CarolynRobyn

Me as well. I have that same smile even as I write this. Master would be pleased. Thanks for your comment, Robyn. Jai Guru :)

James Vogel

It is so heart warming and moving to see our Guru's teachings thriving in his home country India! Thank you for the very beautiful photos, and thank you Brother Chidananda reminding us where the sublime teachings (delineated by Master) of Yoga come from.
Jai Guru Jai !

christine céré

So much Joy for the presence of our president Brother Chidananda visiting India... India is a sacred soil, where for centuries and milleniums, great souls walked... My heart is deeply touched by the sweetness and purity of the expressions of the peoples, the monks and Br Chidananda and Saralananda - my heart rejoices for all those having the great opportunity to gather together in these sacred moments. As we know, space is a little thing for God, so my soul rejoices with you all.... blessings....

Surendran

My wife, Thanam and I were blessed tohav3 met Swami Chidanandaji at YSS Ranchi ashram by Guruji's grace. Swamiji held our hands and blessed us. We gave a little gift of love on behalf of Malaysian devotees. We never asked for appointment but we did seek Guruji help un our prayers. All well arranged by Guruji. Jai Guru

Trisha

I really loved the send off by the monks and nuns. It felt like a close family making the departure of their dear one very important

Farida S Irani

Thank you ever so much Pujya Brother Chidanandaji and Brother Saralanandaji for specially stopping by Sydney and blessing us all with your divine presence! Thank you also for blessing our new temple! We feel privileged and honoured!

Farida Irani

We devotees in Sydney were very privileged to have had the presence of Brother Chidanandaji and brother Saralanandji! We all were filled with such joy and bliss! The energy was vibrant! Brother even blessed our new centre and we all feel truly blessed! Thank you brothers for visiting us enroute to India!

Uma

-What bliss just to see these visual gatherings of our Dear Guru's devotees...Jai Guru.
Thank you for sharing.

Dee Conway

Hello Brother Chidananda and Brother Saralananda! Jai Guru!
Thank You for sending the lovely captures from your trip so far. What I see is incredible contentment, devotion, and a high vibration of ♥️ energy.
The colors there are stunning and the photographs Really show how gently powerful and important this path is.
Thank You for Everything you are doing to uplift the world and a big thanks for teaching me to do some as well. Have a wonderful remaining trip.
P.S. the shawl you are wearing is stunning. (If you have any room in your suitcase…)
:)
love, Dee

Carolyn Thomas

Thank you for this blessed experience. It makes me feel part of it all. Jai Guru! Pranam.

Steven Gary

I’m smiling from my heart with the love I feel from Brotherji and the devotee's hearts. Jai Guru

Manuel Hernández

Gracias a Dios y a Nuestro Gurú de ver como su mensaje de Luz y Amor sigue creciendo y siendo expandido por la presencia viva de Br. Chidananda...
Gracias por compartir...

mManuel Hernández

JAI GURU! Totalmente de acuerdo

Jan Keough

Forever blessed to see Master’s devotees from around the world.

Timmaris McDowell

Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photographs with us. It’s so inspiring and sweet.
I hope to be in his presence some day. This is the next best thing. Jai Guru

Donna Moser

Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos of Brother Chidananda and the wonderful photos of all the monks and nuns honoring him in such a beautiful way as he prepares for his trip. Such a wonderful example of love for Masters Devotee. Jai Guru Jai Guru

Nikolette Bellio

You can see the love and devotion the Indian devotees have in their beautiful faces, in their postures, in the beauty of the altars and gathering places! Thank you for sharing these photos! Jai Guru!

Damary Rodríguez

I love the devotion and holiness expressed by everyone. It’s is so beautiful and unique.
Jai Guru

Martin Madsen

Beautiful pictures full of joy! Thank you so much for sharing this first installment of photos. My wife and I look forward to upcoming updates. Jai Guru!