SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda Visits South America 2025

We invite you to follow Brother Chidananda, president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (SRF/YSS), on his recent travels visiting Buenos Aires in Argentina and São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This trip has special significance as Brother Chidananda is the first SRF/YSS president to travel to South America.

Accompanied by SRF Board member Brother Kamalananda, as well as Brother Ekananda, Brother Sakhyananda, and Brahmachari Anttoni, Brother Chidananda led meditations and gave satsangas in each city. These events were joyously received by SRF members who were enthusiastic to benefit from the encouragement and uplifting perspectives he shared on Paramahansaji’s timeless wisdom.

Please enjoy this updated photo essay of Brother Chidananda’s trip, including his final stops in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Brother Chidananda's first stop in South America was in Buenos Aires. On Friday, October 3rd, he visited the SRF Buenos Aires Center and met with the Managing Council and volunteers who serve there. The public events on Saturday and Sunday were held in a major venue in the city.

Friday — SRF Buenos Aires Center

Brother Chidananda is warmly greeted upon his arrival by devotees of the SRF Buenos Aires Meditation Center.

A senior devotee garlands Brother Chidananda, officially welcoming him to the Buenos Aires Center.

Group photo with Brother Chidananda at the Buenos Aires Center. To the right of Brother Chidananda are monks accompanying him on this visit: Brother Ekananda, Brother Kamalananda, Brother Sakhyananda, and Brahmachari Anttoni.

Saturday — Brother Chidananda Leads Meditation and Satsanga

Brother Chidananda’s satsanga in Buenos Aires on Saturday, October 4th, was attended by nearly 600 members from many countries in South America. A few members from the USA, Mexico, and even Europe participated as well. Earlier in the day, Brother Chidananda led a three-hour meditation attended by more than 400 members.

Brother Chidananda greets participants.

Brother Chidananda conducts a three-hour meditation.

The monks participated in kirtan chanting for the three-hour meditation led by Brother Chidananda.

After the meditation, Brother Chidananda led an inspiring satsanga, sharing the wisdom of Paramahansaji's teachings to a receptive audience.

Group shot of Brother Chidananda, the monks, and participants.

Brother Sakhyananda greets devotees after the program.

Members are happy to speak with Brother Kamalananda.

Sunday — Program With Other Monastics

On Sunday, October 5th, Brother Ekananda led a meditation followed by an inspirational service. Brother Kamalananda and Brother Sakhyananda joined in hosting SRF members and friends afterwards.

Brother Kamalananda, Brother Ekananda, and Brother Sakhyananda

Brother Ekananda leads a meditation.

Brother Kamalananda greets a devotee.

Brother Ekananda welcomes a member.

Brother Sakhyananda speaks with members.

Armação, Brazil

On his way from Buenos Aires to São Paulo, Brother Chidananda took a two-day break at the beautiful SRF Retreat in Armação in the south of Brazil. He took the opportunity to meet the Administrative Committee and many dedicated members who serve at the Retreat.

Brother Chidananda with the monks and volunteers

Brother Chidananda warmly greets participants.

Left to right: Brahmachari Rodrigo (who joined while visiting family in Brazil), Brother Sakhyananda, Brother Kamalananda, Brother Chidananda, Brother Ekananda, and Brahmachari Anttoni.

Brother Chidananda and the monks were given a tour of the beautiful Armação Retreat grounds by members of the administrative committee.

São Paulo, Brazil

Brother Chidananda next visited SRF members in São Paulo. On Friday, October 10, he met with the Managing Council and volunteers serving at the the SRF São Paulo Center. The public events on Saturday and Sunday were held in a major venue in the city.

Friday — SRF São Paulo Center

Brother Chidananda is welcomed by volunteers serving at the São Paulo Center. In the front row are monks from the SRF Mother Center who joined him on the tour (left to right): Brahmachari Anttoni, Brother Ekananda, Brother Sakhyananda, and Brother Kamalananda.

Group photo of Brother Chidananda with volunteers and monks at the São Paulo Meditation Center

Brother Chidananda greeted devotees in appreciation for their service to SRF and the São Paulo Center.

Saturday — Brother Chidananda Leads Meditation and Satsanga

On Saturday, October 11th, Brother Chidananda conducted a 3-hour meditation and satsanga in São Paulo.

The events were attended by around 750 devotees coming from 16 Brazilian states and 121 Brazilian cities, along with participants from the USA, Guatemala, Mexico, Sweden, UK, and India.

Brother Chidananda’s meditation was accompanied with kirtan chanting by São Paulo devotees.

After the meditation, Brother Chidananda led an inspiring satsanga on Paramahansaji’s teachings.

Brother Chidananda joyously released the Portuguese edition of Paramahansaji’s “Songs of the Soul.”

After Brother Chidananda’s satsanga, the bookroom was a popular destination for devotees eager for more of SRF’s inspirational material.

Brother Kamalananda greets members at the close of the program.

Participants are greeted by Brother Sakhyananda.

Sunday — Program With Monastics

The events on Sunday were conducted primarily by the monks accompanying Brother Chidananda on this trip, but Brother Chidananda opened the program with an unannounced "surprise" visit.

Brother Kamalananda leads kirtan chanting and meditation.

Brother Sakhyananda conducts a meditation followed by an inspirational service.

At the close of the program Brother Sakhyananda gives words of thanks and appreciation to all the volunteers and attendees.

Brother Ekananda joined in hosting SRF members and friends afterwards.

Brother Kamalananda greets a longtime member.

Some of the many joyous volunteers who served to make the weekend program a success

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brother Chidananda’s final stop in South America was Rio de Janeiro. On Tuesday, October 14, he met with volunteers serving at the the SRF Rio de Janeiro Center. Public events on Wednesday were held in a major venue in the city.

Tuesday — SRF Rio de Janeiro Center

Brother Chidananda is warmly greeted upon his arrival by devotees serving at the Rio de Janeiro Center.

Brother Chidananda is joined by SRF monks from the Mother Center: Brother Sakhyananda, Brother Kamalananda, Brahmachari Anttoni, and Brother Ekananda.

Brother Chidananda enjoys the beautiful setting of the Rio de Janeiro Center.

Brother Chidananda speaks words of appreciation to volunteers serving at the Rio de Janeiro Center.

Brother Chidananda personally greets volunteers who serve at the Rio de Janeiro Center.

Wednesday — Brother Chidananda Leads Meditation and Satsanga

On Wednesday, October 15th, Brother Chidananda conducted a meditation followed by a satsanga in Rio de Janeiro, attended by nearly 400 devotees.

Brother Chidananda welcomes the participants, many coming from long distances to attend.

The hall is filled with silence as Brother Chidananda conducts a meditation.

In a satsanga following the meditation, Brother Chidananda inspires the attendees with Paramahansaji’s wisdom.

SRF devotees throughout South America were grateful for this opportunity to spend time in divine fellowship with Brother Chidananda, and eagerly await the time when he may be able to return.

Janaki

Seeing Brother Chidananda’s tour photos I felt so happy that how the devotees felt joy by meditating with Chidanandaji

Greg Huebner

Wow! The groups of people look amazing! I'm so happy to be a part of this community! Jai guru! Love to all!

Rodrigo de Freitas

Só gratidão pela presença do irmão Chidananda ! Espero que volte logo ! Venha irmão Chidananda ! Venha o mais breve possível! Minhas reverências sinceras! Também aos irmaos que o acompanharam!

Rose Romero

Foi muito bom estar na presença do Brotheŕ e de todos ós monges e brahmacharis . E como eles nos olhavam com olhos de AMOR! Presentaço!!! JayGuru, Jay Ma¡!!

Joao Maurício Moreira

Brother Chidanandaji's visit to Brazil is a time to remember and cherish forever in our hearts. Please receive our most deep and sincere appreciation, Brotherji and dear monks, for your inspiring presence among us. God and Guru bless you always!

Érika Fraga

Impossible to put into words the infinite joy and blessings we received with the divine presence of our beloved Brother Chidanandaji and Brothers Kamalananda, Ekananda, Sakhyananda and Bramachari Anttoni in Rio! Sacred moments where the Guru's Presence and Divine Light expanded in our herats and our meditations! Eternal gratitude and divine love! Jai Guru, jai Ma!

Julia Scott

Thank you for providing pictures so we may share in the amazing journey to South America. This offering brought tears to my eyes and found my heart overflowing with love. I am so very grateful.

Cássio Cooke

These blessed days were truly unique for all of us.
The moments we shared in the company of the monks and Brother Chidananda at the Armação Retreat are forever etched in our hearts.
The Guru is always with us, as long as we are receptive to him. But during these days, this attention and receptivity reached a very high point, and therefore, our Master's presence never ceased to be tangible, strong, and constant, not even for a brief second, and we owe this to Brother Chidananda and our dear monks, to whom we are and will be eternally grateful.

Sharon Báez

Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures full of love and joy. I like the way they were presented. It was so easy to scroll through and concentrate on what the show.
Jai Gurú, Jai Ma!

Sandy Gray

Such a joy to see all the beautiful devotees in Master’s family in South America who waited so patiently for this blessed visit and who worked so hard to host our beloved Brother Chidananda and Brothers. My heart is full seeing our world wide family gathering together. Jai Guruji

Mauro

The visit of SRF's President, Brother Chidananda, is undoubtedly a landmark in the history of our Rio de Janeiro Meditation Center. Our hearts were uplifted in his Presence and the presence of all who came, Brothers Sakhyananda, Kamalananda, Ekananda, and Br. Antony. Gratitude! Jai Guru!

Carmem Machado

I am deeply grateful for the wonderful visit we received in Rio de Janeiro. Unforgettable moments with our beloved President, Brother Chidananda and the Divine monks, who accompanied him!
Jai Gurudeva!
Jai Ma!

Lisa Crowe

So wonderful to see all of the people from different places. Joy is on their faces. Wish I could be with all of them. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos Heartfelt love, peace & joy to everyone. Jai Guru.

David Broccoli

So very happy to see all devotees bathed in love. Thank you Brother Chitananda.

Gabriel Bento

in Rio de Janeiro was a wonderful moment to peace and love. thank for all for this satsang moment to search god in each pearson

ANNABELLA CABRAL

What a wonderful, beautiful and inspiring visit! Such happiness shines in all faces! It was indeed a blessing to those who were there and also to us who can feel through the photos the love and divine joy flowing from our revered President and all our dear monastics. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely pictures.
Jai Guru!

Jaqueline Fraga

Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy for these wonderful moments with Brother Chidanandaji and all the monastics who came together with our revered and loving Swami Chidanandaji. Come back again!! Jai Guruji!

Hemant Sharma

Jai Guru !
Gratitude to Brother Chidananda Ji , What a Global Service by him & it's not simply tour or travel rather it's attuned to Divine with his Wisdom talk & meditation service. His voice is enthusiasm to all & i can hear whenever him without his presence.Thansk for sharing these Divine Memories.

Yve

Immense gratitude for the many blessings. Jai Gurus!

Alicia Coulter

Al evocar el privilegio de recibir a nuestro querido Hno Chidanandaji y su comitiva , vuelvo a vivenciar el amor y gozo que trasmitió durante el evento. Ha sido una experiencia que quedó grabada en mí corazón y alma. Guruji en él estuvo envolviendonos con Su inconmensurable amor . Gracias, gracias , gracias por tantas bendiciones . Jai Guru Jai!

Carlos Herculano

Me and my wife, Kryiabans since 1996 (Br. Santoshananda), left Salvador (2.000 km away) wednesday morning just in time to meet our beloved president and monks at evening and returning next morning with our hearts filled with joy as our minds filled with wisdom. Blessed are all of us that had this rare chance to meet a SRF/ISS president in our own soil.

Regiane Queiroz

Only love, only joy !
It was a wonderful and inspiring weekend with Bro. Chidananda, the monks and our SRF fellow devotees. Gratitude for such divine moments in São Paulo!
Jai Guru ! Jai Ma !

Vincent Evelyn and Yogie (son named after P.Y.)

Thank you for the wonderful pictures! We are one!

Cristina Azevedo (Kitty)

It was so beautiful and inspiring!
Thank you all for giving us this amazing experience _/\_

Flavio Moura - Rio de Janeiro

the visit was so inspiring and uplifting that I only think when we will have a opportunity like this again.
Hope they could do more of this kind of visit.
I am really grateful for the event and the opportunity to serve (thank you Marcelo for this).

Vânia Santana

Gostaria de agradecer à SRF pela visita do nosso Amado Presidente Brother Chidananda e dos outros monges. Foi uma experiência maravilhosa que nos trouxe muita alegria e mais entusiasmo na jornada espiritual! Que Deus abençoe a todos nós!! JAI GURU!! JAI GURU!

Marilza Gomes

Gratidão eterna pelos momentos de inspiração divina vividos nessa visita dos amados Brother Chidananda e demais Monges que o acompanharam nessa visita à América do Sul. Saímos renovados e felizes com as bençãos recebidas! Jai Guru! Jai Má!

Rajaram Rangaswamy

Jai Guru. What a lovely sight to behold. Self Realization Fellowship connecting all humans around. I had the privilege to attend the meditation during Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri trip to Chennai, India. Inspiring. Completed recently the book on Rajarsi Janakananda - A Great Western Yogi - lot of "tear of joy" moments. What a sacrifice from our Premavtar and Rajarsi. We are all blessed.

Usha Bhat Wali

I am so inspired to see beautiful photos filled with vibration of President Swami Chidanandaji, monks & devotees. Thank you for sharing.

Flavia Barreto

It was such a marvelous and unforgettable event to have our beloved president, Brother Chidanandaji, with the monks in Brazil for the first time! Words and photos—no matter how beautiful—cannot express how joyous and blessed this visit was! We are deeply grateful for this unique opportunity.

Kamal Raj Rupakheti

I have heard in one of session Swami Chidananda said visit to Brazil needed.
Now Swamiji paid visit and blessed all devotees of South America.
Devotees must have enjoyed first visit of Swami Chidananda like Nepalese devotees who also had first chance of welcoming Swami Ji in Himalayan Country. God and Guru Bless Swami Ji Always.

Aritra

Thank You so much for sharing these beautiful moments! Jai Guru!

Leilani Lopes

Tears flow from my eyes as I behold Brother Chidananda and the beloved monastics of SRF in Brazil — the sacred soil where my soul first awakened to the light of my divine Guru, Paramahansaji.
How deeply I rejoice to see this blessed land touched by your holy presence.
Thank you, dear Brothers, for gracing South America — and my beloved Brazil — with the living radiance of divine love and Guru’s blessings.

Fernando Jerep

South America is still vibrating with love and gratitude. The grounds of the Armação Retreat was eternelly blessed by the footsteps of these great saints. Thank you Brother Chidanandaji, and all the monastics, for tirelessly embracing Master's family all around the World with the wisdom and love of our beloved Guru.

Carmen Silvia de G. Santos

I’m so greateful for having the opportunity to attend this life transforming event. Friday morning during the visit to our Center the vibration was very subtle and uplifting.. The event at the hotel was excellent.

Alfredo M. Enrique

Muchas gracias por la presencia del Hermano Chidananda y los monjes que lo acompañaron en estas tierras dando cumplimiento a la misión encomendada por Paramahansa Yoganandaji: que sus enseñanzas lleguen a cada rincón del planeta. Esta vez fue el fin del mundo. Que esta ocasión inaugure una nueva bienaventuranza para los actuales y próximos devotos de estos países.
Jai Gurú.

Flávia

What a joy to see Master’s presence in Brazil and Argentina through the visit of our revered president Brother Chidananda and monastics! Thank you for the wonderful pictures, which are really worth more than a thousand words to express the joy brought to all sincere seekers of this path, regardless of where they live.

Carlos Fernando Namur

To our beloved Brothers Chidananda, Kamalananda, Sakhyananda, Ekananda, and Anttoni —
our hearts overflow with gratitude and divine joy.
We, from São Paulo, remain deeply touched and blessed by your holy presence among us.
May your sacred journey continue to inspire souls around the world with the sweet and liberating message of our beloved Guruji, Paramahansa Yogananda.

Kaya Stasch

These photos bring tears of joy, feeling only a fraction of what the devotees must have experienced amidst these uplifting, shared vibrations of love. How wonderful for our South American spiritual brothers and sisters! Thank you SRF, for making this memorable tour possible.

Maeve Faiani

Our infinite gratitude for this blessed visit to Brazil, which brought the living presence of the Master through this Celestial Delegation that came to our country, led by our beloved president, Brother Chidanandaji. Jai Gurudeva!

Gurpreer

Br. Chidanandaji is where Joy is there. He is He is. He claims silently so eloquently. Angel of "Leagues of Angels " is he. Love.

Thierry Suard

What a Joy to See so many inspired faces, God Bless them all

Thais

Lovely! Thank you for these blessed moments. Jai Guru!

Míriam Sotério

Foi maravilhoso poder servir e meditar e conversar com o irmão Chidananda e os monges. Experiência única, um presente Divino. Jay Guru

Angie

God Bless this Journey and everybody involved.
Joy joy joy.
Jai Guru.

Claudia Soto

Hermosos momentos de divina confraternidad e inspiración espiritual vividos!
Gracias Hermano Chidananda y a todos los Hermanos que acompañaron esta hermosa e histórica visita

Carole Mayne

My heart is full of joy to see the devotees welcoming Brother Chidananda and the monastics. They brought the ‘portable paradise’ with them for a South American convocation!! Love to you all from Encinitas

anonymous

JAI GURU! JAI GURU! PRANAMS TO GOD< CHRIST< KRISHNA> BABAJI> LAHIRI MAHASAYA> SRI YUKTESWARJI> PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA!
What a thrilling, joyous event and momentous occasion - such blessings of peace and joy and such an upliftment for all of us, those in person and those of us perusing the photo essay - and for our whole world. Our blessed and beloved president Brother Chidanandaji and our dedicated and dear monks and all the devotees. Thanks eternal. AUM! AUM! AUM! JAI GURU! AUM GURU!

Teresa Jones

Thank you! Thank you! Such joy in these photos! So inspiring to see the sites that were visited. Master’s love holds us all together and makes the world feel full of love. Jai Guru! Jai Ma!

Fausto Oliveira

I will never forget this immense blessing! The two days with Brother Chidananda, Brother Kamalananda, Brother Sakhyananda, Brother Ekananda and Brahmachari Antony in São Paulo, Brazil, have made a definite difference. So much gratitude is in my heart.
No words can describe. Jai Guru! May GOD be with us always.

Grainne

So lovely to see and forever grateful for such beautiful souls ❤️

Lou Dubnow

What a blessing that so many members of our Spiritual family down south were able to experience this beautiful manifestation of Master's work! These pictures are charged with that divine energy. Thank you so much for posting!

Urvashi Sibal

It is so amazing to see Master's devotees all around the world joyously coming together in divine friendship in this satsanga with Swami Chidanandaji.

We hope that the Kriya Yoga teachings of our beloved Guru Paramahansa Yoganandaji spread to all lands — with the tireless efforts of our revered President and the monastics, our "league of angels," who are giving Divine Mother's love to all — transcending barriers of all kinds.

Marina Scavuzzo

It was a unique experience to meditate under Brotherji's guidance on Saturday. And a complete joy to listen and learn from his wisdom at the afternoon satsanga. Unforgettable! Thanks from my heart, so beloved Brother Chidananda!

Martin Madsen

The joy streams out of every photo! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures. Jai Guru!

Sara Schoenhorn

Thank you for sharing this beautiful visit of Brother Chidananda’s visit to South America.