Paramahansa Yogananda

1st Row-Jesus Christ, Lord Krishna, Mahavatar Babaji,

2nd Row- Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, Paramhansa Yogananda

Sri Daya Mata-President SRF

Lake Shrine, CA, USA

Ranchi Ashram, India

Samriti Mandir, Ranchi Ashram, India

Dhyan Mandir, Ranchi Ashram, India

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Everything else can wait,
but your search for GOD cannot wait..

-Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda

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O GOD BEAUTIFUL

O God beautiful,O God beautiful,
At Thy feet,O I do bow!
O God beautiful,O God beautiful,

In thy forest Thou are green,
In the mountain Thou are high,
In the river Thou are restless,
In the ocean.Thou are grave.

O God beautiful,O God beautiful
At Thy feet.O i do bow!
O God Beautiful,O God beautiful,

To the serviceful Thou are service,
To the lover Thou are love,
To the sorrowful Thou are sympathy,
To the yogi,Thou are bliss.

O God beautiful,O God beautiful.
At Thy feet,O I do bow!
O God beautiful,O God beautiful!


-- GURU NANAK
"Cosmic Chants"
by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yoganada
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WHEN THY SONG FLOWS THROUGH ME ,

Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda wrote: "I am awake in Spirit;
but whenever GOD commands me to act in His dreamland of creation,
I willingly undertake whatever comedy or tragedy or beautiful part He wants me to play.......

All are sweet;for I feel it is He who is playing through me during all my scenes
on the stage of this colossal dreamland."

- COSMIC CHANTS
By Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda
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Why Should We Seek God?

Why should we seek God? What is God? How can we find Him?

The first question can be answered very simply.
We should seek God because we are made in His image,
and only His perfection and permanency can give us lasting happiness.

Man was given a mind and a body with five senses
through which he perceives this finite world and identifies himself with it.

But man is neither the body nor the mind;
his nature is spirit, the immortal soul.

As often as he tries to find permanent happiness through his sensory perceptions,
so often his hopes, his enthusiasm, his desires, are shipwrecked
on the rocks of deep frustration and disappointment.

Everything in the material universe is essentially ephemeral and ever changing.
That which is subject to change carries within it the seeds of disappointment.
And so it is that our ship of worldly expectations sooner or later runs aground
on the shoals of disillusionment.

Therefore we should seek God, because
He is the fountainhead of all wisdom, all love, all bliss, all contentment.
God is the source of our being, the source of all life.
And we are made in his image.
When we will find Him, we will realize this truth.

If God is the goal of man, then what is He?
Every scripture, and every great soul who has ever spoken of his experience of God,
has declared certain qualities to be the nature of Spirit.
Still we cannot way what God is.
No man has ever been able to describe Him fully.

There is a story that an image made of salt went down to the shore
to measure the depths of the ocean.
The moment it stepped into water, it melted away.
The image could not measure the depths, for it had become one with the sea.

It is the same with man.
His very being consists of those same qualities that are of Spirit.
The moment his soul becomes identified with the Infinite Being,
he becomes one with God,and can no longer describe what God is.

But many saints have described
what one experiences when he communes with Spirit.

All scriptures state that God is peace, love wisdom, bliss.
All agree that God is cosmic intelligence, omniscient and omnipresent.
He is the Absolute.
He is the great cosmic sound of Aum, the Amen of the Christians.
He is cosmic light.
These are all attributes or qualities of the Iinfinite.

And when the devotee deeply seeks him,
he begins to perceive these various manifestations of the Divine.

It is said that the first proof of God’s presence within man is peace ----
that peace which cannot be affected by anything external.

When man pins his dreams, his ideals, his hopes, and his ambitions on worldly goals,
the peace that he feels from their accomplishment is only temporary.

This world is a world of duality:

life is made up of pleasure and pain,
health and sickness,heat and cold,
love and hate, life and death.

Man’s goal is to take his consciousness beyond this law of duality, this veil of maya,
and find the One who is present in all creation and beyond creation.


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By Sri Sri Daya Mata from "ONLY LOVE"

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DAKSHINESWAR MATH, W. BENGAL (INDIA)

DAKSHINESWAR MATH - GUEST ROOMS

DAKSHINESWAR MATH - FOUNTAIN

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For three quarters of a century, Self-Realization Fellowship, a worldwide religious organization with international headquarters in Los Angeles, has been dedicated to carrying on the spiritual and humanitarian work of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Through our worldwide service, we seek to foster a spirit of greater understanding and goodwill among the diverse people and nations of our global family, and to help those of all cultures and creeds to realize and express more fully in their lives the beauty, nobility, and divinity of the human spirit.

Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.

The society publishes Paramahansa Yogananda's writings, lectures, and recorded talks; oversees temples, retreats, meditation centers, and the monastic communities of the Self-Realization Order; and guides the work of the Worldwide Prayer Circle, a network of groups and individuals dedicated to praying for those in need of physical, mental, or spiritual aid and for world peace and harmony.

Yoga Meditation Methods Taught by Paramahansa Yogananda
Central to Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings, which embody a complete philosophy and way of life, are scientific techniques of concentration and meditation that lead to the direct personal experience of God. These yoga methods quiet body and mind, and make it possible to withdraw one's energy and attention from the usual turbulence of thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions. In the clarity of that inner stillness, one comes to experience a deepening interior peace and awareness of God's presence.

Home-Study Lesson Series
Instruction in the practice of the techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda is presented in the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a comprehensive home-study series compiled from his lectures and writings. Covering a wide range of topics, the Lessons offer his inspiring and practical guidance for achieving balanced physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Leadership of the Society
The activities of Self-Realization Fellowship are coordinated by members of our monastic order, under the direction of disciples personally trained by Paramahansa Yogananda. Serving as president of the society since 1955 is Sri Daya Mata, one of his earliest and closest disciples–and one of the first women in modern history to be appointed as the leader of a worldwide religious movement. Monks and nuns of the Order serve in many capacities in the society's ashram centers; travel to cities around the world to conduct lectures and classes and to lead retreats; and provide spiritual counsel and guidance – by phone, letter, and in person –to students of the Self-Realization Fellowship teachings.

In India (Yogoda Satsanga Society of India)
Paramahansa Yogananda's society is known in India as Yogoda Satsanga Society of India. Founded by him in 1917, and headquartered in Dakshineswar (near Calcutta), Yogoda Satsanga Society oversees 90 meditation centers, 21 educational institutions, and a variety of charitable facilities.

Temples and Meditation Centers
At Self-Realization Fellowship's temples and nearly 500 meditation centers, located in 54 countries, students of Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings meet for inspirational and prayer services, meditation, and spiritual fellowship. The meetings include readings from Yogananda's writings, as well as periods of meditation and devotional chanting. Several of our temples were established by Yogananda during his lifetime and have become places of pilgrimage for visitors from all parts of the world. Services at the temples are generally conducted by monks of the Self-Realization Order.

Retreats and Lecture Tours
At our Self-Realization Fellowship Retreats, and during our lecture tours and retreat programs in cities throughout the United States and other countries, we offer in-depth classes on the meditation techniques and spiritual way of life taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.

ANNUAL CONVOCATION
Each year, Self-Realization Fellowship hosts an international convocation in Los Angeles presenting Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings. This weeklong program includes classes, meditations, film and video presentations, guided tours to the ashram centers where he lived and worked, and other activities. The annual event attracts up to 6,000 participants from around the world.
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MOTHER CENTRE (U S A )

During Paramahansa Yogananda's lecture tours, he often remained in one city for several weeks to conduct classes for those interested in a more in-depth study. The personal instruction he gave was later compiled, at his direction, into a special series of lessons for home-study.

The Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons are unique among Yogananda's published writings in that they give his step-by-step instructions in the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization that he taught. These simple yet highly effective techniques enable one to recharge the body with energy, to awaken the mind's unlimited power, and to experience a deepening awareness of the Divine in one's life.

In addition, the Lessons cover a broad range of other subjects—offering inspiration and practical guidance for living every day in greater harmony with oneself and others, and for coping with the multitude of problems and pressures we face in today's world.

• How to Bring a Spiritual Perspective to Daily Life
• Yoga Methods of Healing, Relaxation, and Rejuvenation
• Strengthening Will Power
• Finding Your True Vocation
• Developing Creativity and Memory
• How to Select a Life Companion
• Creating Harmony in Marriage and Family Life
• The Art of Getting Along With Others
• The Power of the Human Mind
• Understanding Karma and Reincarnation
• Living Without Stress and Fear
• Yoga Principles of Diet

How to Apply

The Lessons are offered on a subscription basis for a nominal fee to help cover printing and mailing costs.

If you would like to apply for the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons in English, please read Undreamed-of Possibilities and print out the application that follows.
After filling it out, either mail or fax completed application to:

Mailing address:

Self-Realization Fellowship
3880 San Rafael Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90065-3298 U.S./Canada: (800) 801-1952

Other countries: (818) 549-5100

Or, we would be happy to send you a copy of Undreamed-of Possibilities and the application in print form .
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HOME-STUDY LESSON SERIES

Yogoda Satsanga Lessons

At Paramahansa Yogananda's direction, classes and lectures he gave on meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living were compiled to form the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons. Through a series of printed lessons that can be studied at home, Yogoda Satsanga students devote themselves to a period of preliminary study and meditation in order to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually for Kriya practice. During this time they learn three important techniques of the Yogoda Satsanga teachings:

1. Technique of Energization:
enables one to draw energy consciously into the body from the Cosmic Source. This technique of life-energy control purifies and strengthens the body and prepares it for meditation, making it easier to direct the energy inward in order to reach higher states of consciousness. Regular practice also promotes mental and physical relaxation and develops dynamic will power.

2. Technique of Concentration:
helps to develop one's latent powers of concentration. Through practice of this technique one learns to withdraw thoughts and energy from outward distractions so that they may be focused on any goal to be achieved or problem to be solved. Or one may direct that concentrated attention toward realizing the Divine Consciousness within.

3. Technique of Meditation:
shows one how to use the power of concentration in the highest way - to discover and develop the divine qualities of one's own true Self. The technique expands the awareness beyond limitations of body and mind to the joyous realization of one's infinite potential.

Since Yoga is based on practice and experience rather than on adherence to a particular set of beliefs, followers of all religions can benefit from these techniques. When practiced regularly, the methods of Yoga lead unfailingly to deeper levels of spiritual awareness and perception.

After the preliminary period of study and practice, which takes about a year to complete, students may decide whether they want to receive KriyaYoga, which signifies the establishment of the disciple-guru relationship. Before making such a decision, however, all students - whether already versed in metaphysics and meditation or just beginning - study the first two steps of the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons and practice the three techniques described above. These techniques prepare body and mind to receive the liberating power of Kriya Yoga. And such practice also gives students the opportunity to apply the teachings and make them a part of their lives and consciousness before deciding to go on to Kriya Yoga.

Should students wish, they may continue to study the teachings and practice the basic methods of meditation taught in the Lessons without receiving Kriya Yoga. All those who are sincere and earnest in their practice will realize for themselves the truth in Paramahansa Yogananda's assurance that one can reach the highest states of Divine Consciousness through any of the Yogoda Satsanga techniques of concentration and meditation.

Further information about the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons is included in free introductory literature, available on request.

"Those who have come to Yogoda Satsanga Society truly seeking inward spiritual help shall receive what they seek from God. Whether they come while I am in the body, or afterward, the power of God through the link of the YSS Gurus shall flow into the devotees just the same, and shall be the cause of their salvation."

- Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda
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INTERNATIONAL LISTINGS

Argentina | Australia | Austria
Brazil | Canada | Chile | Colombia
Cuba | Dominican Republic | France
Germany | India | Italy | Malaysia Mexico | New Zealand | Portugal | Russia | Spain | Switzerland | United Kingdom

There are many more Self-Realization Fellowship meditation groups in countries throughout the world that are not listed here. If you do not find a meditation group near you, please contact Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters for further information.
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"SHARANAGATI"-SURRENDER

At Igatpuri ashram while sitting in my cottage,I happened to see that on a nearby tree, MARTIN bird gave birth to a baby in the nest.

Both the parents flew away and brought food for the new-born baby.
It opened the mouth from a distance with Aa Aa voice and swallowed the food transferred by the parents.

The baby-bird accepted and swallowed the food everytime given by the parents,without thinking what it was. It was not bothered about its quality,contents,taste or utility.It had to be for its total welfare,as this was offered by its parents.

This is the kind of faith and trust,one should have on the Creator.

-Swami Krishnanada
YSS-Ranchi (India)
[as told to devotees in Nov.2008]


"It is so wonderful to be in tune with GOD & to trust Him implicitely,being content where ever He places you and whatever He makes use of you,accepting with all humility and devotion".

- SRI SRI PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

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WHATEVER CONDITIONS CONFRONT ME!!

Dear Father,Whatever conditions confront me,I know that they represent the next step in my unfoldment.
I will welcome all tests because I know that within me is the intelligence to understand and the power to overcome"

- Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda

If a small problem in the family could lead to the creation of a colossal MOVEMENT in the form of "Spiritual Soul. ning.com",we must not be low but rather bow to the prevailing circumstances with all humility.

If Gautama could become BUDHA on the mere sight of human ailments & sufferings,nobody knows,when we can be AWAke from slumber.

JAI GURU !!
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