Lahiri Mahasaya’s 197th Birth Anniversary Celebrated with Reverence and Joy at Yogoda Satsanga Ashram, Ranchi

Ranchi — The 197th Avirbhav (birth anniversary) of Yogavatar Lahiri Mahasaya was observed with profound devotion and spiritual joy at Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Ranchi.

The day commenced with an online meditation session led by Swami Shankarananda Giri, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., in which devotees from across India and around the globe participated. During the meditation, Swami Shankarananda remarked: “Lahiri Mahasaya’s life represents the ideal balance required to attain true happiness in the modern age — integrating the daily practice of Kriya Yoga meditation with karma yoga, or selfless service for the welfare of family and society.”

Following this, devotees joined in soulful devotional bhajans from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., conducted by Brahmachari Gautamananda and Brahmachari Aradhyananda, which filled the ashram with an atmosphere of deep devotion.

In the evening, a special two-hour meditation was held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., guided by Brahmachari Hridayananda. During this session, passages from Autobiography of a Yogi were read, where Lahiri Mahasaya’s timeless counsel to his disciples was recalled:
“Remember that you belong to no one and that no one belongs to you. Someday you will suddenly have to leave everything in this world — so acquaint yourself with God now. Prepare for the astral journey of death by rising daily in the balloon of divine perception… Meditate unceasingly until you realize yourself as the Infinite Essence, free from all sorrow. By using the sacred key of Kriya, learn to escape the prison of the body into Spirit.”

Lahiri Mahasaya, one of the Paramgurus of the Yogoda Satsanga lineage, was the chosen disciple of Mahavatar Babaji, the deathless Himalayan yogi. Babaji entrusted him with the revival of the nearly lost science of Kriya Yoga, directing him to initiate sincere seekers irrespective of their religious background.

A hallmark of Lahiri Mahasaya’s life was his role as a householder-yogi, who harmonized his familial and social duties with deep spiritual practice. His life became a guiding light for countless men and women engaged in worldly responsibilities. He also reached out to the marginalized and challenged the rigid caste prejudices of his time, offering Kriya initiation to all who sincerely sought God.

For further details on meditation and the path of Kriya Yoga, please visit yssofindia.org.