Ahmedabad,: Ahmedabad chapter of Ananda Sangha, a non-profit, global spiritual organization, dedicated to self realisation through yoga and meditation as taught by Shri Paramhansa Yogananda is organising a “spiritual fair” in the city on February 2, 2020. A number of lecture – demonstrations and group meditation activities have been planned for thespiritual fair, to be held at ATMA Hall from 10:00 AM onwards for seekers of spiritual bliss, everlasting joy and a fulfilled life.
Two keynote talks viz.” Kriya yoga: key to self transformation” and ‘change your magnetism, change your life” are the highlights of the spiritual fair. The keynote talks will be delivered by learned Ananda Sangha yogis, Jayaji and Devarshji. Other experts will give talks on topics like yogic principles of glowing health and vitality, awakening divine healing energy, Chakras : key to spiritual progress, law of karma, free will and destiny, secrets of prosperity, overcoming harmful emotions and the path of kriya yoga among others.
A guided meditation session has also been organised.
“The Answer” a full length feature film on the inspiring life of Paramhansa Yoganandaji will also be screened. The Ananda Sangha, established by Pujya Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yoganandaji, in 1968 has organised such spiritual events throughout the country in 2020, a year which marks a century of spiritual enlightenment in the west by Paramhansa Yoganandaji. Swamiji went to the USA in 1920 to spread the message of ancient Indian yogic practices and knowledge and led thousands of seekers on the path of self-realisation and bliss till his Nirvana in 1952.
Spiritual Roots:
The Ananda course in self realisation is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi”. Yogananda was the first great Indian master of Yoga to make his home in the west. By sharing with countless Americans the life-transforming techniques of Yoga and meditation, he opened the door to their own direct experience of spiritual realities. Paramhansa Yogananda was born in India in 1893. He was trained from his early years to bring India’s ancient science of self-realisation to the west. In 1920, he moved to the United States to begin what was to develop into a worldwide work touching millions of lives. Americans were hungry for India’s spiritual teachings, and for the liberating techniques of yoga.
In 1946 he published what has become a spiritual classic and one of the best-loved books of the twentieth century, Autobiography of a yogi. In addition, Yogananda established headquarters for a worldwide work, wrote a number of books and study courses, gave lectures to thousands in most major cities across the United States, wrote music and poetry, and trained disciples. He was invited to the White House by Calvin Coolidge, and he initiated Mahatma Gandhi into Kriya Yoga, his most advanced meditation technique.
Yogananda’s message to the west highlighted the unity of all religions, and the importance of love for God combined with scientific techniques of meditation.
Ananda Sangha Worldwide:
Ananda Sangha is a fellowship of kindred souls following the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. The Sangha embraces the search for higher consciousness through the practice of meditation, and through the ideal of service to others in their quest for self-realisation. Approximately ten thousand spiritual seekers are affiliated with Ananda Sangha throughout the world.
Founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, Ananda includes ten communities in the United States, Europe, and in India. Worldwide, about one thousand devotees live in these spiritual communities, which are based on Yogananda’s ideals of “plain living and high thinking”.
Swami Kriyananda lived with his guru during the last four years of the master’s life, and continued to serve his organisation for another ten years, bringing the teachings of Kriya yoga and self-realisation to audiences in the United States, Europe, Australia and India (from 1958-1962). In 1968, he founded the first, world brotherhood community in california, USA. Now, after 40 years of existence, Ananda is one of the most successful networks of international communities in the world.
In India, the national headquarters of Ananda Sangha is located in Pune with local chapters in major cities. A number of meditation groups are active in such centres. The organisation holds spiritual retreats, Kriya yoga camps, and many other spiritual courses for seekers.
