PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA’S LEGACY HIGHLIGHTED AS YSS CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA IN KOLKATA
PNS
Kolkata
Devotees Gather for Kriya Yoga Meditation Program at Dakshineswar Ashram
Despite heavy rain, more than 230 devotees, yoga enthusiasts, students, professionals, and first-time visitors gathered at the Dakshineswar Ashram of YSS of India to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga with a special program on the science of Kriya Yoga and guided practice of preliminary meditation techniques.
This year’s celebration carried added significance, as Paramahansa Yogananda — founder of YSS, whose teachings introduced millions worldwide to yoga and meditation — featured in official International Day of Yoga publicity material displayed across West Bengal, with government-supported banners and festoons honouring him alongside other eminent figures recognized for their contributions to India’s spiritual heritage.
Brahmachari Haripriyananda spoke about the history of Kriya Yoga and its benefits in daily life, particularly its capacity to help practitioners overcome stress, tension, and anxiety. “With the practice of Kriya Yoga, the practitioner experiences deep inner calmness, quietness of breath and mind, and the awakening of blissful divine perception,” he said. “In this modern age filled with anxiety, Kriya Yoga offers a way to harmonize the body, mind, and soul — bringing lasting peace and divine joy.”
Attendees were then guided through a basic meditation sequence incorporating visualization and affirmation techniques for cultivating peace, love, compassion, and inner strength.
Brahmachari Haripriyananda noted that the session offered only an introductory glimpse of the practice, and encouraged sincere seekers to explore the YSS Home Study Lessons — available in print and via the YSS app — for advanced techniques including Hong-Sau, Om, and the ancient, sacred Kriya Yoga technique itself. He closed by emphasizing that yoga is not a religion or belief system, but a direct, experiential path to bliss-consciousness, open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
The program concluded with prayers for world peace, harmony, and the spiritual upliftment of all humanity, forming part of the nationwide observance of International Day of Yoga.
