💯 Years of Spreading Love 💕

It was on the 6th of October 1920 , one century ago, that Paramahansa Yogananda had addressed the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston, as a delegate from India, and the subject of his talk was – The Science of Religion.

His only desire, as a youth, was to be with his guru, Sri Yukteshwar, and commune with God. But he was chosen by the Masters to spread Kriya Yoga, the scientific method of God realisation, in the west. A very reluctant Swami Yogananda left the shores of Calcutta on 2nd August 1920. He was only 27 years old! One can only imagine the multitude of feelings in his heart as he watched his loved ones fade away from view: apprehension, excitement and aloneness!

Guruji was very insecure about his English but Sri Yukteshwarji (his Guru) had assured him all shall be well! His skill was put to test when he was urged by the captain of the ship to give a talk to his fellow passengers. The topic was – The Battle of Life and How to Fight it! When the captain introduced him to audience, he was stuck mute. He has said that his mind went blank for ten minutes. Some of the audience chuckled. Then the voice of guru came to him: “You can! Speak!” He did and did a great job of it!

And just a few weeks later he received standing ovation from hundreds of delegates to the International Congress in Boston!!

Paramahansa Yogananda had said: God is one, necessary to all of us, so religion is one, necessary and universal. Only the roads to it may differ in some respects at the beginning. As a matter of fact, it is illogical to say that there are two religions, when there is but one God. There may be more than one denominations or sects under that one universal religion.

And it is that Universal Consciousness that he, and the organisation (Self Realisation Fellowship and Yogoda Satsanga Society of India) he set up, have been teaching and spreading for 💯 years. Paramahansa Yogananda was Love Incarnate and that is what his legacy to the world is : Love 💕

After this memorable day of 6th October 1920, Paramahansa Yogananda traveled length and breadth of USA and many other countries to spread his message of universality of religion and his love for God.

I am truly blessed that I have two of his traits – Love of travel and nature. And even if I can get 1% or less of his consciousness, my life would be worth its while. It is going to happen only with His grace 💖🙏

He wrote, composed and spiritualised about 60 chants.

Ever changing and evolving faces of love

The last smile – the day he made conscious exit from the body – 7th March 1952

He looked so different every few years that one would have failed to recognise him if seen after some gap. But to me he looks similar in these two pics – when he was 6 & 42! I have these on my study table and are my constant source of inspiration and love.

God is Love. My Guru is Love. Love is all there is 💕💕

Related Post: My Nature is Love

Reference books:

Autobiography of a Yogi

The Science of Religion

Yogananda- Philip Goldberg