Spiritual discourse by Swami Chidananda Giri held in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, March 2 — A  spiritual discourse led by Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri, President and Spiritual Head of the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) and Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), USA, captivated an audience of around 500 members of the Paramahansa Yogananda Dhyana Samaj of Nepal.

The event took place at the Ullens School Auditorium in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, attracting devotees, families, and well-wishers. Swami Chidananda Giri, in his address, spoke about the spiritual dimension of human life, the importance of meditation, and how following the path of Kriya Yoga can lead to profound achievements in the modern era. His speech, which included deep insights into the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, inspired those in attendance to embrace spiritual practices for greater peace and success.

The event began with a 45-minute guided meditation session, led by SRF Swami Sri Saralananda. Following this, Swami Chidananda Giri elaborated on key teachings of Guru Paramahansa Yogananda, including a universal approach to truth that is applicable across both Eastern and Western traditions. He also discussed a revolutionary reinterpretation of the concept of God as the realization of God within oneself, emphasizing the importance of spiritual practices that lead to God-realization and a balanced life.

Swami Chidananda Giri spoke of the unity of all religions and the oneness of humanity, the significance of the Guru-disciple relationship, and how Kriya Yoga can bring joy and success to one’s life. He also highlighted the transformative impact of regularly studying Autobiography of a Yogi to realize life's ultimate purpose and the global reach of Kriya Yogis, forming a large spiritual family under Guruji’s teachings.

Swami Chidananda Giri also shared how YSS/SRF has contributed to global spiritual and humanitarian activities through its meditation temples, ashrams, and centers worldwide. He further explained the scientific and spiritual significance of Kriya Yoga, a practice followed by ancient sages and modern spiritual masters alike. Expressing his joy over his first visit to Nepal, Swami Chidananda Giri praised the country’s rich spiritual heritage and sacred land. He also recalled the deep love shown toward Nepal by the former SRF/YSS President, Sri Sri Daya Mata, who visited the country twice in 1962 and 1968.

Reflecting on his experiences in Nepal, Swami Chidananda Giri shared a deep spiritual insight, saying, “If we look at life in a triangular form, its two sides represent calmness and sweetness, while its base is happiness.” He concluded his speech by reaffirming the commitment of YSS/SRF to spread Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, especially Kriya Yoga, to people around the world.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Ashok Baskota, a senior member of the Paramahansa Yogananda Dhyana Samaj, Nepal, expressed his gratitude to all the Swamis present for their inspiring contributions. YSS/SRF, founded over 100 years ago by Paramahansa Yogananda, is a global spiritual organization dedicated to the teachings of Self-Realization and the practice of Kriya Yoga, with Autobiography of a Yogi being one of its most renowned spiritual texts.