Yogananda’s Arrival in the West
Yogananda – Father of yoga
in the West.
Paramhansa Yogananda’s mission was one of world peace and brotherhood, as well as individual Self-realization, both of which he said could be achieved through the practice of transformative meditation techniques such as Kriya Yoga, which he referred to as “the airplane route to God.” When he published his now famous *Autobiography of a Yogi* in 1946, it was soon after the close of the second World War, a conflict which he prayed would never be repeated. The book had tremendous influence and inspired spiritual leaders in the growing counter-culture movement which blossomed over a decade later.
Through his books, teachings, and practices of meditation and yoga, Yogananda helped to usher in the sweeping increase in interest in peace, consciousness, and self-transformation. For this he is often known today as the “father of yoga in the West.” Now, as we honor the 100th anniversary of his arrival in Boston — and the birth of his world mission — we celebrate the change of consciousness that began in the 20th century and continues today. In it lies one of our greatest hopes for the future.
“Yogananda showed us how to bring the teaching of Kriya Yoga into daily life, and how to bring the Divine Reality into everything we do.”
—Swami Kriyananda
A Special Celebration
We invite you to celebrate Yogananda’s arrival to the West through our Online Virtual Retreat: The Yogananda Centennial Celebration, live from Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Paramhansa Yogananda first stepped foot in America September 19, 1920, Dwapara 320, at the Harbor Pier in Boston, Massachusetts. He arrived on the boat, City of Sparta, after a long journey across the oceans.
The virtual retreat will take you through the most important landmarks of Yogananda’s time in Boston, as he built his work in the US from the ground up. We will be hosting the event and our speakers virtually and will share a special tour of pilgrimage places throughout Massachusetts (such as Trinity Church, the Boston Library, Copley Plaza Hotel, South Church, Symphony Hall, and more.)
The half-day celebration will include,
- Music
- Meditation
- Inspirational talks
- Storytelling
- Film
- Virtual Pilgrimage
Centennial Talks & Speakers from Around the World
Talks Will Include Topics Such As
- the historical significance of the new ray of spiritual inspiration, which Yogananda termed, the path of Self-realization;
- the solutions brought by the wisdom of yoga and hope for the world;
- the story of Yogananda, his life, and the significance of his coming to share these ancient scientific teachings from India to the West;
- and how these teachings have spread throughout the world in these first 100 years, and what may come 100 years into the future.
Our Panel of Speakers Will Include
- Asha Nayaswami, Author and Global Ambassador, Co-Director of Ananda Palo Alto
- Nayaswami Jaya, Co-Spiritual Director of Ananda Sangha India
- Murali Venkatrao, storyteller and Ananda leader in Seattle, Washington
- With special hosts, musicians and speakers from Ananda Northeast groups and centers
“Everything, including us, emanates from the heart.”
—Asha Nayaswami
—Nayaswami Jaya
—Murali Venkatrao
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