Today we’d like to introduce you to Swami Sahajananda Giri.
It was 1920, a great spiritual master from India, Paramahamsa Yogananda, landed in the city of Boston bringing the immortal scientific knowledge of Kriya Yoga meditation for western seekers. His oratory, profound spiritual experience, will power, dynamism, and above all sincere love for God attracted thousands. His public lectures took him to Harvard University, New York City, and most major cities throughout the United States. Millions were inspired.
“My life is one whirl-wind of activity and struggle for work.” , he would often remind others around. He traveled ceaselessly across the continent to quench the thirst of spirituality by the nectar of divine bliss. Paramahamsa Yogananda left his body in 1952.
In 1974, a brother monk and disciple of Paramahamsa Yogananda, Paramahamsa Hariharananda landed in USA to continue the eternal tradition. A self-realized master cared the plant of spiritual movement which Paramahamsa Yogananda had planted. He founded Kriya Yoga Institute , and international organization to support the work.
Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam-Temple of Harmony is part of Kriya Yoga Institute , it was inaugurated in July 2010 by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, spiritual successor of Paramahamsa Hariharananda. It is a non-sectarian place for yoga, meditation, retreat, contemplation, spiritual study, interfaith activities, and selfless community service.
It is open to all seekers from all path and aspect of life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenges are many, the blessings are many. It often takes time to convey that real peace is within and it can be found through self-reflection and Meditation. Meditation doesn’t ask or impose any belief. It only asks to withdraw the mind internally and focus on our own self.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam – Temple Of Harmony – what should we know?
We teach a meditation technique called Kriya Yoga Meditation. In this age where yoga is known all around, many may not know that Yoga means meditation. The physical stretch is a small part of meditation process. Kriya Yoga meditation is scientific, non-sectarian, non-religious, and open to all. It doesn’t impose any belief or faith. The masters say that meditation will make a Christian a better Christian, a Hindu a better Hindu, and a Muslim a better Muslim.
Every year religious and spiritual leader joins us in the month of July to participate in a unique interfaith program. It is one of the largest in Chicago area.
You are what you eat- goes a proverb. It has been found that a proper diet is critical in maintaining a good health and mind. We host an annual event to promote vegetarian food and healthy leaving “Veggie Taste of Joliet” (www.veggietastejoliet.org)
Community service is part of center’s activity. Members go to adult care centers, soup kitchens and also organize food donations, winter clothes, school supplies.
Above all the center provides a quite and calm sanctuary for anyone to study , contemplate and meditate.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Openness to accept all path and aiding everyone in proceeding in the path
non-sectarian, non-religious nature of teaching, scientific aspect of teaching.
Love for God
Contact Info:
- Address: 3400 Earl Dr.
Joliet, IL – 60431 - Website: www.templeofharmony.org
- Phone: 815-267-8977
- Email: templeofharmony@kriya.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kriyavedanta/
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