“Paramhansa Yogananda’s Birth Anniversary” – Inspirational Satsang with Nayaswamis Keshava and Daya along with “The Pilgrim’s Vow of Intention”
(In-Person and Online)
Sunday, 5 January, 10:00 – 11:15 am

Paramhansa Yogananda was born on 5 January 1893 and was the first yoga master to settle down in the West and spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga. With chanting, meditation, and inspirational talks, let us re-inspire our spiritual search and renew our dedication to his teachings as we begin the new year.

Preceded by fire ceremony in the garden, 8:50 am, chanting & meditation, 9:00 – 10:00 am.

Schedule:

9:00 – 10:00 am: Chanting & silent meditation
10:00 – 11:00 am: Inspirational Satsang and Pilgrim’s Vow of Intention

If you can’t join in person, join online: us02web.zoom.us/j/82858986897

Also on Facebook Live: facebook.com/anandasanghadelhi/live

PILGRIM’S VOW OF INTENTION

Swamiji explains that Paramhansa Yogananda stressed the importance for all serious devotees, married or single, to live their lives with an inner attitude of “renunciation.” For him, this meant a positive affirmation to transcend the limitations and pettiness of egotism in an embrace of God. As we grow in spirituality, we submerge our consciousness of self-seeking into an ocean of expansive love. You might say that our job as disciples is to grow in the consciousness that all the world is our home and all people are our family. Such a directional approach is meant for all seekers, whether single or married, or whether engaged in school, business, family, or a monastic life. In other words, it is for everyone.

For all those of you who agree with this life purpose and who wish to actively pursue a life in harmony with such a goal, it is helpful to make a positive, public affirmation of your intent. This is why Swami Kriyananda wrote a vow for this very purpose, calling it “The Pilgrim’s Vow of Intention.”

Here is what it says:

I understand, and intend from now on to live by my understanding, that life is a pilgrimage, of which the final goal is to find and merge back into God.
I will endeavor resolutely, therefore, to direct all my thoughts and actions toward that end.
I will offer up all material desires for purification in the fire of divine bliss.
I will offer up all attachments for purification in that cosmic fire.
I will search my heart daily for any lingering desires and attachments, and will offer them to Thee, my Cosmic Beloved.
I will strive to be an example to others of a pure, discriminating, and noble life.
I will offer the fruit of all my actions and labors to Thee alone.
Bless me, and direct my footsteps ever to the summit of Thy holy mountain.

If you feel attuned to the above and would like to make an affirmation of your intent, we will conduct a Vow Ceremony at Delhi Ashram on the birth anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda ji. You need not be a member of Ananda or even a follower of the teachings of our line of gurus to participate, for as you can read, the intentions expressed in the vow apply to all and are not sectarian in any way. The Pilgrims Vow is for anybody who feels attuned to the ideals expressed within it. It is meant as a directional affirmation of intention to live by spiritual values that will help us transcend ego consciousness.