CHICAGO - On the evening of May 4, 2024, Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam of Kriya Yoga International Organizations (KYIO) had the privilege, pleasure and honor to introduce to some and present to others Paramahamsa Prajnanananda at Harper College Wojcik Conference Center in Palatine, Illinois.
Paramahamsa Prajnanananda ji hails from an authentic, unbroken and exalted lineage of Kriya Yoga Masters directed by Mahavatara Babaji. He is the current spiritual head of Kriya Yoga International Organizations, and as a modern-day Yogi and Rishi, he is revered as one of the most eminent personalities of our time. A prolific author, he has written and translated books on spiritual topics, skillfully interpreting ageless sacred philosophies in the light of modern science.
The purity of his metaphorical explanations of the Holy Scriptures of East and West are unique. The multilingual master is a treasured guest speaker around the world. In 1999, he delivered two powerful plenary talks at the Parliament of World Religions in Cape Town, South Africa. Over the years, he has been invited to innumerable conferences and events in the USA, India, Europe, Canada, and South America. His lectures on various themes include excerpts on love for humanity, serving all, health and wellness, meditation and world peace.
The purity of his metaphorical explanations of the Holy Scriptures of East and West are unique. The multilingual master is a treasured guest speaker around the world. In 1999, he delivered two powerful plenary talks at the Parliament of World Religions in Cape Town, South Africa. Over the years, he has been invited to innumerable conferences and events in the USA, India, Europe, Canada, and South America. His lectures on various themes include excerpts on love for humanity, serving all, health and wellness, meditation and world peace.
The event at Harper College was part of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda’s Spring tour in the West. The topic of discussion was Mindfulness and Mental Health. Millions of people are affected by mental illness with 1 out of 20 U.S. adults experiencing serious mental illness each year. 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness. Mental illness has been called a silent pandemic. Still, the cause and remedy elude us. The ancient Yogis and Rishis also knew of mental illness and have given holistic methods to address the issue. Through systematic techniques and practice one can prepare the mind for joyful and content living. Paramahamsa Prajnanananda ji stressed how we must take care of our body and mind.
Paramahamsa Prajnanananda ji provided practical guidance to care for mental health. He said, “God has given us a body and mind; we must take care of it. If we are careful of our time, we will be careful of our mind. Mindfulness means not to exploit, not to manipulate, not to harm anybody. We are the source of our own misery and happiness. We should be mindful of having positive thoughts by watching our breath; breath and life are one. Give priority to watching your breath and bring a smile in your life for completeness.
Also, be thankful.” Paramahamsa Prajnanananda ji’s Spring tour consists of travels to Kriya Yoga Ashrams: Kriya Yoga Institute Mother Center, Homestead, Florida; Temple of Harmony/Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam, Joliet, Illinois; Temple of Compassion, Burton, Texas; Temple of Peace, Lakewood, Colorado; Kriya Vidya Mandir, Lisarow, Australia and Kriya Dhyana Mandir, Monroe, Washington. In addition, he gave public lectures at Kriya Yoga Centers in Los Angeles, California; Milpitas, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; and Bogota, Colombia promoting the understanding of living a life of practical spirituality and how calmness through breath control and meditation yields positive outcomes on mind, body and wellness. Paramahamsa Prajnanananda ji’s travels will take him to Europe in June. “Love all - Serve all” manifests through his life. “Joyful and Cheerful life” is his demeanor.
Kriya Yoga International Organizations mission is to disseminate the ancient teachings of Kriya Yoga. The organization provides teachings for integrated growth – physical, psychological emotional, intellectual, and spiritual – through Kriya Yoga, Meditation, Prayer, Self-Analysis, and Selfless Service. The Kriya Yoga International Organizations also provide health services, secular and spiritual education, and many other charitable activities around the world. One such notable project is Hariharananda Balashram, a residential school for underprivileged children in Arua, Odisha near his own birthplace, Pattamundai, Odisha, India.