May we all realize the joy of such occasions as this Convocation (Sangam), and receive such upliftment from these experiences that the darkness of ignorance may be forever dispelled by the beacon light of that joy.
—Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda

Gurudeva’s devotees from all over India and many from abroad came to our sacred Ranchi Ashram to attend the Dhyana Mandir Samarpan Sangam from January 28 to February 4, 2007. They were accommodated in and around the Ranchi Ashram. About 1,800 devotees participated in this overwhelmingly beautiful week of spiritual renewal, divine fellowship, and personal guidance on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda — perhaps the largest event in the history of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.

The highlight of the function was the inauguration of the much-awaited Dhyana Mandir in the Ranchi Ashram. The Mandir was dedicated by Swami Vishwananda Giri on the morning of January 31, 2007, the 93rd birthday of our beloved Sanghamataji. Over 2,500 devotees and friends from near and far gathered to attend the dedication ceremony.

Opening of the new Dhyana Mandir, Kriya Yoga Diksha, the opening and closing functions, classes on the YSS techniques of concentration and meditation, satsangas, question-answer sessions, bhajan, were the main events. The sannyasis provided spiritual counselling to the devotees and checked their Kriya Yoga practice throughout the week.

Review classes of Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, Aum, and Kriya Yoga Techniques, and satsangas on living the spiritual life according to the ideals set by Gurudeva Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda were the main focus of the Sangam. Some of the topics included: Devotion — Fuel for the Kriya Yoga Path; Banat, Banat, Ban Jai!; Only Love Can Take My Place; Planning a Spiritual Routine for the Modern Yogi; Balancing Spiritual and Material Goals; Blessings of Kriya Practice; Affirming the Positive and Shunning the Negative; Patience — A Foundation of the Spiritual Life; and Deepening One’s Meditation. Video presentations on Gurudeva and by our Sanghamata Sri Sri Daya Mata formed part of the programme.

In his inspiring talk given during the dedication ceremony, Swami Vishwananda mentioned the vision that Sri Sri Daya Mata had about the new Dhyana Mandir. It was her long-time wish to have a beautiful Dhyana Mandir in the Ranchi Ashram. The Dhyana Mandir had architectural similarities to the other two buildings. Its spread, the tile work and roof slopes, remind us of the Administrative Building; and the leafy grills and columns are reminiscent of the Smriti Mandir.

It is our pleasure to share with you some of the devotees’ thoughts and feelings about the Samarpan Sangam:

“The Dhyana Mandir Samarpan Sangam was the spiritual highlight of my life. I underestimated the power that is engendered in a gathering of devotees. The group chants and meditations lifted me to wondrous spiritual heights. Never before had I experienced such deep meditations.”

“Thank you for the wonderful Sangam….It offered new lessons, new perspectives, and old wisdom to fill the soul with love and awakening.”

“Right from the morning during the Energization Exercises one feels the blessings of Guruji; the early sunrays make one feel as if Guruji has himself come above the horizon and is blessing everybody with energy and warmth. Then the meditations and satsanga programmes are so devised and the topics so selected that everyone receives insight and guidance in every sphere of life.”

“Thank you so much for this divinely beautiful Dhyana Mandir so filled with the light and love of God and our Gurudeva. How joyful we are to be present at this especially auspicious occasion where the Divine Beloved and our Paramagurus and blessed Gurudeva are so thrillingly present. And their loving presence continues to be felt as a surging divine ocean of peace and joy encompassing each heart that meditates in the Mandir. All who meditate here are deeply blessed.”

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