To commemorate International Day of Yoga, Yogoda Satsanga Dhyana Kendra of Hyderabad held a live telecast of an introductory session on Yoga meditation by Swami Achyutananda.
The main aim of the session titled ‘Experience Peace Through Yoga Meditation’ was to introduce new devotees to the rudiments of a sound meditation practice based on the principles propounded by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. The session began with a half-hour period of devotional chanting followed by Swami Achyutananda’s talk and guided meditation.
Sri Vijay Nanadan Reddy, spokesperson of YSDK Hyderabad, gave the welcome address along with a brief and interesting glimpse into the history of the Hyderabad Dhyana Kendra.
Swami Achyutananda guided the participants through some basic scientific meditation principles, which included a tensing and relaxation exercise, a prayer to prepare the consciousness for meditative exercises followed by preparatory breathing exercises, where you observe the breath to induce calmness, which is a precondition for meditation. This was followed by a visualization exercise and an affirmation technique. The session closed with an offering of healing prayers for others and for peace on the planet.
The session had a good turnout of 75 people with 50 new devotees, some of whom expressed interest in joining the Yogoda path of Self Realization by becoming members of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.
New participants interested in joining the path were guided to sign up for the Yogoda satsanga lessons which provide higher meditation techniques and also include various principles for a well-balanced life. An app is also available for the same.
The book stall set up at the Kendra saw a good sale of books especially of the Autobiography of a Yogi. The book, which is in its 75th year of publication, has been published in 56 languages, of which 14 are Indian languages and is available to 97 per cent of the world population.
The session concluded with tea and refreshments where participants had a chance to mingle and engage in meaningful fellowship.
