Mahasamadhi Initiation Weekend

Yesterday was the anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda's  mahasamadhi — the day he consciously left his body in 1952 — and we made excellent use of such an auspicious weekend by having not one but two initiation ceremonies.

Saturday night was the initiation for new members of the Nayaswami Order. Since the last initiation, a new vow has been added to the order: the Pilgrim's Vow of Intention. Since the other levels of the order require certain life conditions of their members, this one was added so that any sincere spiritual seeker may join, whatever their circumstances. Twenty-nine people took the Pilgrim vows this weekend, followed by 7 more taking the Tyaga vows (no new Bramacharis or Nayaswamis this time around).

Pilgrims (white scarves)

Tyagis and Tyaginis (teal scarves)

And then at Sunday Service yesterday we rounded things off with a Discipleship initiation, welcoming 8 new members of our spiritual family.

New Disciples

Truly a beautiful weekend all-around!