Joyful service
Joyful service is an integral part of Paramhansa Yogananda ji’s path to Self-Realization. Serving others allows us to express our highest potential, becoming a channel for the Divine to flow through us. No matter what we do, we can act as instruments of the Divine, serving with love and devotion.
In the same spirit, you are invited to take part in the activities at Ananda Kolkata and the Tulsi Bose Shrine.
Expand your inner light!
“Make service your goal, and you will see the entire plan of your life change.”Paramhansa Yogananda
Service opportunities
Seva 1
Description of seva
Seva 1
Description of seva
Seva 1
Description of seva
Seva 1
Description of seva
“Service is ennobling. It is a way of offering our human littleness into the great Reality that is God. When we serve others in this spirit, we find our own spirits becoming freed from egotism.”Swami Kriyananda
What is Karma Yoga?
Every action we take generates a certain energy, leading either to joy or suffering (karma-action). Karma Yoga teaches us to align our actions, thoughts, and feelings with our highest Self, allowing us to perceive God in every deed.
When we become a channel of light through selfless service, we experience divine joy and expansion, and our lives are filled with divine love and freedom!
Why join the service team?
Service elevates your consciousness. When you serve others, you may find yourself with more energy than when you began! Whatever task you are engaged in—whether cooking, teaching, organizing, or decorating the altar—the spirit with which you serve becomes more important than the action itself.
In this way, service becomes a powerful tool for the soul’s evolution.
Meet our team
Nayaswami Shankaraji
Nayaswami Shankara met Swami Kriyananda (direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda) in 2003. He lived with Kriyananda ji until his passing in 2013. Since 2004, through his public lectures, meditation classes, and personal counsel, Shankara ji has taught thousands the sacred teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga across India, including the NCR region, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune.
Acharya Gurupriya
Gurupriya got introduced to Paramhansa Yogananda, the Autobiography of a Yogi and to Kriya Yoga while living in Switzerland. This happened on a train journey, apparently quite by chance, where she met with a Kriya Yogi. Soon after, in 2013, she moved back with her husband to India and in 2014, came to Ananda Kolkata. An intense yearning for a spiritual anchor, for Guru, finally found its answer and resting place at the lotus feet of our beloved Masters, in Ananda.
Testimonials
Our week at the center
Wensday music practice
Every Wednesday, we come together to practice and learn how to play the harmonium, lead chants, and deepen our sadhana. “Chanting is half the battle,” Yogananda said. Indeed, chanting opens our hearts and magnetically uplifts the energy in our spine.
There are many opportunities to serve at the center—join us in joyful service!
Thursday Evening Satsang
On Thursdays, Ananda Sangha Kolkata offers a long meditation and a weekly Satsang, filled with inspiration from the teachings of Yogananda and Swamiji. This is a special opportunity to meditate together—and, most importantly, to serve together.
Arranging flowers for the altar, preparing chai, leading the Energization Exercises, and providing tech support are just a few of the many ways you can contribute!
Sunday Morning Meditation
On Sunday mornings, we begin with a long meditation, followed by our regular weekend classes. You are welcome to join us in service by bringing flowers, preparing breakfast, assisting with registrations, setting up for classes, or helping to tidy up the center and boutique.
Meditation and service are the highest commitments we can make to support our own journey in expressing our highest Self.
