Yoga and spirituality are key to inner stability and global harmony, said Swami Nischalananda of the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) during a media address on the second day of the ongoing YSS Spiritual Retreat at Shoolini University.
“Spirituality and yoga awaken divine energy and bring balance within — both are essential for building a healthier, more harmonious society,” he said.
Founded in 1917 by Paramahansa Yogananda, YSS has been sharing the teachings of yoga and meditation with people across the world. The three-day retreat at Shoolini University drew a strong response, particularly from the youth, with over 350 participants — nearly 30% of them young individuals.
Swamis Nischalananda, Shradhananda, and Chaitanyananda led the spiritual sessions, guiding participants through meditative practices and deeper spiritual understanding.
“Today’s youth are showing a growing interest in spiritual retreats, which is truly encouraging,” said Swami Nischalananda. “Retreats like these help calm the restless modern mind. Through yoga, one can experience true joy, unconditional love, and lasting peace.”
Shoolini University Chancellor Prof PK Khosla, a long-time devotee of YSS, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the retreat on campus. “It’s a matter of great pride and spiritual fulfillment for me, both as Chancellor and as a lifelong follower of Paramahansa Yogananda Ji,” he said. “The teachings of YSS have personally guided me towards inner peace and stability. I believe such retreats bring much-needed positivity, clarity, and higher consciousness to our youth and society at large.”
He added that Shoolini University remains committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also holistic development — including spiritual growth and self-realisation.
The retreat concluded with the sacred Kriya Yoga Diksha Ceremony, where eligible participants received initiation into the advanced meditation technique taught by YSS. For those yet to receive initiation, an introductory video session was held, explaining the philosophy and benefits of Kriya Yoga.
The closing program included prayers, spiritual messages, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from participants. The retreat ended on a high note with the distribution of ‘prasad’.
July 7, 2025
