Ananda's Line of Gurus

Jesus Christ appeared to Mahavatar Babaji (to his left on the altar) and asked him to send someone to the West to spread the teachings of original Christianity. Jesus told Babaji that his followers needed to learn how to receive him through deep meditation, as is beautifully described in the verse, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God.” (John 1:12). 

Mahavatar Babaji (middle left) is the guru of Lahiri Mahasaya (far left) and the one who re-introduced the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, which was lost during the Dark Ages. Paramhansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi introduced the world to this mysterious master. Still alive and residing in the Himalayas for centuries or even thousands of years, Babaji has been a guide for great spiritual teachers to carry out their special dispensations. For this reason he is called a mahavatar, a great incarnation of God.

Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895) (left side) is a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji and known for making Kriya Yoga widely available. He met Babaji in 1861 when he was 33 and received the technique of Kriya Yoga from him. He wished to become a monk, but he was married with children and Babaji told him that his mission was to be a householder yogi. He had many disciples, including Swami Sri Yukteswar and the parents of Paramhansa Yogananda.

Swami Sri Yukteswar (1855–1936) (middle right) is the guru of Paramhansa Yogananda and a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya. He met Babaji in 1894, who told him that one of his disciples was to be sent to America to share the teachings of yoga with the West. He did not have many disciples, as he was known for his strictness. He had two ashrams, one in Serampore and one in Puri. He is author of The Holy Science.

Yogananda (1893–1952) (right side) was the first great master of yoga to make his home in the West, coming to the U.S. from India in 1920 and living here until his passing. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and his line of gurus.