“Even though you may be able to do everything else but meditate, you will never find joy to equal that which comes when the thoughts are silent and your mind is tuned to the peace of God.”
-Paramahansa Yogananda, Yogoda Satsanga Lessons
The Dhyana Mandir, the meditation hall, at Ranchi Ashram is a spiritual haven for both Yogoda devotees as well as visitors, who wish to escape the ‘busyness’ of the world, and enjoy the quiet of the meditation. Yogoda sannayasis conduct morning and evening meditations everyday. All are welcome to participate. On Sundays, sannyasis give spiritual discourses on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
The construction of this Dhyana Mandir began in 2004, and was completed in 2007. It was inaugurated by Swami Vishwananda on January 31. Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri, the present YSS/SRF President was also present on this memorable occasion.
History
While the construction of the Smriti Mandir was underway, another project for the construction of a large Dhyana Mandir (meditation hall) was proposed. It was envisioned to facilitate daily group meditations for up to 400 devotees.
The Dhyana Mandir has a square meditation hall, with a verandah all around and steps on all the four sides. This beautiful structure made of Bharatpur sandstone, in not only majestic and artistically balanced but also secluded enough to keep out external disturbances.
Much of the stone work for the pillars, and the marble altar was carried out at site by the same team from Rajasthan who helped with the Smriti Mandir.
Finally, after three years of loving labour, the Dhyana Mandir was inaugurated by Swami Vishwananda and was opened to all for meditations.
