I seek nothing of you but your joy in God. And you seek nothing from me but God’s wisdom and joy.
— Paramahansa Yogananda
The Guru: “Dispeller of Darkness”
The Bond Between Guru and Disciple
Paramahansa Yogananda described the guru-disciple relationship as a “very personal and private spiritual bond… a union of loyal spiritual endeavour on the part of the disciple and divine blessings bestowed by the guru.”
The disciple reciprocates the guru’s loyalty through pledging his or her own loyalty to the guru. It is not necessary for one who becomes a student of the YSS Lessons to make such a promise, either outwardly or inwardly. Paramahansaji freely offered the knowledge of powerful techniques of meditation to anyone—regardless of their other religious affiliation or practices—who sincerely desired to learn them and would pledge to keep such knowledge confidential.
However, for those who feel drawn to the science of Kriya Yoga as their personal path to God, Paramahansa Yogananda offered initiation into the practice of the Kriya Yoga technique. That sacred initiation (diksha in Sanskrit) offered through Yogoda Satsanga Society of India establishes the guru-disciple relationship between the student and Paramahansa Yogananda.
A true guru is ever-living, even when no longer residing in a physical body. Through his oneness with God’s omnipresence and omniscience, a true guru is always aware of the disciple and watches over him or her with constant love and protection.
Paramahansa Yogananda — Last in the YSS Line of Gurus
Before his passing, Paramahansa Yogananda stated that it was God’s wish that he be the last in the YSS/SRF line of Gurus. No succeeding disciple or leader in his society will ever assume the title of guru. This divine ordinance is not unique in religious history. After the passing of Guru Nanak, the great saint who founded the Sikh religion in India, there was the usual succession of gurus. The tenth guru in the line announced he was to be the last of that line of gurus, and henceforth the teachings were to be considered the guru.
Paramahansaji gave the assurance that, after his passing, he would continue to work through the societies he founded, Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship. He stated, “When I am gone the teachings will be the guru….Through the teachings you will be in tune with me and the great Gurus who sent me.”