50th Anniversary of the Mahasamadhi of
Paramahansa Yogananda

March 7, 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda's mahasamadhi, a God-realized soul's final, conscious exit from the body. The great guru passed away in Los Angeles, immediately following the delivery of a speech at a banquet honoring Dr. Binay R. Sen, India's Ambassador to the United States.

In the 50 years since Yogananda's passing, he has come to be widely revered as one of the preeminent spiritual figures of our time. Through his life and teachings, he made an indelible impression on the religious landscape of the United States and the world. On the 25th anniversary of his passing, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in his honor, together with a tribute that read, in part:

"The ideal of love for God and service to humanity found full expression in the life of Paramahansa Yogananda....Though the major part of his life was spent outside India, still [he] takes his place among our great saints. His work continues to grow and shine ever more brightly, drawing people everywhere on the path of the pilgrimage of the Spirit."