Sri Swarupananda Brahmachari (Bengali: শ্রী স্বরূপানন্দ ব্রহ্মচারী), earlier known as Yogacharya Tapan Basu Mahasaya (Bengali: যোগাচার্য্য তপন বসু মহাশয়), is an Indian Yogi of highest eminence and stature and a living enlightened Guru of the greatest spiritual lineage of Kriya Yoga of Mahavatar Sri Babaji Maharaj and Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahasaya. Being an incarnation of love, compassion and magnanimity, He is revered as Premavatar by His disciples and devotees all over the world. He has initiated innumerable fortunate souls into the sacred royal science of Kriya Yoga. He has dedicated His entire life in propagating the teachings of Kriya Yoga worldwide as directed by His esteemed Guru, a spiritual giant and Kriya Yogi, Sri Hariharananda Paramahamsa.
He is the founder of the Kriya Yoga Mission, Kolkata and is the author of the highly acclaimed book Kriya Yoga. His grace, benevolence and guidance transforms the lives of Kriya practitioners and devotees and protects them from all perils and constraints. Being a true spiritual preceptor, He, by His conscious choice have eluded all forms of propaganda and publicity. He always maintains the traditional secrecy of Kriya Yoga as a top priority. He is highly adored and venerated by all disciples who laud Him with different names such as Gurudev, Gurubaba, Guruji, Baba etc.
Gurudev was born on 8th of March in the year 1954 at Habibpur village in the Nadia district of West Bengal. He was born to His highly spiritual parents, namely Sri Narendranath Basu, His father and Smt Ashoka Basu, His mother. His birth name is Tapankumar Basu. Since childhood He developed a high spiritual aspiration that made Him distinctive from other children of the same age group. He always kept Himself consciously detached from the external world and never got attracted by the glitz of materialism. His strong aversion towards name, fame and wealth from the very childhood marked the incarnation of a great spiritual soul.
Since childhood, Baba was very intelligent and studious having great concentration power. He obtained the Masters Degree (MA) in English literature from the University of Calcutta. His extraordinary command over the English literature attracted many students and sooner His conscientious teaching acclaimed Him immense popularity.
After the completion of His formal education, He was being recruited in the Indian Railway Services where He rendered His duty with utmost sincerity and dedication. Although Gurudev was readily ascending the ladder of growth at service, yet He stepped out of His job as per the divine will and command of His Gurus to propagate the teachings and messages of His great predecessors. No worldly possession whatsoever was able to entice Him. None was ever been able to lure Him and distract Him of His spiritual duty. Even during His little span of service life, Guruji initiated many into Kriya Yoga.
Gurudev with His Guru Sri Hariharananda Paramahamsa during Baba's younger age
Gurudev with HariharanandajiGurudev with Hariharanandaji
Having an intense spiritual urge since childhood, Gurudev was initiated into Kriya Yoga at the tender age of 8 years only by a world renowned Guru Sri Hariharananda Paramahamsa, who used to live in the same village as Gurubaba. Sri Hariharanandaji is regarded as one of the brightest luminaries. His serene presence and divine appearance always inspired awe and reverence among the saints and ordinary people. His deep compassion, fathomless knowledge in scriptures and immortal teachings made Him a legendary spiritual master. Getting initiated by such a spiritually empowered Yogi was a great fortune to Gurubaba. Here it is worth mentioning that Sri Hariharanandaji Himself visited the house of Baba and expressed His will to Baba's parents to initiate the young child into Kriya Yoga. This signifies the high spiritual samskaras with which Guruji was endowed with by birth.
From the beginning itself, Gurudev was very fond of and dear to his beloved Guru and practiced Kriya Yoga techniques with utmost sincerity and devotion. He always used to abide by his Guru's words and teachings. Successively, he got initiated into all the advanced stages of Kriya techniques by Sri Hariharanandji. He was given the spiritual name Swarupananda by his esteemed Guru and was bestowed the designation of a Yogacharya at a very early stage of His spiritual life. On 19th of April, 1979, he was initiated into Brahmacharya and Sannyas (monkhood) by his revered Guru Sri Hariharanandaji, and was conferred the title of Brahmachari. Since then Baba came to be known as Sri Swarupananda Brahmachari throughout the world.
As per the will of His beloved Guru, Gurubaba got married to a very pious lady, namely Smt Smritikana Basu (Guruma as the disciples call her in sheer love and affection) and started the life of a householder Yogi. However He always followed the strict life of a Brahmachari. Guruma not only supported Him in every sphere of life, but also actively involved herself in the management and maintenance of Kriya Yoga Mission and various social welfare deeds. Guruma's conscious sacrifices towards living a strict spiritual life made her the perfect consort of Gurudev.
By His intense practice and ardent devotion towards His Guru Sri Hariharananda Paramahamsa, in the year 1979, Gurudev attained the highest spiritual stage of Yoga – Nirvikalpa Samadhi – complete communion with God. His monumental achievement – the ultimate goal of every yogi and spiritual seeker – came at an unbelievable young age. This not only denotes the fact that Kriya Yoga is the fastest route towards Self-realization, but also establishes the power of practice and devotion towards achievement of the seemingly impossible result within a short period of time. This is why He always says, "An assiduous devotee and sincere practitioner of Kriya Yoga can experience a perceptible change of the body and mind within a very short span of practice and is able to reach the supreme goal in sadhana." He always keep the disciples under keen observation and motivates and rectifies them as and when necessary, thus accelerating their spiritual growth.
Gurubaba has graced Himself in the company of great sages of other renowned spiritual lineages of India including Sri Omkarnathji, Sri Atmadev Abhadhut and sages belonging to Bharat Sevasram Sangha from His childhood. He attained an inexplicable exaltedness that by His conscious choice has eluded all forms of propaganda and publicity. He always discharges all His worldly duties and responsibilities with perfect detachment while being retaining Himself in the spiritual realm. Being an extremely disciplined, witty, jovial, loving and caring personality; Baba's divine presence and child-like smile bestows instant peace and solace, and at the same time His splendor and effulgence grants a sense of complete protection and security in the mind of the devotees and kriyavans. His untiring efforts to propagate the teachings of Gurus and selfless work towards the spiritual upliftment of humanity is what made Him the most sought-after spiritual Guru in present time.
Being an ordained and anointed Guru in the spiritual tradition of Kriya Yoga, Gurudev teaches and imparts Kriya Yoga techniques directly to His disciples. He always emphasizes the ideal of His esteemed Guru Sri Hariharanandaji that "an ounce of practice is further better than tons of theory". This is why He never puzzles the disciples and seekers with the complex spiritual dogmas and jugglery of vocabularies. His distinctive way of clarifying all doubts from the devotee's mind with effortless ease and coherency complements His unique style of teaching. His simple, straight forward and meticulous way of teaching has transformed innumerable lives. He always leads by example.
Gurudev initiates true spiritual seekers from all over the world, irrespective of nationality, religion, cast, creed, sect and gender, directly into the techniques of Kriya. He often travels throughout India to propagate Kriya Yoga and to initiate seekers nationwide. He always maintains the traditional secrecy of Kriya Yoga as a top priority and inculcates the same in His disciples. Baba constantly reminds the disciples about the significance of offering love and devotion to Guru as the prior and foremost requisite in the advancement of sadhana. He also connotes the importance of being in regular contact with the Guru to overcome the hurdles and impediments in the practitioner's path.
During initiation, Gurudev activates the sleeping Kundalini Energy within the disciple's body by imparting and infusing His divine energy. Besides this, He also negets the bad and harmful effects of the disciple's past karmic deeds to catalyze his or her spiritual growth. His grace and benevolence bestowed upon His disciples have enabled them to overcome physical, psychological and other practical constraints of the inescapable material world that otherwise would have hindered their spiritual upliftment.
Guruji is an eloquent and articulate discourser. When He expatiates, all the devotees are left astonished in awe and amazement. He personally grace His disciples and devotees every weekend at His residence in Belgharia, Kolkata (also known as Kriya Yoga Mission). Besides, He forever remains in the purview of approach to all disciples through various methods of online communication. He often guide and impart His teachings to the disciples residing in foreign countries through Skype. His keen and kind communicativeness further consolidates the Guru-disciple relationship. Such close communication and guidance received from Him is inexplicably beneficial for all practitioners.
Gurudev's ineffable wisdom conveyed through His teachings act as enlightening nectar in the disciple's life and that of all spiritual seekers. Below are few astounding pearls of wisdom enunciated by Him –
Kriyavans shall never perish. Be fearless, Babaji Maharaj and Lahiri Mahasaya are always protecting us and fulfilling all our desires. Nothing can stand against you if you are blessed by the Divine.
Be a believer to be an achiever. Every sincere practitioner of Kriya Yoga can reach the supreme goal in sadhana. A vast reading of all religious books, performing all rituals and worshiping all Gods and Goddesses will not enlighten you. Practice, practice and practice.
The significance of Kriya Yoga lies in the fact that it helps externally oriented senses and mind to become internally oriented. The salient process of Kriya Yoga soothes the breathing gradually. This gives peace of mind and solace to the kriyavan.
As you are advancing in your spiritual journey, it may seem that your life is getting more and more entangle with problems. Don’t be afraid. You are actually disentangling yourself from your Karmas.
A man with an extrovert mind cannot enter into the Divine realm. It is the nature of our mind to distress and distract us so we have to control our mind. Make your mind calm through Kriya techniques.
A person gets his Guru according to his instinct and karma. Without love, faith and devotion to Guru, one’s sadhana that is spiritual practice is futile.
Remember that whatever you think is yours, will eventually leave you one day. This consciousness will lead you towards non-attachment and will expedite your spiritual journey.
Anger, ego, attachment, ignorance, incredulity and lack of faith bring our troubles.
An unwanted incident brings many positive things in our life.
Two forms: man and woman, created by Nature is deluding you – this is 'Maya' (delusion).
Gurudev introducing the English Edition of the book at Kriya Yoga Mission, KolkataAll the 3 published versions of the book Kriya Yoga - Bengali (soft cover), English (hard cover) and Hindi (hard cover)
The book entitled Kriya Yoga (Bengali: ক্রিয়া যোগ, Hindi: क्रिया योग) authored by Gurudev in three languages – Bengali, English and Hindi – has received wide circulation and immense popularity over time. This book appeals its uniqueness due to its original content and composition based on Gurudev's direct experiences and perceptions. The un-exaggerated detailing, intelligently compiled chapters, simple presentation and profound explanations have conceded this book as a must read for every spiritual seeker. Baba has beautifully elucidated in this book the feelings of various stages of Kriya Yoga along with its benefits and spiritual significance in present time. He also signified in this book the effectiveness of regular Kriya practice on the physical body, its relation to the hormonal glands and its extensive potential towards empowering the mind. He has also discussed briefly about the different life-currents (Vayus) and the 5 sheaths (Pancha Koshas) comprising the gross and subtle bodies of a human being.
In April 2013, the first edition of the book was published in Bengali version that went out of print within a short span of time and had to be reprinted soon. The scientific approach of this book together with its precise content made it a high demanding book. As per repeated requests from devotees and seekers all over the world, later two other versions of the book – English and Hindi – have been published, the English version being first published on April 2018 and the Hindi version was first published on January 2020. The ease of comprehensiveness, lucidity and brevity of the book and its cogent exposition has been highly appreciated and acclaimed by a variegated readership comprising both kriyavans and non-kriyavans. Needless to say that this book has not only attracted many into the path of Kriya Yoga, but has also transformed the mindset of many towards spirituality.
The books are primarily available at Kriya Yoga Mission, Belgharia, Kolkata. They are also made available through few disciples who consider themselves extremely fortunate to be able to spread their Guru's work all over the world. The books are also made available in the yearly Kolkata Book Fair by the Yogiraj Publications – a publishing house renowned for spiritual literature.
Registration Certificate of Kriya Yoga Mission, Belgharia, KolkataGurudev at Puri Orphanage, 2018Guruma at Puri Orphanage, 2019Gurudev at the Bhandara, 2019Gurudev at Gangasagar, 2019
Kriya Yoga Mission is a non-profitable humanitarian and charitable organization founded by Gurudev on 26th of August in the year 2008 at Belgharia, Kolkata to facilitate and support the development and upliftment of various aspects of human life and society. This is a registered organization under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961. The core foundation of this organization is established on the highest form of Indian Yogic culture and heritage – Kriya Yoga. In addition, it also promotes various activities pertaining to the welfare development of the society. Being a born altruist, it was natural for Guruji to help people by all possible means, and the presence of Guruma supplemented the noble purpose. Together they have exhibited an exemplary service towards mankind. Devotees and disciples across the globe happily contribute towards the maintenance and continuation of this great cause. Headed by Gurubaba, a committee, comprising Guruma along with 7 selected disciples, has been formed in pursuit of the smooth management of the organization.
The different activities of Kriya Yoga Mission have been enumerated as below –
Yoga Teaching
Initiation into Kriya Yoga by Gurudev is the primary objective of the organization. The scientific techniques of Kriya gives simultaneous development of body, mind and soul. Under the perfect supervision of Gurudev, the spiritual advancement of the committed practitioner is accelerated, as well as the overall well-being and the socio-economic status of the practitioner is greatly enhanced. It is the fastest route towards Self-realization. Anyone, even from other spiritual background, is eligible for Kriya initiation and can reap the immense benefits of their practice.
Yoga Therapy
Besides having its spiritual efficacy, one of the techniques of Kriya, namely Mahamudra is a panacea for all diseases. Proper practice of this technique strengthens the heart and lungs, cures indigestion, increases appetite, protects the liver, kidney, pancreas and other organs within the abdominal area, removes stress, depression, anxiety and nervous debility and rejuvenates the elderly persons. It also helps to control the hormonal secretion. Another technique namely Pranayama (Kriya breathing), facilitating high oxygen intake, makes the memory strong, provides energy and agility and makes the mind calm. Devotees who cannot be initiated into Kriya due to various physical illnesses are often taught Mahamudra and Pranayama by Gurubaba as a yogic therapy to overcome their present situation so that they become eligible for further Kriya initiation. A set of Energization Exercises are also taught to them (and to others in general) that nurture and nourish every cell to keep the body vitalized and healthy and help to retain the flexibility of the tissues and muscles.
Community Development
All spiritual texts and the eminent Saints and Yogis have unanimously acknowledged over ages the power of meditation as the only means to eradicate the negative tendencies of the mind and to transform it towards godliness. Such a purified mind exhibits divine qualities like love, care, compassion, kindness, humbleness, helpfulness, modesty and so on. A community of such responsible, sensible and matured people is an asset for the overall development of the nation, and becomes the foundation of future generation. Kriya Yoga meditation is the highest form of meditation that helps one to attain the peace that man yearns for. From different corners of the world, people come down here to learn the technique from Gurudev for solace and peace of mind and spiritual advancement.
Voluntary Blood Donation
Kriya Yoga Mission is committed to spread the awareness of blood donation as one of the noblest act and highly encourages all to actively participate in such camps. In many cases, where the patients were in need for different blood groups, including but not limited to the rarest of the blood group 'O – ', the same was arranged through devotees and disciples at the lowest possible cost.
Service to Stray Animals
The organization urges to protect and feed all the stray animals – street dogs, cats etc. in its vicinity. Care is also taken for their overall well-being and proper treatment is arranged if they fall sick or meet with an accident. Protest is done against any kind of cruelty or inclemency inflicted upon these poor and innocent animals based on the written permission duly passed by the local Police officials in favour of Kriya Yoga Mission.
Helping the Orphanage
Every year Gurudev along with Guruma visit the orphanage in Puri to assist the underprivileged and poverty stricken children with the supply of food items, clothing and many more necessary aspects of the daily life. Kriya Yoga Mission takes this as a prime duty to fill the otherwise challenging life of the orphan children with happiness, love and care.
Donation Making
The organization actively donates to several Indian Ashrams for the overall well-being of the inhabitants and for their maintenance purpose. This is a very important activity to preserve the culture and heritage of Indian monastery. Recently Gurudev donated to the Hans Vihar Ashram founded by Sri Hansdev Abadhoot. Along with this, every year Baba visits the biggest and famous pilgrimage at Gangasagar and personally meets the Saints and pilgrims there to contribute as per capacity.
Other Charitable Deeds
Besides assisting the orphanage and making necessary donations, Gurudev also performs several other charitable activities through His organization like providing free medicines to the needed, bearing the educational expenditure of the indigent, distributing text-books for free among the deprived to be mentioned a few. Guruji also donates towards various government relief funds, like the recent COVID-19 relief fund of 2020.
Poor Feeding (Bhandara)
Every year Guruji arranges for Bhandara (act of poor-feeding) on several occasions of the year by the fund raised through His organization. Here the impoverished are fed with sheer love in mass, without any discrimination of caste and religion, absolutely free of cost. These are mainly arranged in different Ashrams having necessary infrastructure, like the Annakshetra Ashram in Puri. Gurudev strongly believes that feeding the impoverished is one of the highest service that can be proffered to humanity.
Besides all the social welfare deeds and charitable works, every year in the month of July, Kriya Yoga Mission celebrates the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima in a grand way. It is an extremely important and special day for all devotees and disciples across the world. On the day of the occasion, Kriya Yoga Mission gets overwhelmed with disciples and devotees from every corner of the world. The place gets illumined by the divinely gracious presence of Gurudev Sri Swarupananda Brahmachari who blesses everyone individually. All disciples and devotees proffer their reverence and gratitude at the feet of their resplendent Guru and devote their sheer love by venerating Him in garlands and flowers.
Special prasad is prepared by Guruma on this day which is first offered to the Gurus followed by distribution among all disciples and devotees who visit Kriya Yoga Mission that day. The delicious and palatable prasad adds up to the grandeur of the event.
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