PHOTO GALLERY

                     1998 Lecture Tour to Minneapolis

On November 6-8, 1998 we were blessed to have Brother Santoshananda and Brahmachari Douglas of Self-Realization Fellowship conducted a 3-day series of lectures and classes at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis. This was the first time in about 56 years that public lectures were given in Minneapolis. SRF traveling minister Sri Das had last given public lectures here in 1942.

The Woman's Club, with "turn-of-the-century architecture" and a canopied entry (see picture), has "19^th Century charm and Stately elegance."  Here you can see the entrance to the Woman's Club of Minneapolis where all of the events were held. A theater-style auditorium with a capacity of 650 was used for the public lectures on Friday and Sunday. 

Shortly after their arrival on November 3rd Brother Santoshananda and Br. Douglas met with the local planning committee to discuss the upcoming activities.

On Thursday evening November 5th Br. Douglas gave an inspirational service at the Meditation Group chapel.

Prior to the first public lecture on Friday evening, as well as throughout the events, many, many local devotees donated their time and resources, all of which made the lecture tour a tremendous success. Many thanks to all of you!! Following are pictures of just some of the volunteers: Tony and Larry were instrumental in making the event a success; Nancy and others beautified the Woman's Club with flowers; Sandy and John signed new devotees up for lessons; Mina ushered devotees to their seats; Geoff setting up the history exhibit; all in al many hands made light work.

The bookroom area was set up in the ballroom of the Woman's Club.

Brother Santoshananda gave a wonderful public lecture at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis, November 6, 1998 entitled Finding the Sacred in Daily Life: Keys to Unlocking the Gifts of the Soul attended by about 280 people. This picture of the auditorium where the lectures were held was taken as devotees were filing in to the hall on Sunday Sunday afternoon. 

Our Sunday school and Teen Group performed for Brother Santoshananda and Br. Douglas at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis on November 7, 1998. Both Brother and the kids greatly enjoyed visiting with one another. 

Brother Santoshananda was kept busy, including performing several weddings in the Woman's Club library room.

Prior to showing the video Glimpses of a Life Divine on Sunday November 8th, Brother Santosananda  gave an inspiring talk in the Woman's Club auditorium.

Following the Sunday evening lecture and video both Brother Santosananda and Br. Douglas greeted devotees as they left. What a blessing, what a joy! 

Following the Sunday evening lecture and video Brother Santoshananda and Br. Douglas joined many devotees for dinner at the India Palace restaurant.  A wonderful way to bring the lecture tour to a close. Here are a pictures of some of the devotees who were able to join the Monks for dinner; perhaps you can find yourself!  Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7, Table 8.

When they weren't on the go, Brother Santoshananda and Br. Douglas did some sight seeing including taking in Taylors Falls on the St. Croix River, Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, taking a walking tour through the "Skyway" system to visit several places in downtown Minneapolis where Yoganandaji stayed in 1927, Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, the Mississippi River near Hastings, and Forest Lake about 20 miles north of Minneapolis, where Yoganandaji composed his poem To the Aurora Borealis. 

Thank you so very much, Brother Santoshananda and Br. Douglas, for bringing the teachings of God and Guru to us!!  We have been blessed.