"If we allow our will to be led by the wisdom of a master, whose will is in tune with God's, the master then seeks to guide our will in such a way that we travel swiftly on the road back to divinity. The chief difference between a worldly man and a saint is that the wise man has attuned his will to the Divine Will." ~ Rajarsi Janakananda, Rajarsi Janakananda: Great Western Yogi - The Life of Paramahansa Yogananda's First Spiritual Successor

Rajarsi Janakananda, born James Jesse Lynn (May 5, 1892 – February 20, 1955), was an ideal disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and Self-Realization Fellowship's first spiritual successor. Striving for excellence in education and professional practices allowed James J. Lynn to rise quickly and gain notoriety as a prominent businessman in Kansas City, Missouri. Later, this same volition for excellence served to help Rajarsi quickly absorb the teachings of his guru and become an accomplished disciple for more than twenty-three years. Rajarsi Janakananda, American self-made business magnate and illumed yogi, served as the revered president of Self-Realization Fellowship of America and Yogoda Satsanga Society of India from 1952-1955.


For more information on the life of Rajarsi Janakananda, including a virtual tour of his life in Kansas City, Missouri and images of his crypt, please visit:

The Rajarsi Janakananda (J. J. Lynn) Index


Traveling to the Kansas City area? Here are a couple of helpful links and resources:

OM Page

Kansas City Meditation Group