Paramahamsa Hariharananda, affectionately known by his disciples as Baba (Sanskrit for "Father"), was widely known as a God-realized Kriya Yogi in the lineage of Babaji Maharaj, Shri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Shriyukteshwar Giri and Paramahamsa Yogananda.
But who was Baba ? A divine mystery, a fountain of chaotic beauty and bliss. As Baba himself once said, "If anyone tried to know who is Baba, he would go mad"...

From his earliest childhood he was drawn to the spiritual life, and showed remarkable intellectual talents.

He had the heart of Buddha, the willpower of Moses, the compassion of Jesus, the penetrating mind of Shankara... and above all, he was Hariharananda. He had memorized and understood all of the major scriptures including the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Holy Bible, the Qu'ran and the Torah.

Paramahamsa Hariharananda was also a rare yogi. He had obtained the highest yogic state, the pulselessness and breathlessness state—also known as nirvikalpa samadhi—a fact observed by numerous medical doctors.

Paramahamsa Hariharananda was completely free from any religious dogma or sectarian belief. His outlook was reflected in his scientific approach of the teaching of Kriya Yoga. His whole life was oriented and focused on teaching spirituality. To meet and receive his blessing was an opportunity that will be long cherished and remembered.

Baba Hariharananda's chose his successor, Paramahamsa Prajñanananda, who lovingly carries on his legacy today by travelling the world to teach the ancient science of Kriya Yoga. Through Prajñanananda, one continues to feel the presence of Hariharanandaji. Long before Prajñanananda was ordained as a Swami in the Giri order, Paramahamsa Hariharananda predicted about him, "Whatever is started by me has to be completed by him."

Prajñanananda was given the title of Paramahamsa, the highest title given to monks and saints who attain the summit of God-realization, by his Gurudev on August 10, 1998, on his birthday.

Among Paramahamsa Hariharananda's many direct disciples are:
Swami Paramahamsa Prajñanananda Giri, Swami Premananda Giri, Br. Swarupananda Giri, Rajarshi Raghabanand Nayak, Rajarshi Peter van Breukelen, Swami Brahmananda Giri, Swami Shuddhananda Giri, Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri, Swami Sarveshwarananda Giri, Swami Mangalananda Giri, and Br. Vidyananda Giri.

More info http://www.kriya.org