Paramahansa Yogananda’s family extends to all reaches of the globe and to all walks of life. No matter where you go, you will find cheerful devotees who will offer you all in friendship and Guruji’s honor. Just last night I bought some water at a roadside shack in Varanasi. After I paid, the shop owner told me to open my wallet again. When I asked why, he said, “The photo, the photo!” He had caught sight of my wallet-sized photo of Yogananda and wanted to see it again — and to the interest of those around us, we shared our stories as devotees of our great Master.

Karola and I were we in for a treat when we arrived in Bodh Gaya by train at a late hour. Kiran Llamaji, who manages a Buddhist Temple/residency there and is a devotee of Yogananda, welcomed us into his home in the large facility. After checking us into our rooms, he invited us downstairs for a late dinner and delightful conversation — not only opening doors and the kitchen for us, but also opening his heart, delightful stories and vivacious personality as well.

Kiranji has an amazing story to tell! He grew up in Kolkata; his mother is from Katmandu, Nepal and his father is from West Bengal. When I noticed a poster of Mother Teresa behind him and commented on her saintliness, he told us how she used to hug him all the time and tell him that God loved him so much. Raised as a Catholic at a time when Mother Teresa fed the poor of the world, she lived near to him in the city. As a child he was blessed with her presence and touch many times. Mother Teresa continues to be a tremendous presence in his life.

He moved to Bodhgaya over 40 years ago and lived in Japan for a year to learn the language so he could better serve the Daijokyo Buddhist Temple. It was a big change for him to come to sleepy Bodhgaya (at that time) from the bustling streets of Kolkata, but it didn’t take long for him to infect everyone with his pure, radiant presence. He is an institution in these parts and serves countless functions. He has met the Dalai Lama many times as a functionary at his events.

But most of all, Kiran loves opening his heart to traveling devotees like us. Here it is in his own words:

“An especially touching chapter of this (spiritual) journey has been welcoming SRF and YSS monastics to Bodhgaya, where they stayed with me at the Daijokyo Buddhist Temple on several occasions. Bodhgaya holds a special place in our Guru’s legacy—Paramahansa Yogananda Ji meditated under the Sacred Bodhi Tree during his return to India in 1935. I vividly remember watching the video Return to India After 20 Years in the Matri Mandir at Ranchi, just a day before Guru Purnima. Seeing Guruji in deep meditation under that hallowed tree brought tears of devotion to my eyes.“

His gratitude, devotion and cheerfulness light up rooms everywhere. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have met Kiranji and shared in much laughter and cheer with him. He is indeed the Laughing Buddha of Bodh Gaya for me. I can’t wait to visit him again.

Let me close with these wonderful remarks from Kiranji:

“As I look back on these 25 years (as a devotee of Paramahansa Yogananda), I am overwhelmed by gratitude. The teachings of our beloved Gurudev have transformed my life, brought clarity in moments of confusion, solace in times of sorrow, and strength during trials. Each visit to the ashram, each meditation, each darshan of the Gurus through books, videos, or dreams—has been a step closer to the Divine.“

Amen, Kiranji! What a blessing to have met you. Thank you for such wonderful hospitality. I am forever grateful! Till next time!