April 18, 1926 – Yogananda chanted “O God Beautiful” with 3000 people in Carnegie Hall, New York City, for 1 hour and 25 minutes. Many were in ecstasy and many were healed as devotion soared through their hearts and into the heavens.
You can read what Yogananda said about this event in Autobiography of a Yogi:
“Mr. Hunsicker,” I had confided to an American student, “I am planning to ask the audience to sing an ancient Hindu chant, ‘O God Beautiful!’”
“Sir,” Mr. Hunsicker had protested, “these Oriental songs are alien to American understanding. What a shame if the lecture were to be marred by a commentary of overripe tomatoes!”
I had laughingly disagreed. “Music is a universal language. Americans will not fail to feel the soul-aspiration in this lofty chant.”*(2)
During the lecture Mr. Hunsicker had sat behind me on the platform, probably fearing for my safety. His doubts were groundless; not only had there been an absence of unwelcome vegetables, but for one hour and twenty-five minutes the strains of “O God Beautiful!” had sounded uninterruptedly from three thousand throats. Blasé no longer, dear New Yorkers; your hearts had soared out in a simple paean of rejoicing! Divine healings had taken place that evening among the devotees chanting with love the Lord’s blessed name.”
Join us in the Portland Temple as we sing O God Beautiful for 1 hr 25 min in remembrance of this wonderful event. We will invite the guru to lead us and to fill our hearts with God’s beautiful presence.
This is a FREE event. You may register below and let us know you are coming.
(Sing each line twice)
O God beautiful, O God beautiful,
At Thy feet, O I do bow!
O God beautiful, O God beautiful,
In the forest Thou art green;
In the mountain Thou art high;
In the river Thou art restless;
In the ocean Thou art grave.
O God beautiful, O God beautiful,
At Thy feet, O I do bow!
O God beautiful, O God beautiful,
To the serviceful Thou art service;
To the lover Thou art love;
To the sorrowful Thou art sympathy;
To the yogi Thou art bliss.
Registration
