The SRF/YSS app is for everyone — whether you are brand new to the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda or have been immersing yourself in this great teacher’s wisdom for decades. It is also for anyone who wants to learn more about meditation, the science of Kriya Yoga, and practical ways to live a spiritually balanced life.
Looking for a general FAQ about YSS?
The FAQ below is specifically related to the YSS App, if you’re looking for a general FAQ for YSS and these teachings, please click here.
Overview of Key App Features and Supported Devices
What are the key features of the SRF/YSS app?
The SRF/YSS App allows YSS Lessons students to login with their respective devotee portal credentials and access their Lessons in the language(s) in which they have subscribed. All users, irrespective of whether they are a Lessons student or not, can access other digital resources like online meditations, guided meditations, and YSS News and Blog posts.
The digital format of the Lessons is offered as an additional resource, not as a replacement for the paper Lessons. The digital version of the Lessons provides many benefits to the student when used judiciously in combination with the printed version. We encourage you to use discrimination in finding the approach that best enables you to study, assimilate, and be spiritually transformed by the truths and divine consciousness inherent in the YSS Lessons.
Some of the key features of the app are:
- Read the Lessons with our new eReader, which contains many improvements: text-to-speech functionality, landscape reading, multiple highlight colors, word lookups, flashcard creation, and more!
- Browse the Supplement Lessons by topic to easily access guidance on your specific needs and interests.
- Use our desktop browser reader at study.local.yssofindia.org, which will automatically sync with your reading location, bookmarks, and highlights from the mobile app.
- Stay up to date on the latest news and blog entries from YSS.
- Join daily online meditations directly from the app.
- Experience guided meditations on a variety of topics, now also offered in various durations to suit your schedule.
What type of devices are supported?
The app is currently offered for Android and iOS platforms, and the Lessons themselves are also available on desktop browsers.
- The Android app requires:
- Android version 6.0 and above
- Google Play Store and Google Play Services installed on the device
- The iOS app requires:
- iOS version 13.0 and above
- iPhone: iPhone 6S and newer
- iPad: all sizes
- Desktop browser requirements:
- All major browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge
These following devices are not supported at this time:
- Amazon Fire Tablets
- Android Instant Apps
- Google Chromebook Apps
Can I read the Lessons on my computer or Windows device?
Yes! Students can now access their Lessons on their computers by going to study.local.yssofindia.org and logging in with their devotee portal credentials.
What languages are supported?
Application Language: The SRF/YSS app is currently available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. To view the user interface and all non-Lessons content in your desired language, select ‘App Language’ in the ‘For me’ section. Non-Lessons content includes news posts, language-specific online meditation schedules, guided meditations, weekly satsangas, Gita Talks, Satsangas from Sangams and Convocations.
Lessons Language: The YSS Lessons in the App are currently offered in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. To view in any language, one must first enrol as a Lessons student (please click here to learn more). Lessons language can be toggled in the app by going to the ‘For me’ section, and selecting ‘Lessons Language.’
Lessons Subscriptions, Logging In, and Guest Mode
I am unable to access my Lessons in the app. Why?
- Make sure that you are online in order to log in and access content.
- Make sure you have enrolled for the particular series you’re trying to access. The Basic Series and Supplement Series are separate enrolments.
- The app only provides access to the new edition of the Lessons. If you have not subscribed to the new edition of the Lessons, please visit here to learn more.
- If you have forgotten your password, click ‘Forgot Password?’ on the login screen to reset your password.
- If you still have trouble, please use the ‘Support’ button on the ‘For Me’ page of the app to contact our help desk. This will allow us to help you better. If you’re unable to install the app, please email apptechsupport@yogananda-srf.org and describe your issue in detail. Please remember to include your name and the email address associated with your account.
When will I be able to access the Lessons in the app?
If a particular Lesson is not yet available in the app, the availability date will be shown.
I have subscribed to English, and Hindi (or Tamil/Telugu) Lessons, but am able to see only English Lessons. How do I access my Hindi, (or Tamil/Telugu) Lessons?
See the Lessons Language section.
Understanding and Troubleshooting Various Features
Lessons eReader
Bookmarks and Highlights
Select one or more words in the Lesson text to highlight in 4 different colors. If more than two words are selected, the app will automatically highlight the selection with your last utilized color. Your bookmarks and highlights from the current Lesson will appear in the in-reader menu (click the menu icon in the upper right). To view your bookmarks and highlights from all the Lessons, go to the ‘For me’ section and select ‘Bookmarks and Highlights.’ All bookmarks and highlights will be synced across your various devices.
Accessing Lessons auxiliary material
Click on the ‘Auxiliary Materials’ button on a particular Lesson’s landing page. Please note that there are no auxiliary materials in the “Overview,” “Highest Achievements Through Self-Realization,” and “Preface.” The auxiliary materials are available starting with Lesson 1.
Word Lookup (from the YSS Glossary and the Dictionary)
Select one or more words in the eReader and click ‘Learn More’ in the bottom menu. This will attempt to load a definition from both the YSS glossary and a standard dictionary. If many words are selected, the app will return all Glossary terms that are contained in the selection. For dictionary results, please select only one word at a time.
Flashcards (creating and reviewing)
Flashcards creation is now available as a tool for learning new concepts. To create a flashcard, select a phrase from the eReader (which will highlight the phrase). Then click the highlighted section again and click ‘Create flashcard’ in the bottom menu. This sets the “definition” of your flashcard. Supply a ‘Title’ and select a color to complete the creation. All saved flashcards will appear in the ‘For Me’ section of the app.
Text-to-speech (TTS) isn’t working
On certain Android devices (like Samsung devices), be sure to set the default (or preferred) speech engine to ‘Speech Services by Google.’
Changing the TTS speaking voice
While in listening mode, click the speech icon in the lower left corner of the audio player menu. This will list all available voices on your device.
Browsing Supplement Lessons by Module (i.e. topic)
Students who have completed the Basic Lesson series (Lessons 1–18) are eligible to enroll for the Supplement series. Select the ‘Supplement Lessons’ tab, and click ‘Modules’ to browse the Supplement Lessons by topic. Once you begin the Supplement series, new Lessons become available every two weeks.
Online Meditations
Joining live online meditations
In the ‘Meditate | Online’ section of the app, upcoming meditations will be listed. When the scheduled start time has arrived, you may join the meditation via Zoom, or YouTube. Clicking either ‘Join on’ button will launch the appropriate app (prior installation is required).
Filtering the online meditation list
Our online dhyana kendra offers a variety of event types. If you are only interested in viewing/joining particular types, you can click the ‘Filter’ icon in the upper right and check only the types you’re interested in displaying. Click ‘Apply’ to save your changes.
Viewing language-specific online meditation schedules
The app will show more language-specific events when your device language is set to the desired language. Currently, this is supported for Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu only.
Guided Meditations
Playing guided meditations
In the ‘Meditate | Guided’ section of the app, you can follow along with guided meditations led by our monastics. First select a topic and then a desired duration to begin. Turn your mobile device in landscape mode to view the YSS altar.
Downloading guided meditations
If you wish to download a particular meditation for offline or repeated use, click the ‘download’ icon in the lower right of the player. When you return to the same meditation in the future, the downloaded file will be utilized.
Guided meditations in other languages
Guided meditations are also available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. To play these, as well as access all other non-Lessons content like news posts and language-specific online meditation schedules, please set your App language to Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Still Need Help?
Not able to find an answer to your question? Contact us for support.
Get support through our international volunteer help desk:
In the ‘For Me’ section of the app, please click on ‘Support.’ Fill out the requested information to create a ticket with our help desk. The more information you can provide about the issue, the easier it will be for us to respond quickly and effectively.
If you are unable to open the app to access the support screen, please send an email to apptechsupport@yogananda-srf.org describing the problem in detail, your device information, and the email address associated with your student account.
Get the SRF/YSS App
Download the app from either Google Play or the Apple Store:
YSS Lessons students can also view the YSS Lessons and auxiliary material on the desktop app:
