Jesus is at the center of our altar because he appeared to the yoga master Babaji and asked him to send someone to the West to spread the teachings of original Christianity. Jesus told Babaji that his followers needed to learn how to receive him through deep meditation, as beautifully described in the verse, "As many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God" (John 1:12). He said that although his followers still do good works, they have lost the ability to commune inwardly with God. Because of Jesus's request, Paramhansa Yogananda came to the West. Thus, Jesus Christ is honored with a place on our altars and in our daily prayers.