Celebrations, Swami Kriyanada

Swami Kriyananda,
The First All-Round Dwapara Yuga Leader

Swami Kriyananda, the first all-round Dwapara Yuga leader An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man. Never could I read Emerson’s aphorism, oft quoted by Swami Kriyananda, without a feeling of heavy resistance rising within my heart. It may have been the result of my Dutch mindset, in which every form of determined, visionary leadership smacks of authoritarianism and, … Read More

Celebrations, Divine Grace

Shiva and Resurrection

Shiva and Resurrection Truth is one. It is never of one culture, one tradition, one religion. If Shiva is a truth, as yogis say, it must be found also in Christianity. Where, then, can we discover the parallelism? Shiva is the great destroyer. But to concentrate on that aspect alone would be like concentrating on the cold dark night without … Read More

Celebrations, Paramhansa Yogananda

New Hopes for the New Year

The New Year has come to greet you with new hopes, new determination, new will-to-achieve, new activities. In the Temple of the New Year renew your reverence for the unlimited hidden power of God within you. The trails of trials and the yawning chasms of woe have been left behind in the dark night of the past–now you are entering … Read More

Celebrations, Paramhansa Yogananda

The Joy of Living in a Spiritual Family

I didn’t know there was so much joy and fun in having birthday. It is because of your joy I enjoy so much. Words are inadequate to express what I feel. I remember when I went to India in 1935 and ’36, I remembered what Jesus said and why He said: “Who is my father, who is my mother, sister … Read More

Celebrations

Master about New Year

The New Year has come to greet you with new hopes, new determination, new will-to-achieve, new activities. In the Temple of the New Year renew your reverence for the unlimited hidden power of God within you. The trails of trials and the yawning chasms of woe have been left behind in the dark night of the past: now you are … Read More

Celebrations, Christmas, Stories of Devotees

Eggnog

For the community Christmas Eve party, Swamiji suggested we serve alcohol-free eggnog. I was in charge of the Retreat kitchen, but I didn’t know how to make eggnog, so he sent me a recipe (known as ”Swamiji’s recipe,” though he always said he got it from the bulletin board at a supermarket!). Before I came to Ananda, I was a … Read More

Celebrations, Right Attitudes, Stories of Devotees

Giving Thanks

Not being an American myself, Thanksgiving Day means little to me, though giving thanks each day means a great deal. There’s not only much to be thankful for, but, actually, everything to be thankful for. In fact, giving thanks for benefits received is itself of benefit, and costs nothing. When the English author, Rudyard Kipling, was at the height of … Read More