There is nothing wrong with being happy to belong to a certain family, community, social class or nation. Every individual needs a social base to work from. A yogi’s spiritual progress will be tested first by his ability to relate appropriately to those near him: his family in other words, biological and spiritual. As long as these are, even to … Read More
In The Holy Science Swami Sri Yukteswar lists eight negative qualities that prevent the natural magnanimity of the heart to manifest. Interestingly, he states that only after the heart is free of these obstructions, man becomes fully fit for the practice of Asana – remaining in steady and pleasant posture. An interesting statement for Hatha Yoga teachers all over the … Read More
Places and people have various vibrations. That is why places of pilgrimage are so wonderful, where people think of God and have left their spiritual vibrations. Paramhansa Yogananda There’s no need to tell you, my Self, of the blessings and benefits of pilgrimage for anyone seeking to return home (in no way paradoxical). The constant quest to find you, my … Read More
“And the greatest of all Yogis is he who with all his soul has faith, and he who with all his soul loves me.” Bhagavad Gita 6, 47 Many masters have warned that the greatest delusion (and the greatest ignorance) is to confuse appearance with reality, to confuse seeming with being, particularly with regard to oneself, and have counselled: “Be … Read More
In India there are many ways to worship God, as our Heavenly Father, Divine Friend, or as Divine Beloved. However one of the most favored ways is God in the form of Divine Mother. Paramhansa Yogananda said, “In India some devotees call God the Divine Mother which is a more tender, gentle aspect of God. The Mother always forgives Her … Read More
“I AM THAT I AM” Exodus 3:14 According to Yogananda: “Self-Realization is the knowing in all parts of body, mind, and soul, that you are now in possession of the kingdom of God; that you do not have to pray that it come to you; that God’s omnipresence is your omnipresence; and that all that you need to do is … Read More
In their well documented and deeply insightful book on the yugas, Joseph Selbie and David Steinmetz list the following characteristics of the new energy age that we have been in now for 120 years or so: self-interest awakened intellect energy awareness How do these three features fit into the new religious expression that Yogananda has introduced to the world under … Read More
This is a message of my heart to you. Read, mark, inwardly digest, and put my thoughts into practice. Ask yourself: “I have been following a religion, or have been changing one for another, but have I found God?” If you find your answer unsatisfactory to yourself, try to sincerely get busy with meditation as taught by the Masters of Self–Realization. India’s … Read More
