Reflect on this: When talking to someone, isn’t it normal to want to also hear his response? After praying and singing to God, then, why not listen for His answer in your soul? Meditation is that process of listening. Meditation is making yourself receptive to His silent inspiration within. The essence of yoga is the silence and receptivity that the … Read More
March 7 and March 9, respectively, are the annual anniversary dates for the deaths of Paramhansa Yogananda (1952) and his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar (1936). How does “mahasamadhi” differ from an ordinary human death? “Maha” means “Great” and “samadhi” refers to the highest state of God-consciousness, or cosmic consciousness. When a liberated saint or master leaves their human body and their passing … Read More
We read often that more people each year describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” Who can blame them? Are they throwing the “baby out with the bathwater?” We are not islands, despite the poet’s claim. As we help others we are helped. The question becomes one of choosing those with whom one is in harmony with you, knowing that … Read More
Yogananda’s life as he shared in his famous autobiography was a search for both universal truth AND the “concomitant” disciple-guru relationship. Here in the West we often hear Christians insist that if “You do not accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior you will go to HELL!” That’s enough to make one run for the hills. But what if it … Read More
A person writes to describe a wonderful experience she had in meditation. What does it mean and how should I relate to this?
In today’s marketplace of sexuality, traditional exhortations to celibacy or self-control are lost in the plethora of opinions, lifestyle choices, and the insistence of personal freedom. Therefore this subject is not a popular one and perhaps the best that can be offered in these times is the twofold suggestion to: 1) be present and conscious, and 2) be respectful and … Read More
It is too easy to make your diet a religion. Yogananda encouraged us to employ the traditional vegetarian diet but overall “proper eatarianism” suggests a diet that suits your body’s needs and temperament.
Negativity whether from an incarnate or disincarnate entity invites prayer as a response. Here are some suggestions for psychic protection for yourself or others.
This is a big subject with many anecdotes and suggestions possible. A few offered here include one’s motivation for meditation; the role of the heart; the practice of mindfulness during activity; focusing at the spiritual eye, to name a few.
Kriya Yoga, made popular by Yogananda’s life story, can be described in many ways: it is a technique of meditation; it is given in the relationship of discipleship to the Kriya Yoga masters; it is part of a family of raja yoga meditation techniques; and, it has several levels.