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.
This week begins a four-part class in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras are among the core scriptural sources chosen by Paramhansa Yogananda when he came from India to the West to share the ancient wisdom of India. There are innumerable sources from which Yogananda could have chosen in addition to which are countless commentaries by some of … Read More
I read a poem by the medieval woman saint, Mirabai as quoted by Yogananda in Chapter 7 of his life story. For “all thy getting, get understanding” and that understanding is not of the mind but of the heart. Love is joy; love is enthusiasm; love is respect; love is acceptance. And while virtue cannot by itself take us into … Read More