In The Essence of Self-Realization, Yogananda says, “To meditate a short time with depth is better than to meditate for long hours with the mind running wild. “In the beginning, therefore, don’t force yourself to sit for a long time. Strive for shorter, but deeper, meditations. Then gradually, as you become accustomed to going deep, lengthen the time you sit in meditation.” … Read More
In an age where complexity is growing exponentially, sensitive and aware souls cry out for simplicity. Not necessarily the simplicity of camping or farming (neither of which are really simple at all), but, in reality, a simplicity of heart and a state of inner peace. Don’t you find that, as I am doing right now, sitting at the computer, using … Read More
Religion is all too often a source of conflict, division, and judgment between the adherents of different faiths. It doesn’t help that religion is inextricably linked with cultural and national identifies with their numerous biases, prejudices, language, dress, and traditions. It is experienced spirituality that unites hearts. And not the superficial spirituality born of intellectual speculation or passing sentimentality but … Read More
Habit can be a powerful ally if you have developed the right ones. Conversely, as you also know, they can sabotage your most earnest efforts. So it would seem like a worthwhile use of your time, to reflect on those habits that both help and hinder a good meditation. As Yogananda told us, “You can’t get rid of the darkness … Read More
Paramhansa Yogananda describes how, as a child, he was healed of Asiatic cholera (which is usually fatal) in a blinding flash of light after his mother instructed him to pray to her guru, Lahiri Mahasaya. Albert Einstein, as a young man, was fascinated with the phenomenon of light. His discovery showed that the speed of light is the constant of … Read More
Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the world renown classic, “Autobiography of a Yogi,” spoke and wrote frequently in respect to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Many of his students and followers have wondered why he did so, especially in light of his emphasis upon respect for and the need to seek a deeper understanding of the underyling truth of … Read More
What IS Ananda? Ananda is more than a teaching center for meditation or yoga. Ananda is different things to different people. Most of all, at Ananda we aspire to see that people are more important than things: even so-called “important” things like the classes we give, the projects we undertake, the services we offer, the buildings we occupy, or whether … Read More
There is a folktale called “God Is Coming To Dinner?’ One day, a lady receives in the mail a letter that states, “Please prepare a meal for me tonight. I will be coming to your house for dinner. Love, God” She was poor and lived frugally, so this was a big request. Her heart and soul were thrilled. And so … Read More
Creation is our Mother in the form of nature. God, through the power of intelligent vibration, has created and sustains the universe, and is seated at the still heart of all flux. In celebrating Mother’s Day, let us include God as Mother, housekeeper of creation. The Bible tells us that God gazed upon His creation and called it good! We, too, should … Read More
This topic is based on a reading from the book by Swami Kriyananda, Rays of the Same Light. (We use these readings at the Ananda Sunday Services around the world.) This particular reading begins with Jesus Christ counseling his disciples that their spirituality ought to be something greater than that of his (self-styled) enemies, the Pharisees, who were religious leaders … Read More