Episodes
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How can we bring God closer, so that lasting peace and joy become part of our everyday reality? Paramahansa Yogananda explained that God is âever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new Bliss.â And in this talk, SRF monk Brother Kartikananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansaji on how, through regular meditation, we can experience within ourselves that same bliss, which is the true nature of the soul as a reflection of the Divine.
As we strive to carry that happiness with us throughout the day, we find our actions infused with a positive attitude and we more selflessly serve others â steadily progressing on the spiritual path.
This talk, which includes a period of meditation, was recorded at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in September 2024.
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During his talk, Brother Kartikananda refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yoganandaâs personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org
During his talk, Brother Kartikananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship:
âThe Divine Romance,â Volume 2 of Yoganandaâs Collected Talks and Essays, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/
âGod Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,â Yoganandaâs translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
âIn the Sanctuary of the Soul: A Guide to Effective Prayer,â available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/in-the-sanctuary-of-the-soul-ebook/
âOnly Love: Living the Spiritual Life in a Changing World,â by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/only-love-ebook/
To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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In this talk by one of Paramahansa Yoganandaâs direct disciples, Brother Anandamoy identifies the universal needs that lie at the core of all spiritual seeking, and demonstrates how true spirituality, found in the esoteric traditions of the worldâs great religions, fulfills these needs through direct personal experience of God.
In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn more about Paramahansa Yoganandaâs personal instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âAutobiography of a Yogiâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, âGod Talks With Arjunaâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/
To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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Missing episodes?
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SRF monk Brother Sattvananda explains that enthusiasmâthe ability to motivate ourselves and feel joy in whatever we are doingâis not only important in every aspect of life, but especially in order to achieve our highest spiritual goal of communion with God. He shares Paramahansa Yoganandaâs ideas on how to cultivate spiritual enthusiasm and understand the relationship between will power and maintaining enthusiasm in all our pursuits.
With a deep sense of understanding for the trials we all face as we strive to grow spiritually, Brother Sattvananda encourages us to be regular in our spiritual practicesâand to keep reminding ourselves of the daily blessings that come from meditationâin order to infuse our lives with divine enthusiasm.
In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âAutobiography of a Yogiâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, âGod Talks With Arjunaâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/
To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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A talk given by Sri Daya Mata at the 1993 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Paramahansa Yoganandaâs birth. Sri Daya Mata was the president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India from 1955 until her passing in 2010.
In this talk Daya Mata explains that Paramahansaji was sent to the West to address humanityâs hunger for direct personal experience of God. She provides insight into the deep underlying reasons for the current difficulties in the world situation, along with uplifting counsel to help us to connect with the Inner Source of security and reassurance.
She says: âWe must change. That was the message of Master [Paramahansa Yogananda]; that is why this work will grow on and on and onâbecause it can and will help people to change.
Afflicted by suffering, people say: âWhy did God do this to me?â He didnât do it to us. We must take responsibility for ourselves. When we hit a stone wall, the wall doesnât mean to hurt us; but we may break our knuckles, or our head! This is what we must learn.
âThat is why God created divine laws and set them forth as guidelines in all the great religions of the world. To each of us He is saying, âMy child, these are the absolutes you must follow.â He knew that we were weak; He knew that we were frail. He knew we had lost contact with Him by our becoming too much immersed in this material world. Those laws are there to help us know when we are doing wrong. We must not go against those ancient divine principles.â
In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn more about the SRF Lessons, which present Yoganandaâs personal step-by-step instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âAutobiography of a Yogiâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/
To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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As part of the 2020 SRF World Convocation, SRF monk Brother Kamalananda provides answers to questions submitted by Self-Realization Fellowship students and members on applying Paramahansa Yoganandaâs "how-to-live" teachings in daily life.
The 2020 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation was a week of free online classes, meditations, virtual pilgrimages to ashram centers where Yogananda lived, kirtans (devotional chanting), and moreâoffering all seekers of higher consciousness and balanced spiritual living a unique experience of peace and joy.
Paramahansa Yogananda viewed the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons as the very core of the teachings he was ordained to bring to the world as a special spiritual dispensation for the coming global civilization. To learn more and apply for the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons
In addition to the Lessons, in his satsanga Brother Kamalananda mentions three other resources that can be a great aid to those on the spiritual path:
Paramahansa Yoganandaâs âWhere There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Lifeâs Challenges: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/where-there-is-light/
Paramahansa Yoganandaâs âScientific Healing Affirmationsâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/scientific-healing-affirmations/
And, a talk by Brother Anandamoy available as DVD or digital rental, âThe Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gitaâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-wisdom-of-the-bhagavad-gita/
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF monk Brother Balananda delivers a class on how, by embracing inner growth that builds both self-esteem and self-confidence, teens can learn to realize themselves as souls, made in the image of Godâcapable of accomplishing anything.
This class, which is primarily oriented towards SRF/YSS teens, will explore how they can develop a strong spiritual foundation â so that when tests, trials, and challenges come they will be able to intuitively receive the soulâs wisdom-guidance and support. The sturdier this foundation, the smoother life becomes, and the happier one will be.
This class was part of the 2020 SRF Online World Convocation. The 2020 Convocation was a week of online classes, meditations, virtual pilgrimages to ashram centers where Yogananda lived, kirtans (devotional chanting), and moreâoffering all seekers of higher consciousness and balanced spiritual living a unique experience of peace and joy.
To read Paramahansa Yoganandaâs Introduction to the SRF Lessons, âHighest Achievements Through Self-Realizationâ: https://flipbooks.yogananda.org/15791/30007/index.html?convo&_ga=2.237627968.1925057532.1597017556-1151153180.1597017556
To learn more and apply for the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF monk Brother Saralananda discusses how students of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons can make Paramahansa Yoganandaâs living presence a tangible reality through their study of the Lessonsâthe very core of the Kriya Yoga teachings he was ordained to bring to the world.
In the Preface to the new SRF Lessons, Sri Daya Mata and Sri Mrinalini Mata write: âThe scriptures of India teach the value of shravana â listening with reverence and attention to the instrucÂŹtion received at the feet of oneâs guru. Let your reading of these Lessons be that kind of âlistening,â which fully imparts the meaning of the words to your mind and heart.â And Paramahansa Yogananda said: âWhen this body shall be gone, still my voice shall always speak through these Lessons.â
This class was part of the 2020 SRF Online World Convocation. The 2020 Convocation was a week of online classes, meditations, virtual pilgrimages to ashram centers where Yogananda lived, kirtans (devotional chanting), and moreâoffering all seekers of higher consciousness and balanced spiritual living a unique experience of peace and joy.
To read Paramahansa Yoganandaâs Introduction to the SRF Lessons, âHighest Achievements Through Self-Realizationâ: https://flipbooks.yogananda.org/15791/30007/index.html?convo&_ga=2.237627968.1925057532.1597017556-1151153180.1597017556
To learn more and apply for the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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How do you respond when you see habits or qualities in yourself that you would like to change? SRF monk Brother Bhumananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to make introspection a positive experience and use it as a powerful tool for spiritual growth.
Our true nature is the perfect divinity of the soul. The flaws and bad habits we have acquired are only temporary. Through regular introspection we can learn to see not only our strengths but any negative qualities or moods that are holding us back â and then take definite steps to cultivate the opposite qualities, all the while maintaining a positive attitude. Our daily efforts to improve, along with practicing meditation, can transform our lives â bringing us greater peace and revealing ever more clearly the blissful light of Spirit within.
This talk was recorded at the 2010 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles.
You can receive Paramahansa Yoganandaâs personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org
During his talk, Brother Bhumananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship:
âAutobiography of a Yogi,â Paramahansa Yoganandaâs acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
âManâs Eternal Quest,â Volume 1 of Yoganandaâs Collected Talks and Essays, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-ebook/
âJourney to Self-realization,â Volume 3 of Yoganandaâs Collected Talks and Essays, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/journey-to-self-realization-ebook/
âThe Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,â Yoganandaâs commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/
âGod Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,â Yoganandaâs translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
âOnly Love: Living the Spiritual Life in a Changing World,â by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/only-love-ebook/
Brother Bhumananda also refers to âSelf-Realizationâ magazine, established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1925. Learn more and read free sample articles from past issues at https://yogananda.org/self-realization-magazine
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Govindananda discusses Paramahansa Yoganandaâs teachings on how to harness the power of the mind through understanding its relationship to the spiritual eye and by applying the techniques of meditation taught in the SRF Lessons. Brother Govindananda explains that by practicing a powerful form of pranayama such as the Hong-Sau Technique, the yogi can gradually but surely bring the restless mind under control. He also shares how we can use other methods such as daily spiritual study and writing to enhance our ability to reach this goal.
In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âAutobiography of a Yogiâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, âGod Talks With Arjunaâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/
To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Anilananda discusses the importance of having a true guru on the spiritual path, in this talk given at the 2014 SRF World Convocation.
He quotes Paramahansa Yoganandaâs words: âMost people could not become millionaires in this lifetime no matter how much they wanted, because it would take several lifetimes for them to bring about the right circumstances. ButâŚall of us, âbeing already made in the image of God, can attain Him in one lifetime by making the proper spiritual effort under the guidance of a true guru.ââ
Brother Anilananda stresses that there are three ways in which we can cooperate and tune in with the Guru, who is trying to help us reach omnipresent liberation. âThe Guru is our guide to eternal freedom,â he states. âTo attune with him, we should remember the importance of love; and the techniques of meditation he has given us, which will help us go inside to awaken that love; and finally we must learn to âgive that love to all.ââ
In his How-to-Live teachings, Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âAutobiography of a Yogiâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/
To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Jayananda shares insights from Paramahansa Yogananda into how to progress on the spiritual path. First, "What is the true purpose of life?" After revealing the answer to this, Brother Jayananda explains how to achieve this purpose by applying various universal methods of spiritual seeking found in the SRF/YSS teachings, especially that of the technique of Kriya Yoga.
In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âAutobiography of a Yogiâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âGod Talks With Arjunaâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âJourney to Self-realizationâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/journey-to-self-realization-ebook/
To view the ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/
To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Bhumananda shares insights into Paramahansa Yoganandaâs stating that this world in which we live isâin an ultimate senseâa cosmic motion picture. He explains that although our life experiences seem so very real and compelling, the message from the great ones who know Godâsuch as Jesus, Krishna, and the Self-Realization Fellowship lineage of Gurusâis that this ârealityâ is not what it seems to be.
The great spiritual masters come to wake us up so that we can know what we really are: beings of light and consciousness.
This lesson is borne out in the Bible passage from the book of Matthew: âThe ship was now in the midst of the sea tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them walking onto the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were troubled, saying it is a spirit and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them saying, âBe of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid.ââ
Of this miracle Paramahansa Yogananda explains: âA master who by actual realization perceives the entire cosmos as a dream of God, and all matter as condensed light and consciousness, rises above the laws governing material creationâŚ.If a sleeping man dreams he is drowning, his consciousness would suffer a painful sense of suffocation. But if he knew the art of controlling his dreams at will he could save his dream self simply by changing his dream thoughts to behold his dream body floating safely on the dream waters. Jesus, perceiving his body, the sea, and the conglomerate world as differentiated dream waves of consciousnessâŚcould by mere willing change theâŚelectronic composition of his body so that weightlessly it could walk on water.â
Paramahansa Yogananda stated that Jesus and his close disciples practiced a form of yoga meditation very similar to Kriya Yoga. And it is through the practice of Kriya Yoga Meditation that a seeker after higher understanding can come to that realization that his or her essence is light and consciousness. Brother Bhumananda points out that when Jesus said, âThe kingdom of God is within you,â the yogis of India would recognize that assertion as perfectly in harmony with yoga.
To teach seekers in the practice of Kriya Yoga meditation, Paramahansa Yogananda established the SRF/YSS Lessons as a comprehensive system for balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read Paramahansa Yoganandaâs translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, God Talks With Arjuna: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
To learn more about the SRF World Convocation, a yearly week-long immersion for SRF members and friends from around the world in the âhow-to-liveâ teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/convocation
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Nakulananda explains how the secret for success on the spiritual path lies in developing a ânever give upâ attitude: âWe will be delving into the subject of perseverance and having that indomitable will and determination to accomplish whatever we set out to do in our lives; and in particular to be determined to seek God, to love God, until we have that final union with Godâ
He points out that the highest goal in life is to experience the Divine within ourselves, and that to do so requires persevering until we reach that sacred goal. Citing numerous examples of spiritually successful individuals, most notably Paramahansa Yogananda, he explains how we can develop #perseverance and our desire for realizationâdespite all the tests of lifeâthrough practical spiritual methods such as:
⢠Understanding the purpose of life
⢠Using affirmations as a means to know the divinity and strength of your true nature as a soul
⢠Faithfully practicing scientific yoga meditation techniques, as those found in the SRF teachingsâThe scientific way of entering the superconscious state is by the methods of life-force control I am giving to you,â Brother Nakulananda quotes #Yogananda as saying about the pranayama (life-force control) techniques taught in the SRF Lessons. âIf you faithfully practice these techniques and meditate deeply, I prophesy you will never give it up.â
In this talk, which was recorded at the SRF Encinitas Temple in May 2020, Brother Nakulananda quotes from Yoganandaâs commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita (âGod Talks With Arjunaâ) and the New Testament (âThe Second Coming of Christâ) to show their underlying unity and emphasis on actual experience of God. And in drawing examples from the lives of saints, Brother Nakulananda tells us that we too can follow in their footsteps and achieve our own Self-realization.
To learn the meditation techniques of the science of Kriya Yoga by receiving the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âAutobiography of a Yogiâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
To read the ebook of Yoganandaâs âGod Talks With Arjunaâ: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda shares how the comprehensive science of Kriya Yogaâwhich includes the specific technique of Kriya Yoga as well as the other meditation techniques taught by Paramahansa Yoganandaâworks in a systemic way to âreverse the searchlights of the sensesâ away from matter so that we can discover the bliss of the Divine within ourselves.
As Brother Chidananda states in his talk, âAn understanding of the basic principles of this comprehensive science helps a great deal in the practice of not just the Kriya technique proper, but also the Energization Exercises, the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, and the Aum Technique of Meditation, all of which are part of this interrelated science of yoga meditation.â
#Yogananda explains that âthe little searchlights of our mindâs attention and of the five senses ordinarily are focused on imperfect matterâŚ.Manâs attachment to matter keeps the soul confined to the bodily prison and prevents it from finding freedom with God in the realm of eternal bliss. The ego attempts to satisfy through material channels the soulâs constant, insatiable longing for God.â
This talk was recorded at the 2016 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, a year before Brother Chidananda became the fifth president of Self-Realization Fellowship, the organization established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920 to disseminate his teachings on Kriya Yoga meditation worldwide.
Brother Chidananda points out that progress on the spiritual path begins from the very moment we start to feel what Paramahansa Yogananda described as âthe soulâs constant, insatiable longing for God.â Brother Chidananda illustrates the incredible power of the science of Kriya Yoga for mastering the ego-principle, which allows us to realize the innate Joy of the soulâeven in this modern age.
To learn about the SRF World Convocation, please visit: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview
To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course from Yogananda that presents his in-depth teachings on the Kriya Yoga science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living, please visit: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To learn more about the yoga path and the science Kriya Yoga in particular: https://yogananda.org/path
To experience more SRF how-to-live inspirational videos and guided meditations: https://www.youtube.com/user/YoganandaSRF
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Vishwananda discusses how we can more quickly and effectively achieve the ultimate goal of human lifeâSelf-realization, oneness with the bliss of Godâby understanding what devotion truly is and practicing it daily as we learn to âlive in the moment.â He explains:
âVery few people understand what the purpose of life is. But our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, has told us: The purpose of life is to find God. If we can cling to this one thought alone, how our lives will change! That thought gives perspective and power of direction to every aspect of our lives. We now have a measure for our every thought, feeling, and action: is this taking me closer to God, or is it taking me away from God? This reflects the real meaning of yoga: It is not just practice of techniques that we perform a few times per day and then go about our lives. It is a way of life that impacts us on all levelsâphysically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.â
Recorded at the 2012 SRF World Convocation, Brother Vishwananda states how wonderful it is to be at the Convocationâa weeklong immersion in the Kriya Yoga teachings of Yoganandaâwith SRF students from all over the world, gathering to set aside âall thoughts and cares of the world, the challenges that we all may be facing in our day-to-day lives, and just focus on loving God.â
Brother Vishwananda reminds the audience of words spoken by SRFâs fourth president, Sri Mrinalini Mata, earlier in the Convocation week, in which she pointed out that Convocation experience, though soon to come to and end, could serve as a beginning of a lasting and deeper awareness of and true devotion to the Divine. (This talk by Mrinalini Mata was published as âFilling the Vessel of Your Life With Godâs Loveâ in the Winter 2012 and Spring 2013 issues of Self-Realization magazine.)
To learn about the SRF World Convocation please visit: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview
Topics discussed in True Devotion include:
⢠The purpose of life
⢠The importance of living in the moment
⢠Making you relationship with God and Guru personal
⢠Yama-niyamaâthe first two steps in Patanjaliâs Eightfold Path of Yoga, extolled in his Yoga Sutras, as the foundation of the spiritual practice of meditation
In his âhow-to-liveâ teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course from Yogananda that presents his in-depth teachings on the Kriya Yoga science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living, please visit: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To experience more SRF how-to-live inspirational videos and guided meditations: https://www.youtube.com/user/YoganandaSRF
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Nakulananda explains how we can face all of lifeâs challenges through applying Paramahansa Yoganandaâs scientific Kriya Yoga teachings on meditation and balanced spiritual living and how-to-live principles:
âOur Guru [Paramahansa Yogananda] has given to us so much in his vast teachingsâin his lectures, his writings, his recordings, his how-to-live principles, the techniques of meditationâshowing us the supreme purpose for which we are here on earth, and how to achieve that goal of God-realization, which is our divine birthright, our divine heritage.â
He also cites the counsel of Sri Daya Mataâone of Yoganandaâs earliest and closest disciples, and the third president of SRF/YSSâwho explains that nothing in this world is stable: everything is changing except God, and that âlasting peace can only come from within, from attunement with God.â
Brother Nakulananda explains that by becoming anchored in God through meditation and right activity, âwe are not only helping ourselves, but we are also helping our family and our friends and our loved ones just by our example of the calmness and the evenmindedness that we are exemplifying in our daily lives.â
He again quotes Daya Mata: âThe more you fix your consciousness in the reality of His presence within you, the more you will learn, as stated by Master, âto stand unshaken midst the crash of breaking worlds.â Established in the evenmindedness of soul consciousness and the constancy of Godâs presence, you will not only be able to keep your own head high in times of crisis or tragedy, but also to give strength and comfort to others and to the world through the spiritual consciousness emanating from your uplifting thoughts, actions, and prayers.â
In concluding his talk, Brother Nakulananda quotes solacing insight that Paramahansa Yogananda gives in his Autobiography of a Yogi concerning the promise that the SRF teachings on Kriya Yoga hold for not only this moment but the unfolding future:
âThe blessed role of Kriya Yoga in East and West has hardly more than just begun. May all men come to know that there exists a definite, scientific technique of Self-realization for the overcoming of all human misery!â
This service was recorded at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas, California.
In his âhow-to-liveâ teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
Learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and the path of Kriya Yoga meditation: https://yogananda.org
Learn Kriya Yoga by applying for the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course in the science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living established by Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons
Learn more Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yoganandaâs spiritual classic: https://yogananda.org/autobiography-of-a-yogi
Purchase Autobiography of a Yogi as an ebook: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/
Read selections of Yoganandaâs âhow-to-liveâ wisdom on a variety of topics: https://yogananda.org/how-to-live-wisdom
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SRF minister Sister Priya shares her insights into how to find spiritual balance in our lives with meditation as the foundation. In this talk, recorded at the 2000 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, she also discusses how we can allow the problems of life to drive us closer to God; the importance of forgiveness in our finding balance; and the power or prayer to bring about change in ourselves, our lives, and the world.
The SRF/YSS path of Kriya Yoga meditationâtaught by Paramahansa Yogananda in the SRF/YSS Lessonsâis a comprehensive system for balanced spiritual living. As Sister Priya points out, âRegular meditation will always be primary among the SRF requirements for a balanced and spiritual life. Our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, never spoke of the essentials without stressing meditation.â
She tells us that it is regular meditation, especially Kriya meditation, by which, in Yoganandaâs words, âMen and women, one by one, escape from creationâs prison of duality as they awaken to consciousness of their inseverable divine unity with the Creator.â
But in addition to meditation, the spiritual aspirant looking for true happiness must also consider how to make oneâs whole of life balanced. And this is where Sister Priya stresses the comprehensive and universal nature of the spiritual discipline, or sadhana, to be found in the âhow-to-liveâ SRF/YSS teachings: â[Paramahansa Yoganandaâs] sadhana is suitable both for householder and renunciant seeking freedom in God, because it includes this beautiful balance of regular meditation, of service to God in others, plus rest, recreation, and exercise. Everything in moderation.â
At the beginning of this talk, Sister Priya also speaks of the hope she feels after having just visited an SRF summer youth program: âIf children like thisâŚrepresent the future of SRF and the future of the world, I think we have less to worry about than we thought. They radiated such purity and yet such depth, gentle spiritual strength.â
To learn to practice the SRF teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship: https://yogananda.org/
To learn more about programs for youth from SRF: https://yogananda.org/events-and-programs-for-youth
To read Paramahansa Yoganandaâs translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, God Talks With Arjuna: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
To learn more about the SRF World Convocation, a yearly week-long immersion for SRF members and friends from around the world in the âhow-to-liveâ teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview
If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org
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SRF minister Brother Satyananda explores how to understand the idea of âTaking Shelter in Godâ in Paramahansa Yoganandaâs Kriya Yoga teachings. When the trials of life suddenly encroach on us, do we seek inner peace in meditation: âare we putting first our fear, or are we putting first our faith?â
Brother Satyananda explains that seeking the protective shelter of the Divine is a choice we can all make, just as we would choose to seek shelter from a storm. If we take shelter in God with devotion, we can, in Paramahansajiâs words, âbecome established in supreme peace and find eternal freedom in Him.â
This inspirational service draws from Paramahansa Yoganandaâs commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, âGod Talks With Arjuna,â and his commentaries on the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, âThe Second Coming of Christ.â
In his âhow-to-liveâ teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
To learn how to receive the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessonsâwhich include the advanced techniques of meditation, including Kriya Yoga, and instruction on balanced spiritual living as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To purchase the ebook of Inner Peace: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/inner-peace-ebook/
To purchase the ebook of God Talks With Arjuna: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
To learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and its teachings: https://yogananda.orgTo learn more about how meditation is the central focus of the complete system of Raja Yoga: https://yogananda.org/yoga-union-with-bliss-through-meditation
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SRF nun Sister Draupadi discusses the Mother aspect of the Divine, and explains that by applying Paramahansa Yoganandaâs teachings, we help our families live in a higher age of understanding and spiritual balance. She further affirms that as parents deepen their own relationship with God, they also guide the lives of children with ever-increasing love and acceptance.
At the beginning of this service given at the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles, Sister Draupadi reads from "The Second Coming of Christâ and âGod Talks With Arjuna,â Paramahansa Yoganandaâs commentaries on the New Testament and the Bhagavad Gita, respectively.
After describing the ennobling instruction given to children before they entered householder life in the Golden Age of ancient India, she points out that we are truly blessed in our present time to have the Kriya Yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda â which we can apply in our lives in order to live in a higher age, right now. âAll of us who have embraced Paramahansa Yoganandaâs teachings are actually following the teachings of Vedic India,â Sister Draupadi affirms.
To learn how to receive the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessonsâwhich include the advanced techniques of meditation, including Kriya Yoga, and instruction on balanced spiritual living as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons
To read the book Mejda, the account of the early years of Paramahansa Yogananda written by his brother Sananda Lal Ghosh: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mejda/
To purchase the ebook of God Talks With Arjuna, Yoganandaâs translations and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/
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In this inspirational service conducted at the Self-Realization Fellowship Hollywood Temple, SRF minister Brother Govindananda speaks about âRediscovering Your Higher Self.â
He explains how we can use Kriya Yoga meditation and the power of affirmation to uncover âyour higher selfâ â the hidden soul nature that resides in every human being. He quotes Paramahansa Yoganandaâs words for overcoming the limitations of human consciousness:
âMaterial remediesâmedicines, physical comforts, human consolationâhave their place in helping to remove pain, but the greatest remedy is the practice of Kriya Yoga and the affirmation that you are one with God. This is the cure-all for every trouble, pain, and bereavementâthe way to freedom from all individual and mass karma.â
He further quotes Paramahansa Yogananda in explanation of âyour higher selfâ:
âRemember you are a child of God. It lies with you as to what you are going to be. Be proud that you are a child of God. What have you to fear?...He loves you everlastingly. Think that. Believe that. Know that. And suddenly one day you will find you are immortally alive in God.â
In his âhow-to-liveâ teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies â to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success.
Learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and the path of Kriya Yoga: https://yogananda.org
Learn Kriya Yoga by applying for the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course in the science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living established by Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons
Read selections of Yoganandaâs âhow-to-liveâ wisdom on a variety of topics: https://yogananda.org/how-to-live-wisdom
