KRIYA YOGA TODAY....BABAJI...YOGANANDA...SRF

THE WISDOM OF PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA >>>>>>>>>>>>>

2011-03-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Significance of the Guru-disciple link connected with SRF/YSS.
What did the Master say about this?
Yogananda's tradition has no guru successors outside of SRF/YSS!
What really is True Kriya Yoga ?
See all essays on rt sidebar >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda 1

" Do not be bound by this earth.
This is just a place where for
a time you are to act your part.
Do not give undue importance to it.
Balance material and spiritual duties in your life;
that will bring you supreme happiness.
Be ambitious for God,
which will help you to play your part well.
God would not have given you a brain
if He didn't want you to think and reason.
He would not have given you a will
if He didn't expect you to use it.

But while you perform your dutiful actions,
do not create new desires.
Become a perfect actor,
seeking just to do God's bidding.
Only in perfecting your portrayal
in God's drama do you earn the right
to retire to your Divine Home."

In a letter to Rajarsi Janakananda from Yogananda, September 19, 1935;

" To be known by God is everything.

Like Buddha who gave up everything,

live only for God, Self-Realization Fellowship, and Guru's work,
and you will attain everlastingness in heaven."

The 1988 edition of AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI
Autobiography of a Yogi 1988 edition .

YOGANANDA and OTHER KRIYA YOGA PATHS

2011-03-13T10:44:00.001-07:00

Yogananda Gurus and other Kriya Yoga Paths

"It has been my observation over many years, of a number of persons,
that unwavering loyalty and obedience to a true Guru has resulted in
the most creative and successful of persons. Persons whose service
to others has been outstanding. These are persons that through such
Spiritual training with SRF have found freedom and transformation
in the most positive degree.
And I have seen so many persons whose egotism
prevented such cooperation with the teacher and they usually
ended up in a swamp of intellectual arrogance"......PYislove

"It is our policy to permit only ordained ministers to give the Kriya Yoga initiation.
Master said that after his passing he wanted only ---SRF renunciates to be ordained as ministers,
and at that only after a minimum of seven years in one of our colonies[ashrams]..."
signed -D Walters, 1957

This note is indicative of one of the changes Yogananda had made for the
Autobiography chapter on Kriya Yoga...... In fact, Yogananda eventually
told SRF leadership to annually approve those qualified to teach give Kriya initiations.

For those looking for a "living Guru", the first thing to understand is that a teacher in a live body may seldom be "a spiritually living Guru." And may not even be a living Prophet.
A charismatic spiritually dead teacher can not take you to the divine no matter how impressed you are about him/her. The first problem is - few persons can really tell the difference, can actually identify a living Guru/savior/Prophet.
However, once a great soul achieves true Self-realization /salvation/ full awareness of the Reality/Brahman, in this superconscious omniscience, there is no more dying then, and no more necessity of reincarnating in form.
Having a physical body to work through is no longer a necessity.
This is how the "great ones", true living Masters work with us even after their demise. Then one is the true teacher, Guru, a Living Prophet in or out of a body. History is plentiful with the evidence of this fact!
This is why, even with such mastery over life and death they usually do not hang around with the physical body.
To stay in the Relative, unreal, material world would be counterproductive and misleading others about where salvation truly lies.
So, Devotee - what do you really want, a true Guru or a position?
What do you want - someone to lead you or baby sit you?
The overwhelming evidence is, is that Paramahansa Yogananda
is a "living Guru" now, just as He was when wandering around in the body.
I, and many, many others see his hand working in our lives,
helping us on the path to freedom via the
Self-realization Fellowship/YSS wisdom teachings.

One of the clearest declarations made by Paramahansa
Yogananda was that in this tradition of Kriya Yoga there
would never be another successor guru to shape this holy path of
SRF/YSS. There may be other teachers of Yoga if they
are truly spiritually advanced, but we already have six
"living Gurus" to choose from. If you insist on finding a Guru
in a body [as many do] you may end up looking in all the wrong places.
Many wolves await you!

Because Kriya Yoga has become such a hot item in the
world of spirituality since Yogananda came to the West
almost a hundred years ago, so many want to get in on the act
and start their own Kriya schools. This natural occurrance is not unusual as human egos are always trying to prove themselves. Why is the teaching of Kriya Yoga so sought after by serious devotees of Reality? Because is has proven itself so powerfully effective in transforming human lives for the better. For showing us how to contact God before death of the body.
There have been many teachers and promoters of the Mystical Kriya Yoga spiritual techniques used to enhance human evolution and spiritual awareness.
I am posting these notes for the benefit of those who wish to
follow the teachings and wisdom inspiration of Paramahansa
Yogananda in particular. It is a core part of Yogananda's
teaching to loyally work through and support path SRF/YSS.
Yogananda created only one organization to further and
represent his spiritual legacy in this world. That society is
the Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS alone. The leadership of
SRF/YSS has so far been impeccable. Other claims to the
contrary are largely false and misleading and promoted to suit the agendas and false rationalizations of others. The master said that He emphatically did not allow any successor "Gurus" in his lineage to take His place after his demise. Because this leaves new and green devotees at the risk of deception by the many lesser teachers we find in the field of religion. Ambitious persons who want power over others and are great talkers - but have little or no God-Realization. Beware of them!
Most world class prophets have made similar declarations to protect devotees from being misled by false spiritual teachers who inevitably pop up and would love to steal the show after the great work has been launched by an avatar.
In this copy-cat world there are so many half baked wanabees, so many who want to copy PY's successes.
No organization is perfect, but I feel that SRF/YSS has avoided many of the flaws of orgs in the past that only sought power and control over others, they lacked the spiritual understanding that was intended by their illustrious founders. SRF is not like this at all.

For those who are attracted to Paramahansa Yogananda
and His divine legacy as their spiritual path, SRF/YSS is
the very best way to go, and according to the notes below was
intended by Yogananda as the only loyal and most productive
way to go via the"SRF "lessons, guidance, and publications
of His works. Loyalty to the Master and His organization
[His cause] is an important element in this whole Guru devotee process.
Then many spiritual blessings can follow throughout your life...

Below is a set of posts derived from the SRF devotees
forum at yogananda.net web site. March 2011
One will find even more support for these ideas below
by reading more of Yogananda's writings, where
He repeats this theme in over a hundred places. Other persons
have published biographies and books about Yogananda
and their claimed experiences with Him, some of these
authors have put Yogananda's name on their books as
being the actual author of such works. This is not always
true and new devotees should be wary of those
who would misuse the masters name on their publications.
Namaste ..............PYislove

SRF and Yogananda are clearly one...
Contrasting all that Yogananda and SRF/YSS says about this subject, are the talks and writings of other lesser teachers who have agendas of their own. Not agendas of their devotees mind you ,just agendas for their own personal desires and organizational ambitions, In order to fulfill those ambitions they have been attempting to change and distort some of Yogananda work with endless rationalizations of their own.
That is why they keep saying things like, "Master could not have meant that!" or Master told me privately , etc etc...
Master said that" I had a great work to do". Yes - that great work was to change yourself, and this is where you have thus far disappointed him, by your 30+years of ill behavior, and your childish attacks on SRF/YSS and its rightfully appointed leaders[appointed by Yogananda].
Who does one believe? well simply much of what you read on this page are statements of Yogananda Himself - how does it all tally with what your teacher is saying? What are the ethics of your teacher? What is his record..

PY is love Wednesday, August-24-2011

Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS is Yogananda's Spiritual community.

Why did the Master Yogi create Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS?

About Yogananda and organizations, I did not like orgs until I found Yogananda and SRF. When I found over over one hundred places in His writings where He says that devotees will gain the most through Self-Realization Fellowship and the lesson course this changed my attitude about orgs. SRF/YSS is Yogananda's family and spiritual community/colony.
None other is needed or required. Be careful of those who think they know better than the Guru while telling you they work for him alone?
Self-Realization fellowship was a wonderful turning point in my life that has blessed me in many ways as my true path.

Finally, Yogananda's final pronouncement on how He felt about his SRF/YSS org is summarized on page 410 in the "Autobiography of a Yogi." as follows; (c) x SRF publishers LA USA.[ orange cover editions are the most accurate and complete,
and published according to the final wishes of Yogananda. The 49th chapter is by PY and is entirely missing from the earliest editions]

"The founding in the West of the Self-Realization Fellowship organization, a "hive of spiritual honey" was a duty enjoined on me by Mahavatar Babaji. The fulfillment of the sacred trust has not been devoid of difficulties.

"Tell me truly Paramahansaji, has it been worth it?"That laconic question was put to me one evening by Dr. Lloyd Kennel,a leader of the temple in San Diego. I understood him to mean have you been happy in America,? What about all the falsehoods circulated by misguided people who are anxious to prevent the spread of Yoga?What about the disillusionments, the heartaches, the center leaders who could not lead, the students who could not be taught?"

"......................"I thought then of all the faithful ones, of the love, devotion, and understanding that illumines the heart of America. With slow emphasis I went on,"But my answer is
Yes, a thousand times Yes! It has been worthwhile, more than I ever dreamed, to see East and West brought closer in the only lasting bond, the spiritual." end
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
March ...2011

on Yogananda.net - One devotee comments....?

"Show me one place in the AY where Master, during his own sadhana, talked about the importance of organized religion or a Church. It was never about that." [Read the above from AY]

Various replies;are given >>>>>>>>

Posted 09 March 2011 - 01:01 PM

Stargazer, on 09 March 2011 - 09:13 AM, said:

LB, I have Second edition 2005, and 2nd of May is dfferent!
1st of May Master talks about total loyalty to God, but also how God has tied him to the work of SRF.
3rd of May: "In the spiritually receptive, loyalty to the guru rises spontaneously....".
7th May: "Falter no more....Follow the truth that God has sent through Self-Realization Fellowship and you shall be forever blessed.

Master said all those things. Stargz.

Little bird says;

Interesting! The quote I posted was from Master, too (most in the SDiary are, but some not, and realized I didn't specifically say before).

I had these saved on my computer about the role of the organization. I love these quotes, as I feel such joy, not only in having our Guru, but also in being a part of the organization that was part of the plan of God and all our Gurus, and Master's mission to establish it. And most of all knowing that leadership at the top will always be Self-realized, that Babaji already knows who they are.

This is an excerpt from an interview with Sri Daya Mata by Saurabb Bhattacharya for "Life Positive," a magazine in India, that was in the SRF Magazine, Fall 1999:

Some people claiming their ancestry to Sri Yukteswar and Lahiri Mahasaya are teaching Kriya Yoga in the West. Please comment.

Daya Mata replies; "Receiving Kriya Yoga is more than obtaining a set of instructions; it means forming a sacred bond between one's soul and the guru sent by God to lead one back to Him-- for it is when practiced within the auspices of that holy relationship that Kriya can fully impart its blessings. And a person's choice of guru is a completely individual matter between that devotee and God; it is not for anyone else to comment on. What we tell people is that if they wish to enter the guru-disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda, then the YSS/SRF teaching is the way to do so. He promised that he and his paramgurus would guide and guard the spiritual progress of all who receive Kriya initiation through the society he himself established for this purpose, if they keep in tune through faithful practice of the teachings."

Also; from the Fall, 1999 SRF Magazine:

An excerpt from "A Life of Consecration, " by Mrinalini Mata:

"...So often we have remembered the words Master spoke many years ago to those of us who had come to dedicate our lives as monastics: 'When I have left this body, the organization will be my body, and you all will be my hands and feet, my speech.' What a blessed opportunity, what a tremendously freeing experience is this life of consecration. Each one who wholeheartedly embraces it becomes like a glowing atom of Master's being; each makes a necessary contribution to the whole, through which Gurudeva's organization can continue to reach out in his spirit of love divine."

Btw, I believe this is also true for householders (being part of Master's 'body'), but to a much lesser extent as far as leadership and decision making in the organization goes.

LB posts further;

Arvind, the question Daya Maji was asked had to do with people "claiming their ancestry to Sri Yukteswar and Lahiri Mahasaya teaching Kriya Yoga in the West." This question doesn't include Master, but other lineages from Sri Y or LMji (which began in India).

As far as people breaking away from SRF to form their own organization, Daya Ma is saying that those who truly want to follow Master and get kriya through him must do it through SRF for it to be authentic, so to speak.

This is from Brother Anandamoy (Mrinalini Mata has also said the same thing):

Quote

"So we have to very carefully watch that it is not the rationalizations of the ego because rationalizations of the ego cannot change spiritual law."

I'll give you another example. One time Daya Mataji told us that story, she said she and some other monastics were with Master and they were discussing a monk who was no longer with the organization, and he was still giving, teaching the techniques. And he asked Master about it, can he do it? Master emphatically said, "God and Babaji ordained me to establish this organization, and this is the organization through which they work to spread the teachings. There is none other." And then one of the monastics said, "But sir, he's still giving kriya. Is it the same?" Master said, "It is not the same. The ties are broken."

That is serious business. You cannot rationalize the ego. We have to ask sincerely, are we working with the law, divine law, or against it. Rationalizations of the ego cannot change Divine Law. If a person goes against the instructions of the Master, the Guru, that's heavy karma"
Bro. Anandamoy, Understanding Karma

posted by pyislove March 13 2011

Thanks so much LB , you have done a great job on clarifying the

importance of SRF and masters purpose and connection with it for

all devotees who really want to understand His teachings and Sadhana.

The best connection one can make with SRF gurus is the SRF.

Not the only way for some, but the surest way for those who

will love and support this great work.

Before Master introduced Himself to me and even till a while later

I distrusted organizations/churches. But because He created SRF

I felt that this must be the way He wants for us- and so it is.

From my reading of world religious history, it would be difficult

to find another organization that has so closely maintained the

teaching of the founder/prophet as SRF/YSS has done.
None in this world may be perfect, but SRF's record so far is exceptional.

It took me years to fully understand the importance of having an

organization for this work, something that is untypical of Yogis.

Here is where Yogananda is working "out of the box."
On page 410 of Autobiography of a Yogi Yogananda says that
creating the SRF/YSS was a very worthwhile thing,
"Yes, He says, a thousand times Yes" he replied.
As He saw it as a great spiritual fellowship to bring East and West together.
Politics has failed us.

In fact; a serious point to be mentioned here as I see it, is that it is other non-SRF/YSS groups and paths that are primarily distorting and misrepresenting some of Yogananda's teachings. This is done by various rationalizations by some. There are some in fact that do not even mention His name, even though He was the origin of their leaders guruship.

And for many out there that say such and such is more important than the organization, even most those persons are deeply involved in supporting/creating their own organizations.
Enough of this Hypocrisy!

Getting back to the subject of this thread - it is this organization

working through families that will show youth a better way to

approach the spiritual.

namaste, PYislove

THE LAST & ONLY TRUE GURU for THOSE WHO WISH to FOLLOW Yogananda's TEACHINGS is PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA via SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP

2010-12-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

In a letter to Rajarsi Janakananda from Yogananda, September 19, 1935;

" To be known by God is everything.

Like Buddha who gave up everything,

live only for God, Self-Realization Fellowship, and Guru's work,
and you will attain everlastingness in heaven."

"Prophetic Closure;" the key statements for the ending of lineages by world class true prophets to protect all future devotees, is a living prophets prerogative. Ending of succession is not a statement of exclusivism, it is a purely protective measure.
"Prophetic closure" does not mean that there will
be no one else to carry on the saviors work. It simply means that others should not attempt to imply that such a living prophet can no longer guide and bless the lives of sincerely attuned devotees to their ultimate evolutionary goal. It also means that others claiming to be said prophet or Gurus in that lineage are false [or lower level] teachers. "You will know them by their fruits"
The goal of Self-realization = God Realization!

As an example; in the gospel of Mathew ch 16;
we read; "3When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter[Petros], and upon this rock[the rock of "son of the living God = ie "christ Consciousness"] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ."

I feel this has been greatly misunderstood by many in the churches for a long time. The truly significant "Rock" that Jesus says will prevail against gates of hell is not Peter [small stone]
but the great all encompassing rock of "Christ Consciousness", the "son of the living God" which found expression through Jesus, Krishna, and others. That is the true "Rock" that will prevail forever. I find it interesting that just after the quote Jesus says that Satan is speaking through Peter!
The interpretation of that chapter in Matthew needs great deal of reassessment!

The term "living Prophet" does not necessarily
refer to a god-realized master in a physical body, even though some do have such bodies. In or out of corporeal form it means they have evolved beyond the limited consciousness of isolation in the sensory world and can therefore work with or without the body as we know it. They are ones who have penetrated the core of reality and are one with reality -God.
A " Living prophet" is not a person who is appointed or elected to a prominent position in some institution, although there have been rare instances of such leaders being realized souls.

There may be any number of other great teachers and /or new saviors over time. But no true living prophet of the past becomes invalid after the body's demise. Nor is he replaced by new genuine saviors in other cultures. Closure declarations should serve as a great caution to seekers not to be caught up with false spiritual teachers. '
" You will know them by their fruits."

Paramahansa Yogananda made it clear that no other Gurus would be needed to succeed Him in this Kriya tradition. To dwell on such an idea that you may be a succeeding guru in his lineage is a denial of the fact that Yogananda and other members uplineage are living prophets. The evidence does not support the claims of present and future wannabe gurus in this tradition who are seeking spiritual celeb exclusive status. Beware of them!

Note; this term "prophetic closure" ,
and associated concepts, are copyrighted terms and were coined/originated by the author of this web site in the year 2000. If you find what you read here unpalatable, just study these ideas for a while, while deprogramming yourself - then tell me what you think! It will all help you to understand why "only one way " is a dying myth. A couple of years research goes by quickly! Remember! The same people taught you that the earth is only about 6,000 years old.
Time proves many things........July 23, 2005
To Read more on this subject,
Please visit this link;
http://whatthesecondcomingmeans.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-false-prophecies-are-bred-by-false.html?

Paramahansa Yogananda Says;

"Those who have come to Self-Realization[-fellowship] truly seeking inward spiritual help shall receive what they seek from God. Whether they come while I am in the body, or afterward, the power of God through the link of the SRF/YSS Gurus shall flow into the devotee just the same, and shall be the cause of their salvation."

Paramahansa Yogananda, quoted in a letter to a Self-Realization Fellowship student, August, 1994. (c)SRF Publishing LA USA

"God has sent you to me, and I shall never fail you...Even when I am gone my help will always be given to devotees all over the world, if they keep in tune. Never think for a moment that when I am physically absent from you all, I am not otherwise with you. I shall be just deeply concerned for your spiritual welfare when I am no longer in the body as I am now. I shall always be watching over each one of you, and whenever a true devotee thinks of me in the silent depths of his soul, he will know that I am near."

Paramahansa Yogananda, quoted in the SRF calender, August, 1993. SRF Publishers LA USA.

Note; For those who doubt the above statements, let me assure you the the history of the truth of the above is proven by many great testimonials from ordinary folks and even saints of this world. Also - if one takes a couple of years to examine the life and works of PY as published by SRF/YSS, they will see why this theme was spoken of by Him so many times.

The true Guru is a "living prophet," who at times takes on the role of Avatar, a great savior of mankind who takes on a vast global public role, and will continue to assist and bless all sincere devotees just the same after the death of the body. Attune to him only. Many want to be teachers, but they may never rank as True Gurus.

" Prophetic Closure" is not needed or usually practiced in your average little ashram as such places seldom involve a global divine dispensation which is intended to become a major world faith as in SRF. In those cases such succession is simply a normal tradition carried on through a single chief disciple. In the various great saints that sometimes come out of India's Holy ashrams, Each generation will only have one "Chief disciple " as the official gurus successor.

Viewing the vast differences between ancient
times and todays world of information streams
including many sacred books, it now becomes possible for sincere seekers to dissolve their culturally programmed myths of darker times established by controlling ambitious overeducated leaders. A true Spiritual Master is far more than your expert with degrees after ones name. Such a Guru has penetrated to the heart of Reality-God and is one with "that" absolute source of wisdom and love. He/she is that
"Kristos", that "Kutustha", that "Christ" spoken of in many or the worlds great scriptures over eons of time. There are many living prophets who can take one to salvation/moksha. But only if the believers in those traditions can see beyond "popular programmed dogmas".

Many great world prophets/Avatars have used very unique

and often misunderstood comments in an attempt to restrict the

reckless activities of false unrealized religious leaders,

teachers, clergy, and missionaries who often attempt to highjack

the prophets work without delay soon after his departure.
Such egocentric ambitious persons do great harm to naive, trusting devotees and the faithful who are seldom in a
position to distinguish between the real and the unreal.
Because persons in authority are dealing with those desiring
the crutch of certainty who are the vulnerable ones, such leaders are in fact psychologically and spiritually abusing others.

They also do considerable harm to the name of true faith.

It so often happens that some of these persons who arise to

prominence after the Prophet leaves the earthly scene are

very influential and charismatic, but being unrealized and worse,

they mislead devotees and seek power and fame only for

themselves and the desire to build an organization which

they hope will boost the size of their ego. They care little for the welfare of each devotee and they are not vehicles of truth or salvation. This has resulted in much unnecessary and sad abuse of sincere devotees. It has even turned millions against religion.

Wannabees may sound very impressive and are primarily experts in crowd manipulation pretending to serve the seekers.

In fact, when we are in such crowds there is a social mob excitation that many seekers mistake for divine influence.

Oh yes, there are some truly great teachers out there in various
sacred paths who may be of great value to your life.
" Know them by their fruits,"
take your time and don't rush in!

" you will know them by their fruits - do men gather

grapes from thistles, or figs from thorns; JC"

" If it were possible they would even deceive the very elect"

These are truly "the wolves in sheep's clothing: Beware .

Jesus [who is one of the worlds many Christs] warns his followers as above, and also that;

" If they say to you that I am in the desert, go not after them,"

For many will come in my name saying " I am He", believe them not." JC

" I am the way the truth and the life "no one comes to the father except through me "John 14;6

Also, you must see verse John 14;10 to understand the proper context of this.[why do most clergy avoid verse 10?]

Jesus was not implying that He was the only savoir for

all men for all time. He was in fact calling "" closure" for the immediate time to protect his devotees from the many false teachers who immediately appeared after his crucifixion, and have been doing so for the last 2000 years.

They never stop!
The problem is not with new or other genuine prophets or spiritual masters, it is with so many who imagine they are in those categories, and those who seek fame and fortune at your expense. Such persons turn many against any kind of religion because of their misleading agendas. The world is swarming with such ambitious impostors who are not God-realized and not capable of showing you the way to any kind of enlightenment, salvation or imagined glory etc. For all their silvery tongues they do not know the way to Reality/God! Talk is cheap!

A partial history/outline of closure;

The Sikhs tenth Guru also called " Closure" and said

he was going to be the final Guru in their sacred lineage.

Mohammed said "there will never come on earth a new religion or prophet, this is Allah's final message."

Of course there have been more prophets since. Less than a century later there was Adi Shankara, who arose in India to upgrade the Hindu traditions known as the Sanatana Dharma.

The Bahai founder Bahaullah said on the last page of Gleanings," If any man should claim to be a prophet of God ere the expiration of one thousand years know him to be an impostor. "

This statement of " closure" was his way of protecting his followers from false prophets.

However, as we can see from today's vast data sources there have been a respectable number of great prophets since Bahalluah's time, and since Mohammed's time, and since Jesus time.

Paramahansa Yogananda also called " closure". He clearly stated more than once that " when I am gone the lessons [SRF Lessons] would be the Guru. He is the last Guru in this tradition.

As the Chief disciple in his lineage via Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, it was Yogananda's right and privilege to make this call.

When it comes right down to the obvious, just how many times must divine souls appear and keep repeating the same principles of wisdom to help us. Yogananda's legacy covers every possible scenario of importance with complete methodology and psychology for our self-development and spiritual welfare that is

so far ahead of its time it won't be outdated for millennia.

It is presented from Him in the worlds most commonly used language, requiring a minimum of translation. [which we know always loses something]. Yet there are many copycat teachers claiming to be the real emissaries of Babaji's Kriya Yoga - it doesn't work this way!

A proper study of the reason detre for this whole SRF lineage of 6 great avatars was to set up a new spiritual dispensation for mankind before the commencement the third millennium.

Yogananda completed this immense task cum laud, and called closure to aid in protecting us from the fate of so many traditions past. There is far more to this than meets the eye.

For it was also a major teaching since Krishna, Jesus, Buddha and others that these saviours are ever-living Gurus even after the death of the body. Closure was often declared because most seekers and devotees have a very difficult time understanding

the fact that well spoken impressive teachers who seems to be alive in living bodies are often spiritually dead.

And as much as most persons want someone to hold their hand and read them bedtime stories, the spiritually dead teacher in a live body is the worst of traps for the aspiring devotee. Truly " Living Prophets" continue to guide, and protect sincere, attuned, loyal devotees after their demise.

Since Yogananda passed on in 1952 eg., there are many testimonials that show how he still works in the lives of devotees. Don't settle for a spiritually dead teacher in a live body - it is not the same thing, and you can't easily tell them apart!

But Paramahansa Yogananda goes even farther than warning

against false teachers. He also warns us not to seek answers in

the lower psychic realms. He said, " after I am gone many

persons [psychics] will say they are getting messages from me."

" Do not listen to them, it doesn't even work that way." pp

Those lower spiritual realms do not contain persons or wisdom sought by the sincere devotee.

Yet it never stops, there are false teachers out there distinctly claiming to be the only living representatives of Yogananda's or Babajis Kriya yoga teachings.

They are claiming to be actual Gurus, falsely contradicting

the words and clear intent of the very master they claim to be representing. If you examine their lives carefully, the record becomes clear that in this lifetime they never were or will be qualified for any kind of guruship.

They may woo thousands, but when all is said and done they are full of hot air, using the names of the great ones to further their own small ambitions. Read your history, read the Autobiography again, because if you need a dead guru in a live body to support your faith, you still don't know what is really in that sacred book! and you are not really connected with Yogananda and his divine spiritual lineage.

Paramahansa Yogananda's writings published by Self-Realization Fellowship are reliable and full of His spiritual presence - so say thousands of readers, devotees, seekers of other paths.

The SRF publishing has a system of verifiers set up by Yogananda himself to testify to the authenticity of Yogananda's teachings sent out by SRF. These persons, unlike others who left after a few years, were completely loyal to the Master and fully understood his teachings. So far, all past presidents of Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS have been divinely realized beings.

A great deal of misinformation has been posted on the net and in some books by persons with dark motives who would harm Yogananda's work.

Part 2;

The Great Misunderstanding of " Prophetic Closure"

The gross misunderstanding of " Prophetic Closure"
throughout the history of some religions has led to untold hatred, violence, wars, and unspeakable evils in the name of religion. Some cultures and groups clearly used this exclusivity claim of imagined superiority to start all kinds of violence, including the violence of mass conversions to their own small ways. This problem arises specifically in many religions originating in the Middle East.

When any one, or a number of religious groups, espouses the carelessly arrogant claim of being some " God's only truth" [which all Middle Eastern sourced religions do,]

there cannot ever be any peace on this earth space ball.
Then on top of this is the endless number of sects of these major groups also all claiming they are the unique interpreters of somebody's only truth.

Drop it! Your interpretations may be wrong.

On the popularity of your ideas within your own group

immediately hints at your erroneous claims!

Thisis one of the darkest concepts of the blind ego.

When you hear of 10 runners claiming they all came in first place in the same race, it becomes clear that not one of them knows what they are talking about. Is this you?

Why add all of this religious angst to the worlds political and economic excuses for conflict and deceit.

True religion, should instead be showing mankind the way out of conflict, the way to peace, the way to mutual understanding and repect. You are all going to have to change your whole approach!

Such was the demonstration of the life of Mahatma Ghandi.

Therefore, those seemingly " exclusivist" comments were

really on " Prophetic closure", and were not to imply "one way

tunnel vision trip." Those statements were not to be a licence to convert millions of others to your own shade of igorance that you mistkenly call " God's truth."
Pluralism is the course of truth, peace, and sanity. This direction is supported clearly by the worlds history and the wisdom of the Vedas and great Avatars.

Those who took control of most great religious movements

in the Middle East and Europe over the last five thousand years

have used this misunderstanding as a source to consolidate

parochial and political power at the expense and suffering of the masses of the most noble beings of long suffering mankind.

It has led to a blind philosophy of "exclusivism" which preaches

blindly that, "our way is the only true way." and "if you do not

follow our way you are a lost soul" or worse "you will burn in

hell forever or a while". The Scare tactic era is over!

We are however so blessed in the modern world of the 21st

century to have so much data available at our fingertips[literally]

that this vain, blind, and dying chant is quickly being see through

for what it is - a total misunderstanding of scriptures and a method set up by the "blind leading the blind."

Pluralism is winning the day not only because it is a well

proven concept from the Holy Land = India, but because spiritual history of the world proves it to be so. It is the road to world peace and brotherhood, the way for sincere persons to evolve more quickly to higher consciousness. And even today in 2011 it is becoming the wisdom of choice of the majority of Christians.

The teaching of exclusivism and " one way" is just another
hold out from the great Apostasy. Are the leaders of the great churches getting the message?

Those leaders of the great hierarchies of elite churchianity are

clearly loosing the battle to keep the populace in ignorance.

Some of this started in Europe in the 17th century with

courageous souls like Luther, Wycliff , Tindale, Darwin,

and others many too numerous to mention here.

But the final death knell for exclusivism really commenced

when Westerners began to read the scriptures such as the

" Bhagavad Gita" and other Hindu Vedas from
the Holy Land -India. Have you read what great Americans such as Emmerson, Thoreau, and Whitman say about the Gita?

Such newly available holy writ in English language [now availablein about 90 different English translations

and commentaries]led to some very enlightened movements

in 19th and 20th century America.

In the 20th century these movements were followed by the arrival of Paramahansa Yogananda,

the father of yoga to the West. So powerful was his life

and legacy, his spiritual charisma, his wisdom and love

and healing, that hundreds of thousands literally flocked

to his lectures and classes on the art of seeking

God and Kriya Yoga meditation. And millions of lives have been spiritually changed and saved by His wisdom and grace.
For many seekers, this sacred journey really began by reading
Yogananda's spiritual classic, "Autobiography of a Yogi."
Please see reviews at Amazon,com.

Part 3 , The quicksand of exclusivism; which way out!

How can all of this dark and erroneous theology and pride

be corrected? The " only one way" chant is clearly harmful

to individual human progress as well as world peace. It contradicts the enlightened knowledge or human spiritual history. It has got to go before we can move forward to any kind of higher consciousness in greater numbers, salvation, or a world of harmonious, peaceful cooperation.

Do not imagine this to be a simple task, for over the centuries

these churches and mosques of Apostasy and have moulded a

delusive trap of politically controlling deceit all in the name of

parochial power. They have long since tried to gain the whole

world while losing their souls, the very essence of existence.

With this petrified dogmatic result that has tied so many of their beliefs to that vain exclusive claim to fame that it may require a complete reworking of their fundamental belief systems to recognize that they have been travelling down a blind alley of power politics for far too long. These are the politics of the anti-Christ. I think it is time for all those misguided missionaries to come back home and convert themselves and their churches to a better version of the teachings of Christ.

A new version that does not impose its own costly ignorance upon the rest of the religious world. It is time to stop swallowing camels and straining at gnats.

The world at this time in its history has at its disposal the wisdom of the ages to feast upon. All that is now needed is a thorough deprogramming of ideas which have not been producing the result of divine realization.
Those old slogans have not been working.

It is in this world of real tests that we should be seeing the changes in our lives, not in the promised land beyond.
Those ideas that were designed for top down power structures have failed to produce moral and caring humans must go before this can be a better world.

Is it true that old hierarchies/authorities do not have all the right answers and desperately need renewal also?

is it true that capitalism is not democracy?

is it true that there are many valid paths to salvation?

is it true that those who have truly found the way

can lead us to a better life of peace and happiness?

is it true that nothing ever produced in this world

is without flaws?

is it true that what ever is most real to a person

is that persons God?

(to be continued ...)

THE DAWNING OF WISDOM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

2010-12-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Self-Realization Fellowship is a NRM

I would say that SRF teachings are largely derived
from Sanatana Dharma concepts and principles,
but so are most of the teachings of Jesus the Christ.
[before they largely became paganized and politicized].
This is soo funny,- there are some writers on the
net that refer to Hindus as "pagans"- these christian
writers seem to have forgotten much of their own history.
They are now practing a largely paganized religion themselves.
Paganism has never crept into the heart of Sanatana Dharma-[Hinduism]
unless Sankara got rid of that possibility long ago?

Self-Realization Fellowship is not a sub sect or offshoot of any other world faith,
it is neither occult or new age, but could have many similarities with "new thought" ideas
as were hinted at by the Phillmores, Emmerson, Quimby, and Whitman etc....//
It is noteworthy that all those inspired persons were deeply inspired by the Bhagavad Gita [the Hindu New Testament]

With Masters help I clearly saw this long before I knew His name - that
Gita and TNT are the same teaching level exactly...
and especially are teaching from the same level.
So when I first read words of Yogananda, I recognized immediately that He was "the one" who fully could and did restore the true meaning/teachings of Jesus as no other prophet has so fully succeeded in doing that has ever come to my attention. Both in His life and teachings.
This was more fully borne out with the launching of that amazing publication
"The Second Coming of Christ; Resurrecting the Christ Within You."
from Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers, LA USA. in 2004.
Yogananda truly fulfilled his Guru's mandate to "do it all as no one has ever done it before."pp
It is wonderful that after all these millennia, the real innovations in spirituality are still flowing from the Holy Land - India!
Where Jesus spent almost half of his life, and repaid the visit of the three magi that came to honor His unique birth.
On the completion of this momentous work, Yogananda said;"a new scripture is born", and I give all the credit for this to the Great Masters[in His lineage]. It may safely be said that PY's commentaries on the Gita and the NT are the official scriptures of SRF/YSS and may be of great value to seekers/students of comparative religion and spiritual science.
SRF has emerged as an entirely new light in the world of religion/spirituality. Without creating another "ism", and without identifying with the older sacred traditions as an off shoot. The Master has succeeded in showing us the richest essence of that sacred nectar that is the hidden treasure of all great faiths.
All that the SRF Masters gave us is a rather unique all encompassing undogmatic presentation, and received its ultimate clarification and simplicity and balance via the spirit and pure superconsciousness of Paramahansa Yogananda.
SRF is essentially a "non-sectarian NRM which is introducing to the world a complete system of the Science of Spirituality at the highest level of awareness and wisdom traditions of all great mystics.

pyislove

2010-12-02T22:52:00.001-08:00

2010-11-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

How Yogananda Fulfilled a Divine Destiny

2010-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

When Spiritual Destiny &

Prophecy Merged in Kriya Yoga.

Links to >>>>>>>>>
Self-Realization and the Spiritual Quest

Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS
http://kriyayogatoday.blogspot.com/ SRF

http://www.yogananda.net/ Forum and community.

Successful Launching of a Modern Spiritual Legacy.
Rediscovering Paramahansa Yogananda
http://whatthesecondcomingmeans.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-false-prophecies-are-bred-by-false.html

http://parentephotoarts.blogspot.com/2006/11/rock-glen-falls-1.html

When Paramahansa Yogananda was a baby in
His mother’s arms, the child of the Holy
Mother & Holy Father from Gorakpur, India.
He was presented for a darshan to the great
Yogi/prophet Lahiri Mahasaya in Banares,
India(1825-1898.).
Yogananda's devout Hindu parents were
Kriya yoga disciples of this modern Yogi.

Lahiri Mahasaya said to Yoganandas mother,
"Little mother, thy son will be a Yogi.
As a spiritual engine he will carry
many souls to God's kingdom."
(page 17, Autobiography of a Yogi)

This powerful comment on Yoganandas destiny was more than prophecy, it was also a special permission spiritualized into the ether for all of Yoganandas work which would eventually
materialize as a living, inspiring, dynamic, non-sectarian global NRM, the Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Sat Sanga.
A permission that no doubt originally came from Mahavatar Babaji, as witnessed from Yoganandas visit by the great Avatar Himself.

Such was Yoganandas humility that He would not undertake this venture to America without Babaji’s personal Blessing & verification of this sacred mission. Which He received from Mahavatar Babji in person.

This is the true nature of a great souls word, it always materializes as he promises.
It is also significant in this plan that Yogananda was trained specifically for this challenging mission, and came to America by official invitation from Unitarians to speak at a global religious conference.

The actual reason why Lahiri Mahasaya forbad others from starting organizations of any kind was not just specifically because of the yogic traditions. Instead, it was because the future launching of this great new spiritual dispensation was to be carried out by Yogananda on a vast global scale.

The Kriya masters well knew the needs of modern times and how things would work out best. The denials were given to others so that they would not attempt to pre-empt this divine plan reserved for one particular Yogi who would be chosen as the most suitable for this great task.
Further evidence of the above idea is mentioned by another credible witness, Sananda Ghosh, author of Yoganandas Biography '" Mejda."
See chapter seven entitled ' Chittagong,' where Lahiri Mahasaya appears to Yogananda and his younger Brother Sananda in a Litchi tree orchard.

The folllowing message delivered by Lahiri
Mahasaya is an inspiration for all devotees.

"Jaiastu ( Victory be with you )Lahiri Mahasaya said,
" Mukunda, it is God's wish that I come to you
today. Remember what I say to you.
You have come on earth as God's representative
to fulfill His wishes. Your body is His temple,
sanctified by prayers and meditation.
Do not run after material pleasures
and satisfaction. You will show the way that leads
to true happiness;and by your spiritual knowledge
you will deliver those who are suffering in
ignorance. Never forget that you are one with
Maha Purusha (The Great Soul, a title of the
Supreme Spirit), attained only by those who
are supremely successful in meditation.
Your body, mind and life must never deviate
from the thought of God, even for a moment.
The blessings of the Infinite Father are upon
you. Your faith in Him must be absolute.
He will protect you from all dangers.
In this world only He is eternal; all else is
transient and unreliable. One day your
ideas of Yoga will inspire all mankind.
Mukunda, march onward!"...........end

Here again in front of another witness who wrote his book, we have Lahiri Mahasaya prophesying an extraordinary role for Paramahansa Yogananda in the future, and advising Him to prepare His life for
the helping of struggling humankind.

Here we should add comments by Yukteswar as written by Yogananda in His great autobiography. ............page 339.
" Yogananda, you have been surrounded from birth by direct disciples of Lahiri Mahasaya. The great master lived his sublime life in partial seclusion, and steadfastly refused to permit his followers to build any organization around his teachings. He nevertheless made a significant prediction.
"'About fifty years after my passing," he said, 'an account of my life will be written because of a deep interest in yoga that will arise in the west. The message of yoga will encircle the globe. It will aid in establishing the brotherhood of man:
a unity based on humanity's direct perception of the One Father."
" my son Yogananda," Sri Yukteswar went on, " You must do your part in spreading that message, and in writing that sacred life." [and it became so with the publication of Yoganandas inspiring book, " Autobiography of a Yogi." Thus fulfilling a prophecy made by Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswar many years earlier.

Now, without diminishing the stature of Swami Vivekananda who came to America in 1893, it appears in the divine schema that he served as a special example and forerunner in this work of fully introducing the world outside of India to the Holy Sanatana Dharma.[The Eternal Religion]
There is also anecdotal evidence that Vivekananda was aware of Yoganandas birth and mission which took place that very same year that the swami was in America.
This was evidenced by another witness, who is mentioned in classic Autobiography of a Yogi.
It is true that a number of noble Western philosophers previously had a seriously expressed interest/respect for India’s spiritual wisdom, but by and large they did not attain to that fullness of liberation to the same degree we see in the yogis of Babjis / Yoganandas lineage.
And other wonderful renowned lineages from sacred India. The record, I believe by now, has generously proved Paramahansa Yogananda to be to be the right soul for this job, at the
right place at the right time in Vedic spiritual history.
When persons suggest that some occurance may be truly "the will of God," one may look to a great life and its legacy such as that of
Yogananda to see divine will in action.
One should always ask, "what were the great powers that brought so many complex forces together over a period of time to create such an outstanding result?"

His spiritual attainment over many lifetimes,
his charisma, compassion, balance,
truthfulness, and understanding, divine love,
and intuitive insights, Wisdom, and other spiritual qualities.
His exquisite teaching abilities and mastery
of the English language which came so quickly,
and His powers of observation and creativity
made Him especially suitable to this project.

Although not typical in Yogas past, creating an
organization was not unique when Yogananda
began Self-Realization Fellowship /YSS in America.
Back in the 8th century, it was the incomparable Adi
Shankara, who widely reorganized Hinduism when
He established 21 monastic orders and four papal
centers in the Indian subcontinent. These were to
represent the Holy Vedic tradition of the Hindus
and were intitially overseen by four great disciples.
The effect of His great work was to protect sacred
Hinduism from extermination by less civilized
invaders who often came in hoards from the west.
These great monastic orders are still function-
ing to this day. Although He was a major Savior/
Avatar, He was able to accomplish his work without
creating a new religion. This, I believe is great food
for thought! Considering the great status of his soul
and the vast and varied cultures being dealt with.

After four relatively quiet years in Boston,
Mass., USA, Yogananda was called to California,
where Kriya - Yogoda teaching began to spread
like fire soon after His arrival.
This was the divine plan, first to be written/spoken declared in the worlds [soon to be] most common language.
Second, to be launched where so many of the
world’s great innovations are launched from,
"California", where else! This will become one
of the great spiritual links between India and
America. A true hormonizing of East and West!

Paramahansa Yogananda has the distinction
of being one of the most photographed prophets
in history. And one of the few whose detailed
life record and teachings have thus far remained
intact with His organizaiton. Albeit, differing
opinions will no doubt always prevail!

Since Yoganandas pioneering work of sharing in
the field of the spiritual science of Kriya Yoga began,
many Gurus of varying achievements have ventured
out of sacred India to launch their own yoga paths
and organizations.

Of these there are a few misguided "gurus" out
there who attack Yogananda and brand Him as
a odd renegade Yogi for starting an organization.
Yogananda really had no choice - either you stay
small in a dusty little ashram, or if growth of Kriya is
astronomical, it must take on an organized structure
of some sort to keep things flowing with the least problems.
It's like the difference of a dozen homes located out
in the country compared to the organizational needs
of a large metropolis. It is this very organization that
is the key to protecting this modern Kriya Yoga
science revelation from deterioration and confusion.
from religious hijackers and false prophets.
A process already taking place in the organizations
of certain other groups outside of SRF. Where even
the Masters honored name is sometimes rarely mentioned,
and where others have attempted to pose as gurus in
this same lineage against the wishes of Yogananda.

There have been a few others who cursed
organizations, yet their own followers created
organizations in their names after their demise.
There are some who while speaking against orgs are
actually[sneakily] in the process of creating
organizations themselves. Yes, I have met such
people. It seems that they do gain a number of
followers [seekers] who are attracted to the talk
that they will never have to join an organization,
many are being deceived! Alas, many Kriya
gurus are setting up organizations on different
scales. They sometimes are doing this while
criticizing SRF. Yogananda Himself was never
that fond of organizations. He did what He did
to fulfill the mandate imposed upon Him by
divine will.

It was the powerful materialization of the divine
will which the master knew. Thus did Yogananda in
His continuing wisdom see that all elements of a
legal and democratic organization was fully set up
before his Mahasamadhi.

So extensive, unique, and complete is this legacy,
that it has everything the devotee could ask from a
divinely inspired yogic path. It will serve as a
universal aid to the members of many other world
religions who have members who need the more
esoteric understanding to move forward in their
divine quest. It is far enough ahead of its time to
be valid for millennums to come.

It is amazing what unprovable schemes men will
come up with to gain followers and power.
And what titles they sometimes give themselves.
They usually begin with stories about Babaji coming
to them in form or dreams to tell them they must
now spread kriya yoga. Why make up fairytales -
just go and do what you were going to do anyways.

History is full of persons who claimed their sacred
missions and/or books were by divine command
and therefore their special status came from certain
angels. With usually no witnesses! Just think of how
many have claimed to be the return of Jesus over
the centuries! Yes, when people hear this from some
they just go running after them blindly with deep &
innocent faith.
This would be why Yogananda, as chief disciple in
His branch of His lineage called "closure" on any
future guruships in this line. He was the last one,
any claims to the contrary carry no value. This act
of 'closure' by the master can also be found in the
works of many great prophets. It is clearly was done
to protect the new devotee from misrepresentation,
the resulting confusion & loss of spiritual clarity.

Unlike some of these would be Kriya gurus of varied
quality, some of whom even left SRF to make their
own disappointing claims to fame [by their own
words I assure you], Yoganandas Dispensation has
a long validated history, and examples galore to
support its own authenticity.

And although Yogananda has shared with us many
divine visitations of great souls including Jesus,
Krishna, Yukteshwar, St. Frances etc, the greatness
of His life and work can stand fully on its own merits.
Had He not even mentioned any of this, the world
has still witnessed the great stature of this man of
God in many ways that count seriously enough to
claim Him as an major Avatar. His mission was very
far reaching and of profound depth of vision.

When one produces such an outstanding legacy of
advanced souls, history, and spiritual literature, and
inspiration to millions globally, and halfway through
His Mission is awarded India's highest spiritual title
"Paramahansa"] by His mentor Sri Yukteswar.
You can be sure that Babaji would not be sending
others to repeat a successfully launched mission
[and thus confuse] this great work.

He did have living, breathing predecessors who are
historically validated by circumstance and history,
both in spiritual literature & on film. We know with
full evidence the nature and wisdom of India's great
ones in the path of Kriya Yoga above all.

IMHO... PYisLove

--------------------
"You cannot reason your way into Self-Realization.
You cannot think your way into God-realization.
You can arrive at those exalted states only by using
the concentrated mind in meditation, going beyond
the intellect to perceive through the power of the
soul’s sixth sense.

“The freedom and joy and wisdom, the under-
standing, the love ---
everything that your heart has ever craved—
is waiting for you in God.”

Sri Daya Mata.” from her talk on -
"Exploring the inner world of the Spirit."

Daya Mata On Self-Realization

2010-09-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

" You cannot reason your way into Self-Realization.

You cannot think your way into God-realization.

You can arrive at those exalted states only by using

the concentrated mind in meditation, going beyond

the intellect to perceive through the power of the

soul’s sixth sense.

“ The freedom and joy and wisdom, the under-

standing, the love ---

everything that your heart has ever craved—

is waiting for you in God.”

Sri Daya Mata.” from her talk on -

" Exploring the inner world of the Spirit."

Webmasters Note;
there are Free instructions on

HOW TO MEDITATE at;

http://www.yogananda-srf.org/

There is an interesting News bio
about Daya Mata at ;
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50803228-76/mata-daya-yogananda-sri.html.csp?page=1

This is an accurate and inspiring news article
about a very spiritually advanced young girl
who knew what she was looking for.
One who so greatly mastered divine realization
in this very life that she deservedly became the first
woman Elected to lead a world wide NRM.

Reminds me about what Jesus once said;
"pp When one finds that great treasure he
goes and sells all that he has and buys
that treasure" Paraphrased....

For Faye Wright [ Daya Mata] the
Self-Realization Fellowship provided all
She ever needed to take her to Reality[God].
There with Paramahansa Yoganandas divine guidance
she found the ideal teacher/mentor/living prophet,
with whom she was able to serve humanity best and find her truth.
I met her in person a few times and this is my view!
She was a great saint in every regard.
She therein served us all as her great family,
and left us all with the most inspiring
example of what a true and humble
Devotee is like.
In Her leadership of SRF/YSS
over that 55 years, she managed
to bring great honor and
respect and love to Yoganandas
Great Legacy.

Daya Matas Savior Paramahansa
Yogananda is a living prophet
and she believed in the truth
revealed through Him.

One does not become a living prophet
by appointment and position only, but by
the divinity and character of ones stature.
Conscious oneness with the One Reality.
Rare indeed is the person who reaches this state.

Should a spiritual seeker get a degree in Theology?

2010-09-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Thoughts about getting a degree in theology and philosophy etc.

All education does some good, but Does it really work for us when it comes to spiritual growth/understanding/training etc?

Notes to a fellow seeker.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi F;

I think your wandering will actually end up being your salvation!

Sorry to disturb your studies, but I could not help hearing in

your soul the longing of your heart for real TRUTH.

I deeply respect and understand your attitude in this regard.

And your present need to avoid too much debating..

Since we are all programmed by the " blind " from our birth, does the higher education process in theology, philosophy, religion etc reinforce that limited programming, or does in free us from it?

Is being part of this ongoing popular belief/education system part of the " many" whom Jesus says will go into the " wide gate" , that leads to destruction? [as it is written]

How can one become cognizant of a refreshingly clearer approach to the real nature of the" Christ" and become one of the " few" who enter in that narrow gate that leads to life[everlasting]?

Discovering this path of the few will lead you to the truths

that Jesus and [other world saviors] taught his apostles in private.

Remember Einstein, in his day all were being taught that the physical world was the ultimate final creation. He was one of a handful of students in the western world that saw through that myth. What saved him from Galileo's fate was the he proved his ideas mathematically, and times were different of course.

Or when Columbus [who did not discover America] sailed across the Atlantic in a tiny wooden ship, after 500+ years of the church telling Europeans that the earth was flat and was the center of the universe. He also was one of the few.

To find our " salvation" is a very similar situation, all those who believe there is only " one way" are being taught by those with dark glasses. Those who unfortunately have not known any other way. They are just doing the best that they know.
But where does that leave you - really?

What do they give you when you Graduate?

Your very own lifetime pair of " dark glasses." And rare is the courageous soul who will take them off and become deprogrammed. History contains a wonderful list of persons who found "the way that leads to life," those few."

Persons like Charles Darwin, Sankara, Galileo, Socrates, Buddha, Krishna,

St. Paul, Paramahansa Yogananda, Luther, Nikola Tesla,

you've heard many of their names and stories no doubt.

Even JC was one of them!

When you are taught that any great person says there is only " one way" [his way], what does that really mean, and one way for whom.
He was not speaking for everyone in the world, or his way for all. Those would not be the words of a wise man, but rather of an arrogant man who would wishes to control everyone else. The truly wise are humble and open and are not seeking power and status. There are many good paths to the same goal of Self-Realization/salvation! What may be best for one persons may not be as effective for someone else who can get the same or better results from another approach. However - it may be quite true that there is only one way for you, and only you!

Too many persons stop after reading the out of context comment in John 14, " I am the way,the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me." well, the problem is only clarified when we read a few versus further down, then do we see just who is really being referred to here. [ look it up !]

Do you realize that More that 3000 years before JC a Savior living in India said those same words. Who copied who?

It may be true that there is only " one way" for those who have decided to become devotees of Jesus. For them only is it true. And it is just as true that for the devotees of Lord Krishna he is their only way to salvation. When you adopt a path you should be loyal to it. If it is a true path created by a true god -realized prophet [ one who knows the Reality] it will take you all the way there...

It is rather simplistic and immature to imagine that in this world there is only one way to do anything! you can get to the other side of the world by traveling in any direction you please.

The important common element about their lives is what one should focus on.

This is our greatest challenge, no matter what our background, to deprogram ourselves from the limiting ideas we are being taught by those who still wear dark glasses.

" wisdom is not revealed to the scholarly[the wise and prudent], but unto the babes." pp

It is then only, that we will no longer " see through a glass darkly."

That dark glass is the programming received from our ancestors , our culture, and teachers in the present lifetime. However, if one is really earnestly looking, a real teacher of light will come into your life. Such special teachers are almost never found in popular institutions. And though having departed this world of matter, they are the only true living prophets.

The problem is few of us are so courageous, or even near being geniuses.
But Yoga Meditation is the great way for those of all paths.

So there are many ways to do the same job. And many great souls in the worlds history past and present have tried so hard to teach us all, even the most average of persons - just how to open that door to self-realization and higher awareness.

I am sharing these thoughts with you as I sense you are on the verge of deeper understandings about this life.

Think on these things.........in the meantime....

I wish you well in your studies.

Sincerely, PYislove

The Presence and Wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda

2010-09-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Paramahansa Yogananda said;

"I see this little body as frozen sky;
and as I meditate the body becomes the vast sky,
swept up in the infinitude of God.
Frozen sky means frozen fancy,
frozen imagination as the images in a dream.
In dreams you see people born and laugh and die,
but when you wake up everything is gone.

Similarly, this body is a condensation
of the vastness of space.
But that is not how it appears to you.
When you are awake in ordinary consciousness,
the body and its circumscriptions seem real,
but you are actually dreaming.

When you will forsake the dream of
delusion in the wakefulness of meditation,
you will realize that your earthly experiences
were frozen thoughts of God.
To get out of this dream you must wake up in Him.
That wakefulness is reality!
That is what I see every minute, every second;

That consciousness remains with Me.

From Yogananda's " Journey to Self-Realization "
by Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers, LA USA

For Free Instructions on " How to Meditate" please go to;
www.yogananda-srf.org

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2010-09-03T12:39:00.001-07:00

North American Waterfalls

2010-09-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

http://parentephotoarts.blogspot.com/2006/11/rock-glen-falls-1.html

THE WISDOM OF PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

2009-03-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Paramahansa Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS as his only authorized channel to represent his work, writings, Kriya Yoga teachings, and spiritual presence in this world.
This renowned Master clearly understood the fact that no single book represents some God's only truth.
Nor is any book necessarily some God's perfect words - in this world nothing is perfect.
Time, errors, translations, local traditions, copies, political and religious motives also change things.
Sometimes accidentally - sometimes intentionally. There are in existence over 15,000 manuscripts of TNT In Greek and V Latin - have fun!
The same reasons why your God does not guarantee inerrancy of ancient writings, is the same reason why that same God does not prevent wars. Which is worse?
Yogananda's solution to the mass of confusion about what scripture really means or really said was;

"The only reliable standard of scriptural

interpretation is the testimony of actual

perception - to go into that state of

consciousness in which the prophets

perceived the truths they expounded

and thereby witness the meaning they intended."

If one can go into the future and prophesy, one can also go backwards in time and observe what was actually happening in ancient times.
Interpreting anyone's words literally may have meaning, but it is only the surface or superficial ideas. Meanings of truth go much deeper .
It is like the ocean, when you look at the surface you see very little of what the ocean really consists of - go deeper and you may get the whole picture...

It is written "And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not......"That light was the true light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world." NT KJV John Ch 1

This matter is clearly explained and witnessed in the worlds newest sacred scripture; “The Second Coming of Christ; Resurrecting the Christ Within You.”

Pages 20 & 21, volume 1

Available in HC or Trade paperback ed.

Paramahansa Yogananda speaks;

“Even the light of the sun is considered darkness, because it is part of the physical world of duality; its grossness, also, hides the greater light of God. Only in spiritually transcendent ecstatic states is there no duality of day and night, light and darkness, but God’s light alone. Just behind the darkness of closed eyes in meditation shines that radiance of God.

“Man is blinded by the relativities of life. Without the aid of physical light he sees darkness. But beyond that darkness is another light that pervades the world, providing the life and energy that sustains the whole universe.* The auroral rays of astral lifetrons are a spiritual ectoplasm around the entire cosmos. Out of the astral light, God is creating planets and universes. I am in that light all the time; I see everything aglow with that heavenly essence - all physical manifestation emanates from that astral light, and that light emanates from the creative manifestation of God as light.

“If you saw God right now, you would see Him as one mass of light scintillating over the whole universe.

As I close my eyes in ecstasy everything melts into that great Light. It is not imagination; rather, the perception of the Sole Reality of being. Whatever is seen in that state will happen; that is the proof of the reality of that Omnipresent Light of all becomings.

“Man is so drunk with delusion, it obliterates his true perception so that the darkness of his ignorance (maya) cannot apprehend the light of God vibrating everywhere. Both Cosmic delusion and individual illusion of ignorance (avidya) work together to thus obscure and confound the soul’s inherent sense of God’s omnipresence. In meditation this darkness of sensory dependence goes away and intuition prevails, revealing oneself as light in the magnitude of a whole universe of light.”

*the existence of this universal astral light is discussed in greater detail by physicists in a footnote by the publisher on said pages…..

Other experiences of this light [in Samadhi] are also testified in Yogananda's spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi” Published by Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers LA USA.

See Chapter 14 and other indexed references in this book…..

2008-08-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Actual count as of October 2011 is about 4500 hits..
Cut and Paste to visit " Self-realization.viviti.com "

The Selflessness of Paramahansa Yogananda

2008-05-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Master once said -
"I own nothing, yet I have everything.
Sometimes I have given away my last dollar.
But I was never left out.
God has always provided for me.
I am very rich in that respect, even though
poor outside -poor, not by compulsion,
but by my own willingness.
If I have my father with me,
what riches more can I want?
That is the teaching of the East.

That is what all Americans need to remember.
Behind the dollar, behind all your efforts,
is that great power.
And if that power wishes you to have the right job,
the right anything, you will have it tomorrow,
if you are in tune with God.
Everything was given to me that way.
And I gave it all away to the cause,
that I not be a slave to anyone or anything."

by Paramahansa Yogananda,
from page 205 ,Journey to Self-Realization,
© Self-Realization Publishers LA USA

2008-05-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

What is Truth
by Yogananda

In the simplest terms, Yog ananda says;
"Truth is exact correspondence with Reality."

“Truth is a very ambiguous word;
it is a difficult concept to explain.
Everyone has convictions they swear to as truth.
But among countless differing ideas,
what is really true?

Truth is relative and truth is absolute.
It passes through many evolutions in the relative
stages before it reaches the absolute.
For example, two people are discussing a
business venture. One makes a proposal that
is sure to bring success, and the other person
makes a counter proposal that accomplishes
the same goal but has additional advantages.
But then a third person
comes long and has an even better idea.
Each method was “true” in its own right,
but in a relative sense.

In the absolute sense, anything that contradicts true
happiness is untruth, and that which gives
permanent happiness is truth. Permanent happiness
refers not to the temporary thrill that
comes with material success and pleasure, but in
the joy found in the soul’s attunement with God.
By this standard you can judge any action you
perform as to its projected end result-whether or
not that action will promote lasting happiness.”

From “Journey to Self-Realization, pp 107
© Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers LA USA

Spiritual Destiny & Prophecy Merge in Kriya Yoga

2008-04-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

When Spiritual Destiny and

Prophecy Merged in Kriya Yoga.

See these Links to; >>>>>>gt;>>

Self-Realization and the Spiritual Quest

Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS

http://www.yogananda.net/Forum and community.

http://www.angelfire.com/hero/yogananda/

Rediscovering Paramahansa Yogananda
http://whatthesecondcomingmeans.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-false-prophecies-are-bred-by-false.html
http://parentephotoarts.blogspot.com/2006/11/rock-glen-falls-1.html

When Paramahansa Yogananda was a baby in
His mother’s arms, the child of the Holy
Mother & Holy Father from Gorakpur, India.
He was presented for a darshan to the great
Yogi/prophet Lahiri Mahasaya in Banares,
India(1825-1898.).
Yogananda's devout Hindu parents were
Kriya yoga disciples of this modern Yogi.

Lahiri Mahasaya said to Yoganandas mother,
"Little mother, thy son will be a Yogi.
As a spiritual engine he will carry
many souls to God's kingdom."
(page 17, Autobiography of a Yogi)

This powerful comment on Yoganandas destiny was more than prophecy, it was also a special permission spiritualized into the ether for all of Yoganandas work which would eventually
materialize as a living, inspiring, dynamic, non-sectarian global NRM, the Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Sat Sanga.
A permission that no doubt originally came from Mahavatar Babaji, as witnessed from Yoganandas visit by the great Avatar Himself.

Such was Yoganandas humility that He would not undertake this venture to America without Babaji’s personal Blessing & verification of this sacred mission. Which He received from Mahavatar Babji in person.

This is the true nature of a great souls word, it always materializes as he promises.
It is also significant in this plan that Yogananda was trained specifically for this challenging mission, and came to America by official invitation from Unitarians to speak at a global religious conference.

The actual reason why Lahiri Mahasaya forbad others from starting organizations of any kind was not just specifically because of the yogic traditions. Instead, it was because the future launching of this great new spiritual dispensation was to be carried out by Yogananda on a vast global scale.

The Kriya masters well knew the needs of modern times and how things would work out best. The denials were given to others so that they would not attempt to pre-empt this divine plan reserved for one particular Yogi who would be chosen as the most suitable for this great task.
Further evidence of the above idea is mentioned by another credible witness, Sananda Ghosh, author of Yoganandas Biography 'Mejda.'
See chapter seven entitled 'Chittagong,' where Lahiri Mahasaya appears to Yogananda and his younger Brother Sananda in a Litchi tree orchard.

The folllowing message delivered by Lahiri
Mahasaya is an inspiration for all devotees.
"Jaiastu ( Victory be with you )Lahiri Mahasaya said,
" Mukunda, it is God's wish that I come to you
today. Remember what I say to you.
You have come on earth as God's representative
to fulfill His wishes. Your body is His temple,
sanctified by prayers and meditation.
Do not run after material pleasures
and satisfaction. You will show the way that leads
to true happiness;and by your spiritual knowledge
you will deliver those who are suffering in
ignorance. Never forget that you are one with
Maha Purusha (The Great Soul, a title of the
Supreme Spirit), attained only by those who
are supremely successful in meditation.
Your body, mind and life must never deviate
from the thought of God, even for a moment.
The blessings of the Infinite Father are upon
you. Your faith in Him must be absolute.
He will protect you from all dangers.
In this world only He is eternal; all else is
transient and unreliable. One day your
ideas of Yoga will inspire all mankind.
Mukunda, march onward!"...........end

Here again in front of another witness who wrote his book, we have Lahiri Mahasaya prophesying an extraordinary role for Paramahansa Yogananda in the future, and advising Him to prepare His life for
the helping of struggling humankind.

Paramahansa Yogananda has the distinction
of being one of the most photographed prophets
in history. And one of the few whose detailed
life record and teachings have thus far remained
intact with His organizaiton. Albeit, differing
opinions will no doubt always prevail!

Since Yoganandas pioneering work of sharing in
the field of the spiritual science of Kriya Yoga began, many Gurus of varying achievements have ventured out of sacred India to launch their own yoga paths and organizations.

"You cannot reason your way into Self-Realization.
You cannot think your way into God-realization.

You can arrive at those exalted states only
by using the concentrated mind in meditation,
going beyond the intellect to perceive
through the power of the soul’s sixth sense.

The freedom and joy and wisdom,

the understanding, the love ---

everything that your heart has ever craved—

is waiting for you in God.”

Sri Daya Mata.” from her talk on -

"Exploring the inner world of the Spirit."

2008-04-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Who Teaches the
True Kriya Yoga?
Links to;
Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS
http://kriyayogatoday.blogspot.com/
SRF Devotees Forum and community.
The Successful Launching of a Modern Spiritual Legacy.

Some information sources and would be teachers are claiming that they will give you the "real", or the "original", or the "complete" Kriya yoga teachings.

They say there are elements missing from Yoganandas methods of this important practice. Some will also tell you that without their methods your kriya from other sources
won't work properly. They are not qualified to make such a judgment, they have not dedicated a lifetime of practice to SRF Kriya Yoga.

On this issue it is extremely difficult to make a true comparison. Most professed claims are made to gain devotees and fame.

First of all, not one of these persons actually witnessed Lahiri Mahasaya receiving the first kriyas from Mahavatar Babaji
in 1861. [this Person is not likely the Babji touted by some present teachers who like to claim His name as their authority to redo everyone elses work in this field!]
Claims by such persons that this same Babaji came to them to duplicate some great mission sound very dubious at best.

Just think of how many have claimed that angels gave them
the authority to save the world - no witnesses!
It is said that LM reduced its complex forms to the basics really needed by devotees.

In 1893 Lahiri Mahasaya made a prophecy to Yoganadas mother saying, "Little mother, thy son will be a Yogi. As a
spiritual engine he will carry many souls to God's kingdom."(page 17, Autobiography of a Yogi).
This was more than a prophecy, this was the statement that was to become fact with the power of such a great Yogi, Lahiri Mahasaya was actually making a statement of permission for Paramahansa Yoganandas great spiritual dispensation that was to take place in the future.
LM then passed Kriya on to his successors, including one SriYukteswar of Puri India.
His only chief disciple, Paramahansa Yogananda, was officially authorized to spread said Kriya to the world. This is the true lineage succession and plan.
LM also asked his other disciples not creat any organizations. That is - not to do the work meant for Yoganandas future.

Claims to the contrary are questionable for a number of reasons and may be false.
One should keep in mind that these were all great persons who knew what they were doing by training and sending
Yogananda to spread Kriya Yoga to the world.
He did a remarkably great job.
Half way through His work in America Yoganandas peers honored Him with India's top spiritual title -"Paramahansa."
This title is above "Swami" and they are not used together.

Devotees should be wary of those who
literally set themselves up as successor
paths/gurus in the lineage of Yogananda
and other Kriya masters. Yogananda
Himself called closure on all those who
would claim to be gurus directly
downline from Himself in this lineage.

Just launching this spiritual dispensation
in the worlds most popular language in
itself was part of this grand plan. And PY
quickly developed a superb mastery of
the English language soon after arriving in
America. Particularly shown in His poetry.
Yoganandas success in this global mission
was due to far more than his great spiritual
charisma, as many would suggest.
He was very balanced, flexible and original
as shown by his history. Next to his great
spiritual realization, healing powers & wisdom,
skill and genius as a teacher were quite
outstanding. Thus are we the benefactors
of such an original, complete, and lucid legacy.
He was also a morally pure person of sterling
character. His word was His bond.

There have been a few persons who have
actually spent their time and resources to
see if there was any great differences in the
Kriya being taught by various teachers here
and abroad. From what I can read - their
efforts did not really resolve this question
of "whos kriya is best, or even so different."
Some Kriya systems are mostly composed of
Hatha Yoga postures & mudras, stuff available
just about anywhere else these days.
They also missed a very powerful ingredient
for success in the spiritual life & kriya yoga
practice - attunement & loyalty to the Guru.
This quality in a devotees life is extremely
essential to ones progress. Yet, a number of
serious devotees will wander away from the
path at times. Not because this path lacks any
true essentials, but mainly because those
devotees are not fully listening and may be
a bit impatient with their expectations.
There is also that longing to be near a group
and a physical teacher. But of what benefit
will this be if it is a lesser teacher. A difference
that is beyond most devotees to determine.

Paramahansa Yogananda created a unique
isometric exercise system in 1916, which
is based upon yoga principles of stretching,
relaxing and energy control. No equipment
is necessary and they can be done anywhere.
It was partly by the use of these energization
exercises that Yogananda was able to save
the life of His younger brother Bishnu Gosh.
This man became one of the worlds foremost
fitness experts & left 500 Hatha Yoga centers.

One can do EE or Hatha yoga, but EE are very
well suited to and connected directly with the
successful practice of SRF Kriya Yoga.
The EE are just a small part of the spiritual
innovations Yogananda gave to the world.

One thing is certain! By doing some research you
will discover that what Yogananda teaches
has resulted in a considerable number of great
souls [particularly those who remained at SRF]
to carry on His work as the main source of His
teaching, the Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS.
Study the results of the Masters work and
you will see that He left a remarkable system
to work with. Of course the final test will be
revealed in your own practice!

Yogananda had the ability to actually see the
movements of energy currents in and around
the Human body, as well as follow the results
of his teachings in the lives of many devotees.
On this basis his teachings are very reliable
and safe to practice. His revelations were not
based upon any intellectual guesswork.

Yoganandas own pure life is a major
testimony of the radiance of a liberated
yogi/prophet. In His life we can see the
wonderful results of a way of practice and
understanding using the Kriya Yoga as
taught in the SRF Lessons.
Many of those others who make confusing
claims may be walking and talking - but
they are not necessarily "Living Masters".
A level of achievement that most devotees
would not be able to discern anyhow.
A living master[not physically in body]
is an absolute need to really progress in life's
most challenging spiritual/mystical quest.
In all spiritual traditions we can find
different levels of teachings. This is a natural
development in all NRM s. It is up to
the seeker to research these matters
& choose what will do the best for him/her.

There are many special advantages to
working with a living master [not in body].
One can study such a life all made clear
through past history, he is what he is.

KRIYA YOGA TODAY: Comments on the way to Find Realization

2008-04-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

SELF-REALIZATION Fellowship/YSS is
Real Source for Paramahansa Yoganandas
Life teachings & Kriya Yoga and
Advanced Yoga Meditation lessons.

Links to this Page;>>>>>>>>

Kriya Yoga defined by Paramahansa Yogananda

The Successful Launching of a Modern spiritual Legacy ; Meditation & Finding your True Path

Some persons have attempted to separate
the divine Guru Paramahansa Yogananda
from his only church (the SRF/YSS).
From my experience/study there is no difference.

They are clearly one and the same in

purpose, and understanding, & teachings.

The SRF leadership has been impeccable
from its very beginning to the present day.

Paramahansa Yogananda is the

Self-Realization Fellowship,

& SRF is Yogananda.

If you have any doubt about this you should reread more carefully what you thought you already read, or read more of what the good Master taught/said. As you may have seriously missed His many declarations to this effect scattered a hundred places throughout His work. He made this matter very clear.
If you are averse to organizations per se, so was Yogananda, but you may have noticed how many yogis/teachers are all creating their own organizations since Yoganandas time.

PY is a creative and innovative prophet, first in many wonderful ways. He will introduce Himself to you when you are ready for the personal guidance of a "living master."

When taking Kriya Yoga initiation from SRF, you will receive many levels of kriya techniques, all the personal counselling you need, and the blessings and grace which come to a sincere and loyal devotee directly from Yogananda. Do not doubt!
There may be many other forces out there who would meanly compete with SRF, and like virus creators are attempting to distract seekers from Yoganandas work in helping you.

The only way to really know this - now that you have found your true path give it a long serious try.

Commitment is rewarding in any serious endeavor! Commitment breeds loyalty and attunement.
I assure you that if you understand and follow these sacred teachings of Self-Realization Fellowship, you will make very great progress in all areas of your life, and in the relationships of all whom you should encounter.

Peacefulness will replace stress,

You will be calmly active and actively calm
Faith will replace your Doubt,
Calmness will replace Restlessness ,
Wisdom will replace your Ignorance,
Weakness of purpose will be replaced by clear goals,
Intellectuality will give way to intuitive discrimination,
Hatred will be replaced by love.

Prejudice will be replaced by Understanding.
You will feel yourself as a more intimate part of existence
as your sense of isolation and hopelessness fades.
You will develop a deeper empathy and compassion for all life.
You will feel stronger when meeting lifes challenges.

I am grateful to be a member of this wonderful global community of SRF souls moving freely on our Sadhana....A new major faith (NRM)brought to the world from the East.

What did Paramahansa Yogananda teach?

"If you contact God within yourself, you will know that he is in everyone and that he has become the children of all races and of all religions, then you can not be an enemy to anyone. If the whole world could love with that universal love, there would be no need for men to arm themselves against one another. By our own Christ-like example we must bring unity among all religions, all nations, all races.
"From Journey to Self-Realization by PY SRF publishers, LA USA

This quote from the wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda fully sets out one of the major elements of His revelations. One of the early temples built by Self-Realization Fellowship was called "the Church of all Religions". The Masters teachings are primarily non-sectarian, and the members of SRF are also affiliated with many other faiths around the world.

When Yogananda speaks about the Unity of religions, He uses this term as one of association rather than in the context of conversation. Other religions using the same term are saying there will be unity of religion when everyone else converts to their system, their group under their banner. They eventually seek dominance and political control in larger numbers.

He instead tells us that one of the greatest lessons for all persons to learn is how to get along with each other. Not by changing others as missionaries are dedicated to doing, but by changing yourself to create a more compassionate and peaceful world.

What does Yogananda

say about "God." ***

There's that G word again, the one whose name so many seem reticent about speaking these days.

It may simplify your concept if you just think of God as the "Reality", as compared to the evidence of your senses which is just relativity. Mostly space that looks like matter due to a myopic normal consciousness most of us have. Whatever is real behind all this material facade - "That" Reality is the ultimate God.

"God can be personal or impersonal"[as above] said the Master.

We exist as an inseparable part of that Reality, God can be personalized. Practicing this can change your life!

"Known by many names, he is ever one and the same" - it says somewhere in Hindu holy writ.

So, if you are not afraid to use the word "God," we can dispense with the immaturity of pretending to be politically correct on this page! The walking on eggs of small minds.

HOW TO MEDITATE ; EXPANDING YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS

2008-04-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Meditation ; the way to Change yourself.

"Meditation may seem to be one of the most difficult habits to form, for the beginner is subject to many delusive thoughts about getting speedy results.
The results of meditation come slow, but sure.
Many novices desire some form of spiritual "entertainment." Others expect their efforts to be rewarded right away with the manifestation of heavenly lights, saints, and deities; but this expectation is premature. Real visions come by prolonged and steady spiritual advancement. Premature experiences of phenomena are generally hallucinations. To avoid the intrusion of such false imagery from the subconscious mind, it is helpful during meditation to keep the eyes half-open and fixed firmly at the point between the eyebrows - the seat of concentration and superconscious perception. Above all, do not love or desire visions more than God.The true signs of progress in meditation are the following: "

"· An increasing peacefulness during meditation.
· A conscious inner experience of calmness in meditation metamorphosing into increasing bliss.
· A deepening of one's understanding, and finding answers to one's questions through the calm intuitive state of inner perception.
· An increasing mental and physical efficiency in one's daily life.
· Love for meditation and the desire to hold on to the peace and joy of the meditative state in preference to attraction to anything in the world.
· An expanding consciousness of loving all with the unconditional love that one feels toward his own dearest loved ones.
· Actual contact with God, and worshiping Him as ever new Bliss felt in meditation and in His omnipresent manifestations within and beyond all creation. "

Page 266-267 from “Journey to Self-Realization”, Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers LA USA
To learn more about Meditation and Kriya Yoga,
See SRF Lessons Course at:
http://www.yogananda-srf.org/lessons/index.html

This web site actually now contains good instructions
for you to begin your experience with meditation, all
that is required from you is a little time each day and
following the instructions correctly....results will come!

This address is the purest source about Yoganandas life and teachings.

The Self-Realization Fellowshiop Lessons Course is an excellent mail order course perfected under Yoganandas direction, tested and proven to lead sincere devotees to a better life in Samadhi/ salvation, verified by true examples already shown in this path.
These lessons and Yoganandas books and Monastics will answer the many questions you wanted to know about for years! Your lifes quest will now take a positive turn. There is much work to do and here is where a sincere devotee will get all the personal help he/she needs by the experts in this field.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Changing Churches
Changing Teachers
Changing Paths
Changing self!

Essay by PYisLove

When one makes a good overview of all spiritual info & data available from the many sources or other perspectives, they will always mean different things to different persons. Many church/cult leaders failed in various areas -especially the moral and theological areas. Yogananda tells us that if a professed spiritual teacher/leader is not at the least living a noble and moral life, he is a false teacher and not sent by God.
Many innocent persons looking for something new do not look hard enough and seem to be just simply/blindly following the same old crowd, an automatic reaction to their own programming with new hope. It is sort of a "birds of a feather" Co-dependency. Modern popular preachers have it easy as they are really often preaching to the converted.
In the last century leaders were dealing with a lot of things they did not truly understand back then. The idea that no existing church should be accepted may have been partially valid then as now for one who wants to advance in a true spiritual search. But do you actually know when is such a change really progressive?

Sadly, for the common lay person [average Joe/Jane] going from the one popular church to another [Like LDS or Baptist, evangelical, or Witnesses etc] may be more a step sideways than upwards/forwards. Even a number of devotees make the same error of running after every new guru on the scene, mistaking charisma for wisdom and truth. New Kriya paths have many disappointments for those who do not yet understand that a "Living Master" is rarely one in a physical body. If you still need baby sitting you may not yet be ready for the serious commitment of higher teachings such as SRFs Kriya Yoga.

Now that type of move will be a great and enlightening step forward - towards self-empowerment and self-realization. From higher up you will see and understand much more, you will go deeper and lose the narrow way that most persons blindly follow.

The Path to salvation/Christ-Krishna consciousness depends mostly on changing yourself, moreso than changing churches/communities and especially not changing other persons all over the world. Especially to any church which professes to be the dispenser of some gods only truth. That sad chant is nearly worn out. The "one way" chant was from the old conservative schools of the religio-political right.

Now with endless resources at our fingertips, it should be coming clear to intelligent persons that no one goup has any claim or monopoly on Truth/Salvation/Self-Realization.

If true seekers are looking for clear answers or real change in their personal and spiritual life, I recommend reading "The Second coming of Christ; Resurrecting the Christ Within You," by Yogananda, or the introductory smaller version "The Yoga of Jesus."
There is a better way! A way to free yourself from the “blind leading the blind trap.”
Legge, legge, legge, said the childs voice to St. Francis.

More on Meditation >>>
"Meditation requires that instead of praying only for the products of God, you turn your attention to the factory, God Himself. Why not go to the source whence all creation emerges?Meditation is not a vague mental wandering; it is to be concentrated within that hours slip away without your knowing it.
By right meditation Ecstasy comes.
Ecstasy is contact with the source of all power.
In Ecstacy you touch that state in which anything can be done.
If you perservere, a time comes when you find that the assurance and protection of God's power never leaves you.".........................

Quoted from the Talk by Paramahansa Yogananda
"How to Succeed in Finding God",
From the Spring issue of
Self-Realization Magazine, page 13
© Self-Realization Publishers, LA USA

Paramahansa Yogananda on
False Prophets/False Teachers.

"One may argue that a beautiful lotus may be plucked
from a murky pond, or that one may savor
sweetmeats prepared by a person who himself
subsists poorly on bowls of rice; or that one may
even glean some profit by reading a good book
written by an evil man.

But it is an ineluctable truth that in spiritual
matters , for ultimatate realization and God-union,
the shepherding of a false prophet" will not do.
The devotee needs to follow the path of a
God-knowing person, chosen for him by God.
A false prophet can never be a God-ordained guru, no
matter how artfully he presumes such title. A false
prophet is one who knows at heart his hypocrisy and
moral weakness and yet professes gooodness to
attract and hold people who will follow him blindly
for his own ends- financial and gratification of
the ego. A true guru will not bring any such evil
misguidance to his followers."

from page 551, The Second Coming of Christ;;;;;;
(c) SRF Publishers LA USA 2004

2008-03-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

This site is owned/managed by Federico Parente, London, Ontario, Canada. I claim copyright/ownership of this site & all materials on this site. with the exception of other copyrighted permitted photos and quotes.

2008-03-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

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A Major Event in World Spiritual History.

2008-03-20T05:29:00.001-07:00

A Major Event in World Spiritual History....

For the most authoritative site-source
representing the sacred global mission of Paramahansa Yogananda, and Kriya Yoga meditation Lessons please visit; http://www.yogananda-srf.org/index.html
Mother Center of the Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS centers & meditation groups created by Yogananda to disseminate and direct his spiritual work.To which He bequeathed all publishing/editing rights to his writings.

The Guru disciple Relationship, and our Wisdom, Inspiration and Grace from the East.

Paramahansa Yogananda was/is a true representative of a line of great Kriya Yogis from India.

"As a bright light shining in the midst of darkness, so was Yogananda's presence in this world. Such a great soul comes on earth only rarely, when there is a real need among men."

This declaration by His Holiness Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi, the Sankaracharya of Kanchipuram [now deceased].

Yogananda's acclaimed work"Autobiography of a Yogi’[with the orange cover] has enriched the lives of millions over the globe. Other books by Paramahansa Yogananda as follows are ;
Whispers from eternity,
The Second Coming of Christ, The Yoga of Jesus, Man's Eternal Quest,
God talks with Arjuna [Gita], The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita, journey to Self-Realization, The Divine Romance, Where there is Light,
The Science of Religion etc.,
Also read "Only love" and "Finding the Joy Within You" by Daya Mata.

Any of these works will help the spiritual truth seeker gain deeper insights into this great modern Masters revelations for this third millennia and the NRM of Self-Realization Fellowship /YSS that He founded for the benefit of all humanity.
Readers and devotees should be made aware that these complete editions, and the more recent works from Self-Realization Fellowship publishers, contain changes and many authorized improvements by the author and editors in chief trained and appointed by Yogananda to edit and Publish his works. These are publications that are approved by a council of Yoganandas loyal direct disciples that are in tune with the masters wishes for His spiritual work. Which means that the accuracy and fidelity of their publication to truly show the teachings of Yogananda are of the highest order.

Yet, althoug all organizations will have their challenges from various directions, SRF has handled these challenges with courage and compassion and on average with very good judgement.

From extensive research and experience in this area I believe SRF has faithfully followed his instructions and final teachings in all their publications of His sacred writings. Many still feel the Masters living presence in all these publications - a testimony to their authenticity and the wisdom guided attunement of His loyal SRF editors/publishers.
Yoganandas teachinng is all about enlightenment, pluralism, and the spiritual life from the mystical non-sectarian approach. About a Kriya Yoga reemphasized and clarified by Yoganandas sacred lineage of divine Masters[saviors]
It is about the transferring of our egos attention Matter to Spirit through the science of Kriya Yoga meditation from outer limiting forms to the inner Reality and realizations of our real Self - our real nature.
It is about expanding our innate consciousness from this body and its sense of isolation to our native omnipresence, Christ consciousness , where we know the oneness of all life with deep compassionate awareness.
It is about self-effort plus grace, & the blessed assistance of those who have reached self-realization and know what it is.
It is the state and purpose of the Avatar [divine manifestation] to show us the way. By one who knows the way.
This great world teacher, a divine prophet, encourages the individual to approach religion with a questioning mind, with discipline and devotion, to test its claims from personal experience.
Using meditation, devotion, and Kriya methods to get results, and to take responsibility for making all decisions with good judgment that will enhance life for all of us, the loyal and persistent devotee makes great gains in personal/spiritual growth.
Yogananda, with clarity and the touch of a master teacher, explains the reason and methodology of how to know and communicate with God - the ultimate reality of our own being. How to fulfill lifes deepest needs and purposes with joy and personal growth . He has left us everything we need to know to live a better life in harmony with our fellow persons, and bring peace to this world. More than this - he is ever available as a "Living Master" to guide those who are truly in tune with Him.

Over the last century, this Masters teachings and life example have been a major force contributing to elevating humanitys consciousness in spiritual understanding and tolerance.
In this Master’s writings we find a way to loose those prejudices which are dividing the human race, a way that can have us work together without all following only one sectarian religion, a way that can enhance our inherited or chosen Path and reveal That Inner Reality through direct personal experience. Yogananda, known as the "father of Yoga in America," was a true pioneer of the evolution of modern spiritual trends and more tolerant understandings.
If you are associated with a faith that says there is only one way or one prophet to fulfill the spiritual life for all of humanity, or claims to possess some Gods only truth, know that interpretation to be far from the truth. God does not deal in monopolies. If your way boasts about being the greatest because it is the latest – it may not always appear to be so. If you have not read about the beauty and wisdom of other paths, if you are still seeing things in popular ways, it will be a while before you truly understand your own. But when you are sure you have found your path - it is only then one pointed,loyal dedication is needed. It is now your great duty to convert/transform yourself to that which you claim to believe in!
This requires the deprogramming of our aquired ignorance which is normally passed on to us by our religion and our culture, an introspective self-help process which will give us a new life and more positive direction eventually leading to Self-Realization. But it requires the aid of a realized teacher, especially one who is no longer in the body. Thus the value of the Master-Disciple relationship.
Like any other teacher/pupil interchange, the student must be attentive, sincere, and humble for any serious progress to be gained. This creates and attunement that maximizes grace and inspiration.

There is a quiet revolution taking place in the world of religion and philosophy, the information age make it difficult for "one way people" to shrug off everyone else as heathens and damned. But even before the world of IT bloomed great ones like Yogananda[and especially PY] was sharing the most advanced and deeper teachings of world scripture. There are a number of great spiritual beings that have shown us this new way during the last century, and it is surely and steadily changing the concepts of global thinking about the meaning and purpose of life. About the value of other spiritual paths, about the rights of others and who we really are. The time for exclusive claims and slogans is now leaving the world.

Was He a new prophet?......An Avatar and world teacher?.............a saint?........a liberated Yogi?.........the crest of a wisdom lineage?...........an example of accelerated human evolution?............and innovator in education and a healer?
The record is there, and it won't become clear from a quick reading.
He was at least all of the above.
Because His work and revelation took place in such modern circumstances, we are left with one of the most remarkably detailed records of the Divine Incarnation/Avatar.
And yet, there always appears to be some vague non-existent contradictions being promoted/created by the disenchanted, the antagonists, the competitors, and even by some of those who fear His great work is endangering the existence of their most sacred chant. Their hidebound programming by those who do not know what they teach. As they continue to chant to the weary world -"Our way is the only true way."

Many religionists have chanted that refrain in vain for so long, while the rest of the globe just keep producing more great souls from all spiritual paths, and all walks of life. They all maintain their full time intellectual apologists who work on the premis that "we can still prove the earth is flat." They may be skilled at their trade, but what good is skill without realizations wisdom. No matter how honed your arguements,"the moon is still not in the pond." And much of the world is still travelling to India to seek the real meanings of life and death.

India comes to America...........

Against such narrowness, Yogananda showed us a better way, especially by the evidence of His own life, a life that was fully absorbed and one with the reality of life at all levels. An example of the utmost moral purity, and boundless compassion for all of suffering humanity. He left us the most detailed road map out of this mess that I have ever seen. Not the only way, but a way without cult or fear or a holier than thou attitude.
He clearly taught us how to dissect what was true and what was innacurate in all the writings - sacred or otherwise- of the world scriptures. I one takes the method of His commentary and intuitively applies this way to all the one reads, the truth or err of it will become evident.
Above all, He showed us the way to change ourselves from the inside out.
That introspective challenge that is the fear of most conservative persons, especially those persons who are still shouting -"our way is the only way."
Is their narrow approach the spawning ground of dangerous empire builders and the cruellest of dictators who use the name of their god to enslave all others to spread the thier own dark ideas? Is this the chant of the misguided missionary who would have the world completely change because like so many of us, he/she fears total self-change, the only true road to salvation?

Sample quote; from page 234 of “Man’s Eternal Quest”
by Paramahansa Yogananda… © Self-realization Fellowship publishers, LA USA 1992.
“Every saint who has come on earth has contributed toward the fulfillment of God’s desire for the spiritual upliftment of His human children. The great ones come with two purposes; to inspire and enlighten a certain number or a large mass of people; and to train real disciples, those who pattern their lives after the master’s. The latter are the members of the Masters true “family”, constituting an inner group in whom he plants His spiritual life. ………
The most difficult task for every God-ordained spiritual teacher is to produce others like himself………… tries to enable many devotees to commune with God.” ...........by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Also; In the "Second Coming of Christ" scripture by the same author, He adds;"True Devotees do not follow a stranger - a so-called teacher sent by God. They will avoid self-elected spiritual guides, feeling no attunement with those who are lacking in divine realization and appointment by God............true devotees are not attracted to false teachers - no matter how popular they may be. ..........When a devotee prays intensely to God to know truth, God sends him a true Guru to Guide him." Pages 1014-1015. (c) SRF LA USA.

Namaste , PYisLOVE

New Message for 21st century!

2007-12-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

Someone would wonder that with all the confusion in the world of religion, will there be more true guidance from reality [God].

It happens every so often that amongst many great souls who inspire us in this world, one stands out as very special and unique.

In the 20th century that one was Paramahansa Yogananda, the divine prophet who brought us wisdom and example of a better way to live and love in this world. He who brought us the method and the inspiration to bring more peace into our lives and into the global community.

The founder of Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS and author of the "Autobiography of a Yogi," " The second Coming of Christ " and a number of other outstanding and very original works to show us the way back home.

Interview with SRF monk from David Crumm Commuinications Inc

David Crumm Media LLC / CC BY 3.0

In Remembrance of a Great Soul

2007-03-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

Celebrating March 7, 2007, the anniversary of the Mahasamadhi [passing] of Paramahansa Yogananda from the bodily form.

This is another sacred day for Self-Realiztion Fellowship devotees;

This great Avatar/prophet/Yogi, the founder of SRF and author of several outstanding spiritual classics [written in the 20th century] prophecied that "I will die speaking of God with my boots on".

And that is exactly how it happened, concluding a speech at the Biltmore hotel in Los Angeles March 7, 1952.

The Master had worked tirelessly for many years to serve devotees and all humanity in so many ways, and with His part of his His global mission fully set in motion, He humbly left the material form.

Many, many witnesses testify that He still works and guides them from finer dimensions of this universe as the work He founded continues to save and bless the lives of millions of souls everywhere in this great planet.

Read about His ideas and works in "Autobiography of a Yogi, Man's Eternal Quest, The Second Coming of Christ, God Talks with Arjuna ,"
Whispers from Eternity, The Divine Romance, The Science of Religion,
Wine of the Mystic, Journey to Self-Realization - and other classic spiritual publications from His church - Self-Realization Fellowship.

Kriya Yoga Today

2007-01-04T01:20:00.001-08:00

January 5th is a holy day for Devotees and friends of Self -Realization Fellowship/YSS.

It is the Birthdate of our Founder/Guru

Paramahansa Yogananda.
You can read about His remarkable divine life in the works of many writers, but especially in His spiritual classic, "Autobiography of a Yogi"[with the orange cover], and many other inspiring/enlightening wisdom books published by His only church - Self-Realization Fellowship.

See reviews at http://www.yogananda-srf.org/special_ancmnts/ayanniversary/index.html

Kriya Yoga Today

2006-12-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

From Paramahansa Yoganandas wisdom;

"We are all part of the one spirit.
When you experience the true meaning of religion,
which is to know God,
you will realize that He is your real self,
and that He exists
equally and impartially in all beings."

Kriya Yoga Today

2006-12-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

Did you Know!

That Paramahansa Yoganandas Autobiography of a Yogi is celebrating its 62nd best selling year as a modern Spiritual Classic?
Read the "real 49th Chapter" from SRF publishers now!

Read the positive reviews of the latest SRF editions of the orange covers on The publishers site at;

http://www.yogananda-srf.org/srf_news/2006ay_in_the_news.html

Kriya Yoga Today

2006-12-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

An Inspiring Link

to your Personal growth in Christ Consciousness !

http://www.yogananda-srf.org/srf_news/2006inspiration_2nd_c.html

From the inspired wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda in His spiritual masterwork ;

"The Second Coming of Christ:
Resurrecting the Christ within You."

A new scripture for those seeking true spiritual growth. A work that is destined to become another great spiritual classic.

Kriya Yoga Today

2006-11-30T01:56:00.000-08:00

False Prophets and False teachers

2006-11-30T01:37:00.000-08:00

Paramahansa Yogananda on

False Prophets/False Teachers.

"One may argue that a beautiful lotus may be plucked from a murky pond, or that one may savor sweetmeats prepared by a person who himself subsists poorly on bowls of rice; or that one may even glean some profit by reading a good book written by an evil man.

But it is an ineluctable truth that in spiritual matters , for ultimatate realization and God-union, the shepherding of a false prophet" will not do.

The devotee needs to follow the path of a God-knowing person, chosen for him by God.

A false prophet can never be a God-ordained guru, no matter how artfully he presumes such title. A false prophet is one who knows at heart his hypocrisy and moral weakness and yet professes gooodness to attract and hold people who will follow him blindliy for his own ends- financial and for gratification of the ego.

A true guru will not bring any such evil misguidance to his followers."

from page 551, The Second Coming of Christ;;;;;;

Pluralism and Harmonious Relationships

2006-11-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

From the timely and balanced wisdom of
Paramahansa Yogananda

"We are all part of the One Spirit.
When you experience the true meaning of religion,
which is to know God,
you will realize that He is your Self,
and that He exists equally and impartially in all beings."

"Paramahansa Yogananda"

SELF REALIZATION SRF The Original Kriya Path to Enlightmenment

2006-11-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

When you raise your consciouness the view is more grand, more complete, more true. Where the air is rarified and less polluted, it may seem lonely at first. Then after a little while you will know this great change is your way to Self-Realization. The consciousness where the One Reality (Braman) is fully manifested.

by pyislove

Self-Realization today - Kriya Yoga

2006-11-16T03:51:00.000-08:00

This URL is the best source for learning about Meditation and Kriya Yoga
http://www.yogananda-srf.org/Default.aspx

Further Notes on Yoganandas Kriya Yoga;

The Kriya Yoga and other methods taught by Self-Realization Fellowship is all one will ever need to reach salvation / God realization.

It has a history of good & remarkable results in the lives of those who have understood and faithfully practiced it. Those who claim some greater or more complete Kriya Yoga are often just looking for a following or may be self-decieved thinking they know so much more than the great ones who founded this path. Avoid such persons.

Kriya yoga is a very effective group of simple Meditation techniques that will transform and enrich your life in many ways. But like all things - you must sincerely work at it.

SRF Lessons course will prepare one to do this properly and most effectively. That is why it is not good to receive such techniques from those who do not give you that preparation time that is so important for the new devotee.

Many of Yogananda's most advanced disciples are monastics at SRF/YSS centers around the world, and even though I have met a number of devotees, Daya Mata [late president of SRF ] is the greatest of these that I have ever personally met.

Beware of claims about whose kriya yoga is the most advanced and
who claims to be the greatest disciple of Yogananda. "you will know them by their fruits."jc
It is just the point of this blog.

"whoever would be the greatest must be the servant of all." JC KJV

Parmahansa Yogananda

Defines Kriya Yoga;

From his classic Autobiography of a Yogi.

CHAPTER: 26
The Science of Kriya Yoga

"The science of Kriya Yoga, mentioned so often in these pages, became widely known in modern India through the instrumentality of Lahiri Mahasaya, my guru's guru. The Sanskrit root of Kriya is kri, to do, to act and react; the same root is found in the word karma, the natural principle of cause and effect. Kriya Yoga is thus " union (yoga) with the Infinite through a certain action or rite." A yogi who faithfully follows its technique is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation.
Because of certain ancient yogic injunctions, I cannot give a full explanation of Kriya Yoga in the pages of a book intended for the general public. The actual technique must be learned from a Kriyaban or Kriya Yogi; here a broad reference must suffice.
{NOTE} Long before Yogananda Passed on He decreed that the actual technique should be learned from an approved x SRF Kriyaban or Kriya yogi. This change occurs in the more recent editions of this book with the orange covers according to is final instructions. fp
Kriya Yoga is a simple, psychophysiological method by which the human blood is decarbonized and recharged with oxygen. The atoms of this extra oxygen are transmuted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers.1. By stopping the accumulation of venous blood, the yogi is able to lessen or prevent the decay of tissues; the advanced yogi transmutes his cells into pure energy. Elijah, Jesus, Kabir and other prophets were past masters in the use of Kriya or a similar technique, by which they caused their bodies to dematerialize at will.
Kriya is an ancient science. Lahiri Mahasaya received it from his guru, Babaji, who rediscovered & clarified the technique after it had been lost in the Dark Ages.
"The Kriya Yoga which I am giving to the world through you in this nineteenth century," Babaji told Lahiri Mahasaya, "is a revival of the same science which Krishna gave, millenniums ago, to Arjuna, and which was later known to Patanjali, and to Christ, St. John, St. Paul, and other disciples."
Kriya Yoga is referred to by Krishna, India's greatest prophet, in a stanza of the Bhagavad Gita: "Offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath, and offering the outgoing breath into the inhaling breath, the yogi neutralizes both these breaths; he thus releases the life force from the heart and brings it under his control." The interpretation is: "The yogi arrests decay in the body by an addition of life force, and arrests the mutations of growth in the body by apan (eliminating current). Thus neutralizing decay and growth, by quieting the heart, the yogi learns life control."
Krishna also relates that it was he, in a former incarnation, who communicated the indestructible yoga to an ancient illuminato, Vivasvat, who gave it to Manu, the great legislator.4 He, in turn, instructed Ikshwaku, the father of India's solar warrior dynasty. Passing thus from one to another, the royal yoga was guarded by the rishis until the coming of the materialistic ages. Then, due to priestly secrecy and man's indifference, the sacred knowledge gradually became inaccessible.
Kriya Yoga is mentioned twice by the ancient sage Patanjali, foremost exponent of yoga, who wrote: "Kriya Yoga consists of body discipline, mental control, and meditating on Aum." Patanjali speaks of God as the actual Cosmic Sound of Aum heard in meditation. Aum is the Creative Word, the sound of the Vibratory Motor. Even the yoga-beginner soon inwardly hears the wondrous sound of Aum. Receiving this blissful spiritual encouragement, the devotee becomes assured that he is in actual touch with divine realms.
Patanjali refers a second time to the life-control or Kriya technique thus: "Liberation can be accomplished by that pranayama which is attained by disjoining the course of inspiration and expiration."
St. Paul knew Kriya Yoga, or a technique very similar to it, by which he could switch life currents to and from the senses. He was therefore able to say: "Verily, I protest by our rejoicing which I have in Christ, I die daily."1 By daily withdrawing his bodily life force, he united it by yoga union with the rejoicing (eternal bliss) of the Christ consciousness. In that felicitous state, he was consciously aware of being dead to the delusive sensory world of maya.
In the initial states of God-contact (sabikalpa samadhi) the devotee's consciousness merges with the Cosmic Spirit; his life force is withdrawn from the body, which appears "dead," or motionless and rigid. The yogi is fully aware of his bodily condition of suspended animation. As he progresses to higher spiritual states (nirbikalpa samadhi), however, he communes with God without bodily fixation, and in his ordinary waking consciousness, even in the midst of exacting worldly duties.
"Kriya Yoga is an instrument through which human evolution can be quickened," Sri Yukteswar explained to his students. "The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is intimately linked with breath mastery. This is India's unique and deathless contribution to the world's treasury of knowledge. The life force, which is ordinarily absorbed in maintaining the heart-pump, must be freed for higher activities by a method of calming and stilling the ceaseless demands of the breath."
The Kriya Yogi mentally directs his life energy to revolve, upward and downward, around the six spinal centers (medullary, cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses) which correspond to the twelve astral signs of the zodiac, the symbolic Cosmic Man. One-half minute of revolution of energy around the sensitive spinal cord of man effects subtle progress in his evolution; that half-minute of Kriya equals one year of natural spiritual unfoldment.The astral system of a human being, with six (twelve by polarity) inner constellations revolving around the sun of the omniscient spiritual eye, is interrelated with the physical sun and the twelve zodiacal signs. All men are thus affected by an inner and an outer universe. The ancient rishis discovered that man's earthly and heavenly environment, in twelve-year cycles, push him forward on his natural path. The scriptures aver that man requires a million years of normal, diseaseless evolution to perfect his human brain sufficiently to express cosmic consciousness."

Self-Realization today

2006-11-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

From the wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda;

"Whoever has given even a little thought to God-

even a momentary yearning for Him - that desire shall ultimately save them."

Self-Realization Magazine, Fall 2006 (c)
SRF publishers LA USA

Self-Realization today

2006-11-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

See special page at the SRF site on Daya Mata's 75 th anniversary as a
disciple of Parmahansa Yogananda.

http://www.yogananda-srf.org/special_ancmnts/75annv/75anv_e.html

See her photo in blog below;

2006-11-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

For the most authoritative site

representing the sacred global mission of
Paramahansa Yogananda, please visit;

http://www.yogananda-srf.org/Default.aspx

Mother Center of the
Self-Realization Fellowship/YSS

centers and meditation groups created by

Yogananda to disseminate and direct his spiritual work.

To which He bequeathed all publishing/editing rights to his writings, recordings, and photos.

Self-Realization today

2006-11-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

Paramahansa Yogananda on
"Spiritual teachers/preachers & Gurus"

"In India we seek spiritual guidance from those should who know God.
We do not follow just anybody.
"the blind cannot lead the blind."
Would you make an important purchase from a slesman who misrepresents product because he does not understand what he sells?

A teacher without God-realization is merely a spiritual victrola that may grind out a sermon, but doesn't know what it is all about.

"It is the greatest farce to pose as a spiritual representative unless you are making a sincere effort to commune with God and realize the truths you preach." by Yogananda

From Self-realization magazine , fall 2006 ,(c) Self-realization publishers LA USA

Commentary ; Too many devotees and seekers chase after too many unqualified teachers
(false gurus)without understanding how to recognize a true Self-realized soul. Do your homework and carefully research the life of one whom you would follow. One who has lived that perfect life and who does not seek fame.
True Guru does not need to be physically present to be a living Guru. False teachers are dead men walking!
He needs to know Reality and he must be a "living master". Not one in phyical form only - but one who is living in divine omnipresence whether in or out of corporeal form.
The last place to start is attending a big goup with many other devotees, as the crowd charisma generated by the group will distract the seekers judgement as to the true nature and spirituality of the leader. x pyislove

Although attending quiet group meditation sessions seem to work out for some people, being alone and taking the time to read & think
about same leader, one can make more objective descisions about what is happening in ones spiritual life.
One should clearly know what one is looking for, are you seeking a community, a mate , or a relationship with God. fp

Self-Realization today

2006-11-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

Paramahansa Yogananda seated at Encinitas Ca USA

Self-Realization today

2006-11-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

Paramahansa Yoganandas passport photo 1920

Self-Realization today

2006-11-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

The balanced and timely
Wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda.

It is especially worthy to note that this modern yogi/prophet was keen enough to state that all scripture that we read may not all be the Absolute unadulderated word of anyones favorite God - while at the same time Yogananda honors all religious traditions and does a remarkable job of separating the "sugar from the sand" to show us the rich and valuable elements and their esoteric meanings that will surely bless and inspire the lives of all seekers and devotees.

See following quote>>>>>>
Scripture is not always absolute truth – Paramahansa Yogananda

“Religionists may argue, “my faith is better than yours.” They are like the blind men who fought about the description of the elephant they had been washing. One had been washing the trunk, so he said that the elephant was like a snake. One said that the elephant was like a pillar; he had been washing the leg. Another said the elephant was like a wall; he had been washing the massive sides. The man washing the tusks proclaimed confidently that the beast was no more than two pieces of bone. The man washing the tail was sure all were wrong, for the elephant was like a rope leading high up toward heaven! Then the driver said, “Friends, you are all right and you are all wrong.” Because each blind man had been washing a part of the elephant, they were all partly right; but they were also wrong because the part was not the whole.

Even on the authority of a scriptural text, one cannot judge what it teaches, for various are the meanings and consequent distortions drawn from holy writ, some of which defy the laws of both reason and wisdom.
Also, who can deny what errors might have come down through the centuries in the form of mistranslations or mistakes mane by scribes?
The bible and the Vedas may well be inspired texts that came from heaven, but the ultimate test of truth is one’s own realization, direct experience received through the medium of the soul’s omniscient intuition.”

Paramahansa Yogananda, from “The Second Coming of Christ; Resurrecting the Christ Within you.”
Page 379, © Self-Realization Publishers , 2004, LA USA,

Also see page 69 of the same book, where the master tells us that he did not write this biblical commentary in an attempt to prove the authenticity of the scriptures, but rather to show their correlation with many holy parts of vedic scriptures.

Paramahansa Yogananda was able to bring out the hidden and clearest truths from these sometimes distorted ancient writings. Few in the world have given greater meaning to the sacred.
It is from Yogananda's talks, life and writings that major shifts in the spiritual outlook of the world are now taking place, as well as in many other fields in which he dealt.