DOCSLIB.ORG

Life Surrendered in God

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Life Surrendered in God LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD Philosophy and spiritual practices of the Kriya Yoga tradition with a comprehensive commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras By a Direct Disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda ROY EUGENE DAVIS 2 LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD The Author (1931 – 2019) Roy Eugene Davis 3 LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD The Philosophy and Practices of Kriya Yoga ROY EUGENE DAVIS With extensive commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras CSA PRESS, Publishers Lakemont, Georgia 30552 4 LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD 2020 online version of the 1995 edition Second edition copyright © 1995 by Roy Eugene Davis ISBN 978-0-87707-220-1 All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce or use for any purpose except for review, obtain permission in writing from the author or publisher. CSA Press, Publishers Center for Spiritual Awareness Lake Rabun Road, Post Office Box 7 Lakemont, Georgia 30552 (U.S.A.) www.csa-davis.org [email protected] Telephone (706) 782-4723 Fax (706) 782-4560 Manufactured in the United States of America Roy Eugene Davis 5 I salute the supreme teacher, the truth, whose nature is bliss; who is the giver of the highest happiness; who is pure wisdom; who is beyond all qualities and infinite like the sky; who is beyond words; who is one and eternal, pure and still; who is beyond all change and phenomena and who is the silent witness to all our thoughts and emotions—I salute truth, the supreme teacher. – Ancient Vedic Hymn 6 LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD Preface I wrote this book for God-surrendered devotees of the present era and for truth seekers centuries hence. It should not be taken merely as an interesting treatise to read once and put away. Repeatedly examine its meaning until understanding dawns in the mind as a result of direct, soul perception. A comprehensive, philosophical overview is provided in the first two chapters to prepare the reader to better understand the commentary on the Yoga-Sutras. Italics have generally been used only when a Sanskrit word is defined, and sometimes for special emphasis. Many Sanskrit words have by now entered into com- mon usage in the West and do not need to be set apart by the use of italics. The appended glossary can be referred to as often as neces- sary so that word meanings are clearly understood. Because of the frequency of use of key words and terms throughout the text, an index is not included. Subjects and themes can easily be located by referring to the table of contents. Some repetition occurs because of the character of the subject matter, and to consistently remind the reader of essential prin- ciples and procedures. Rather than only write about the spiritual life, I have chosen to encourage readers to apply themselves to have their own experience of higher realities. For optimum benefits, it is recommended that the reader examine the text to become familiar with it, then carefully read it through from the beginning. Repeated study should follow, with special attention given to the categories of cosmic manifes- tation in part one; the commentaries on the Yoga-Sutras in part two; and the routines and procedures in part three. In this way Roy Eugene Davis 7 the information presented will be a dependable guide to resolved participation, psychological transformation, and spiritual growth. Because this is a handbook for devotees attuned to the Kriya tradition, most of the supporting quotes and references are taken from the Bhagavad Gita, with random comments by Kriya Yoga gurus. However, the exposition of basic principles and the guide- lines will prove helpful to spiritual aspirants of any enlightenment tradition. With the publication of this book, four decades have passed since I met my guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, and was initiated by him into the practice of Kriya Yoga. Since then I have traveled the world to share this philosophy and science of God-realization with thousands of individuals, many of whom are today steadily advancing on the soul liberation path. I can testify, from personal experience and my observation of the changed lives of those who live in accord with these principles, that the information in this book is valid. Editorial changes made for this second edition include several revisions for the purpose of clarification, and some new additions to highlight certain themes. Roy Eugene Davis Lakemont, Georgia (U.S.A.) June 30, 1995 (295 Dwapara Yuga) 8 LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD CONTENTS Preface 6 PART ONE: PHILOSOPHY 1. The Eternal Way 11 2. Yoga: Philosophy and Practices 64 PART TWO: PROCEDURE 1. Concentration and Superconscious States 78 2. The Practice of Kriya Yoga 125 3. Contemplation and Unfoldments of Unrestricted Soul Abilities 166 4. Enlightenment and Liberation 206 PART THREE: PRACTICE 1. Guidelines to Enlightened Living 234 2. Life-Enhancing Routines to Support Spiritual Unfoldment 240 3. Kriya Yoga Meditation Techniques and Routines 247 Appendix The Transmission of the Kriya Tradition in the New Era 263 Glossary 289 Roy Eugene Davis 9 ILLUSTRATIONS Frontispiece, the author Chart of Cosmic Manifestation 30 Chart of Electric Time Cycles 56 Mahavatar Babaji 262 Mahavatar Babaji, reputed photo 264 Lahiri Mahasaya 268 Sri Yukteswar 272 Paramahansa Yogananda 276 Paramahansa Yogananda and Rajasi Janakananda 280 10 LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD PART ONE PHILOSOPHY One Being, Life, Power, and Substance Roy Eugene Davis 11 CHAPTER ONE The Eternal Way We are destined to be fulfilled in God. Coincidental with our outer sojourn in space and time, we are on an inner quest for ultimate meaning that will be completed when all considerations and conditions of limitation are transcended and we again rest in soul-satisfied realization of wholeness. There is a natural way to live that allows progressive soul unfoldment. Revealed by saints and seers—and always known in the heart, the innermost core of us—it is the eternal way of right action that determines successful outcomes. Compliant adherence to causative principles innate to life itself is the certain way to inner peace, enlightened understanding, and experience of God. Our universe is orderly in its processes, has resources for our every physical need, and provides opportunities for experience and growth. If we are to be successful in life—and we should want to be—we need to ponder the reason for our being here, discover what it is, and do all we possibly can to fulfill our purposes. When we do this, we discover that an Intelligent Presence and Power exists which becomes increasingly real to us as we awaken through suc- cessive levels of insightful discovery to the final stage of revealed knowledge which is true enlightenment. Nothing external to ourselves blesses or deprives us. Our own states of consciousness, mental states, and behaviors determine our perceptions, experiences, and circumstances. The principles of causation are impersonal. When we learn how to live effectively, and choose to do so, we demonstrate affluence: we flow in harmony with the rhythms of cause and effect and experience the support- ive actions of evolutionary trends and forces. As self-responsible proficiency in constructive use of innate abilities improves, we also 12 LIFE SURRENDERED IN GOD become increasingly receptive to the supportive, transformative, and redemptive influences of grace. TheBhagavad Gita 18:13,14: There are five factors involved in every action: the body, the ego, soul awareness, the impulse of desire which starts the action, and providence. Whatever a person undertakes to do, these five factors are involved. Because of these, if a person thinks that he alone is the doer, he is mistaken. A person who is selfless even in the midst of action is eternally free regardless of what occurs. Body refers to the vehicle through which we express in the relative spheres. Ego is self-sense, our awareness of I-ness or individuality. Soul awareness determines how we view the world and relate to it. The impulse of desire impels behavior. Providence is the guardianship of God over creation and living beings. When egoism is dominant we often interfere with the providential sup- port available to us. When we are surrendered in God, grace increasingly governs our behavior and determines our lives. As human beings, we are a blend of divine essence, mind, and body. The body is of matter, “of the earth” (Latin, humus) while our essence is of God. Therefore, while we are expressing through the body divine qualities should be cultivated and enhanced. The driving tendencies which influence the mind are the forces to understand and regulate if we are to awaken to higher Reality and experience life as we are meant to experience it. Intentional living, constant desire to know God, and surrender in God com- prise the direct approach to Self-realization. Discipleship is not merely for the purpose of enabling us to be good human beings, as useful as this is, or to live a relatively pain-free existence during this present life cycle. The purpose of focused involvement is to contribute to an acceleration of spiritual growth so that surrender in God is natural and soul liberation is spontaneous. At our deepest level, behind the screen of mind and personal- ity, is the pure, immortal, true Self we are. It is now what it has ever been and will be—pure, clear, bright, and complete. The Self we are, is God as us. Not everyone knows this about themselves and not all who intuitively feel it are able to immediately actual- Roy Eugene Davis 13 ize it—to identify with it and live from it. No matter what your present conscious awareness of God is, with right attention and right action you can awaken to your divine nature and actualize it.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Why I Became a Hindu
    Why I became a Hindu Parama Karuna Devi published by Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Copyright © 2018 Parama Karuna Devi All rights reserved Title ID: 8916295 ISBN-13: 978-1724611147 ISBN-10: 1724611143 published by: Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Website: www.jagannathavallabha.com Anyone wishing to submit questions, observations, objections or further information, useful in improving the contents of this book, is welcome to contact the author: E-mail: [email protected] phone: +91 (India) 94373 00906 Please note: direct contact data such as email and phone numbers may change due to events of force majeure, so please keep an eye on the updated information on the website. Table of contents Preface 7 My work 9 My experience 12 Why Hinduism is better 18 Fundamental teachings of Hinduism 21 A definition of Hinduism 29 The problem of castes 31 The importance of Bhakti 34 The need for a Guru 39 Can someone become a Hindu? 43 Historical examples 45 Hinduism in the world 52 Conversions in modern times 56 Individuals who embraced Hindu beliefs 61 Hindu revival 68 Dayananda Saraswati and Arya Samaj 73 Shraddhananda Swami 75 Sarla Bedi 75 Pandurang Shastri Athavale 75 Chattampi Swamikal 76 Narayana Guru 77 Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru 78 Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha 79 Ramakrishna Paramahamsa 79 Sarada Devi 80 Golap Ma 81 Rama Tirtha Swami 81 Niranjanananda Swami 81 Vireshwarananda Swami 82 Rudrananda Swami 82 Swahananda Swami 82 Narayanananda Swami 83 Vivekananda Swami and Ramakrishna Math 83 Sister Nivedita
    [Show full text]
  • Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda with a Preface by W
    Autobiography of a Yogi By Paramhansa Yogananda With a Preface by W. Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D. Litt., D. Sc. “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.”—John 4:48. The Philosophical Library New York Copyright, 1946, by Paramhansa Yogananda Printed in the United States of America 1946 First Edition, First Printing Published by The Philosophical Library, Inc. 15 East 40th Street New York, N. Y. 1994 Reprint of the 1946 First Edition Published by Crystal Clarity Publishers 14618 Tyler Foote Road Nevada City, CA 95959 1-800-424-1055 Second printing 2005 2 Foreword by Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) I met Paramhansa Yogananda as a result of reading this book. Finding it was, I must say, a complete surprise. There it was, sitting “innocently” on a shelf in a book shop on Fifth Avenue in New York. I’d no idea how utterly this volume would revolutionize my life. That was late in the summer of 1948. I was desperate to know truth. Nothing I’d encountered had persuaded me that people were right in what they were urging on me as my destiny. My father was a geologist working for a large oil company. My mother was respected and happy in her social milieu. Both were, in many ways, ideal parents; I’d never, for example, known them even to have an argument. Their love and respect for one another were an inspiration to their many friends. Yet even so, I was not happy. Life must have more to offer, I felt, than marriage, a nice home in a nice suburb, a socially acceptable job, and “cocktail party” friendships.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ocean of Love'
    7 The Ocean ofF Love' The Anurag Sear of Kabir THE OCEAN OF LOVE THE OCEAN OF LOVE The Ocean of Love The Anurlig Sagar of Kabir Translated and Edited under the direction of Sant Ajaib Singh Ji Sant Bani Ashram Sanbornton, New Hampshire Translated from the Braj by Raj Kumar Bagga with the assistance of Partap Singh and Kent Bicknell Edited with Introduction and Notes by Russell Perkins Illustrated by Michael Raysson First printing, 1982 Second printing, index added 1984 Third printing, 1995 ISBN: 0-89142-039-8 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 82-050369 Kal did the devotion on one foot (see page 23) Kabir and Dharam Das by Sant Ajaib Singh Ji ER SINCE the Almighty Lord started coming into this world Ein the form of the Saints, it has always happened that during a Saint's lifetime only a few people care to know about his life: where the Saint was born, how he used to live, what qualities he had, and why he came into this world. They don't care about all these things while the Saint is alive; but when the Saints leave this world, their incredible power and their teachings which change the lives of many people impress the people of the world, and only then-when the Saint is gone-do the people of the world start thinking about them and devoting themselves to them. So that is why, according to the understanding of the people, stories are told about the Saints. It is very difficult to find out much about the Mahatmas of the past-their birth, their place of birth, their parents, their early life, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Trailanga - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    ַטִאַילְנג ְסָוואִמי ترايﻻنغا سوامي تريلينگا http://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%81%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%AA_%D8%AD%D8%B2%D 8%A8%E2%80%8C%D9%87%D8%A7_%D8%AF%D8%B1_%D9%87%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%88%D 8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86 سوامی Trailanga - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trailanga Trailanga From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Trailanga Swami (also Tailang Swami , Telang Swami ) [nb 1] [2] [2][3] Swami Ganapati Saraswati (Telugu: cంగ ాI ) (reportedly 1607 – 1887 ) was a Hindu yogi famed for his spiritual powers who lived in Born Shivarama Varanasi, India.[2] He is regarded as a legendary figure in 1607 Bengal, with many stories told about his yogic powers and Vizianagaram longevity. According to some accounts, Trailanga Swami Died December 26, 1887 (aged 280) [2][4] lived to be 280 years old, residing at Varanasi between Varanasi 1737-1887. [3] He is regarded by devotees as an incarnation of Shiva. Ramakrishna referred to him as the "The walking Titles/honours known as "The walking Shiva of Varanasi" Shiva of Varanasi". [5] Guru Bhagirathananda Saraswati Philosophy Dashanami Contents 1 Life 2 Death 3 Legends and stories 4 Teachings 5 Notes 6 References 7 References 8 Further reading 9 External links Life A member of the Dashanami order, he became known as Trailanga Swami after he settled in Varanasi. His biographers and his disciples differ on his birth date and the period of his longevity. According to one disciple biographer, he was born in 1529, while according to another biographer it was 1607.
    [Show full text]
  • Lahiri Mahasaya Mahasamadhi Commemorative Service Reading
    Lahiri Mahasaya Mahasamadhi Commemorative Service Reading Volume II Commemorative Service Readings Please use the reading from the volume appropriate for the year in which you are reading. The volume number of the commemorative service readings must match the volume number of the Sunday service readings. There are two colors of font — black and blue. Black indicates a section created by the reader as an introduction, transition, or summary. These may be altered to suit your reading style. Blue indicates material taken from an SRF sources, such as Autobiography of a Yogi, Mejda, Self-Realization Magazine, etc. These are not to be changed. If you find an error, please notify the chairperson of the readers' committee for correction. At the end of quoted material there is usually the source and page number from which the material is taken. This is for your information only and is not to be read. Lahiri Mahasaya Mahasamadhi Reading Volume II Lahiri Mahasaya received the Kriya Yoga technique from his guru, Babaji. Babaji’s instructions for the transmission of the blessed technique were quite clear and quite strict. In the Autobiography of a Yogi, Babaji explains the requirements to Lahiri Mahasaya: “Bestow the Kriya key only on qualified chelas,” Babaji said. “He who vows to sacrifice all in the quest of the Divine is fit to unravel the final mysteries of life through the science of meditation.” “Angelic guru, as you have already favored mankind by resurrecting the lost Kriya art, will you not increase that benefit by relaxing the strict requirements for discipleship?” I gazed beseechingly at Babaji.
    [Show full text]
  • Life, Mission and Works of Abhedananda
    CHAPTER- II LIFE, MISSION AND WORKS OF ABHEDANANDA The most important as well as everlasting epoch of Indian history is the one which is related to the life of Abh. This influence has been to a certain extent spread to the Western world too. He spent, seventy three years on the lap of mother earth bringing about many changes in the religious and thinking realms. One cannot guess the span of seventy three years of a man who had sacrificed his life for the well-being of the society, Abh. was such a bold and strong personality who very proudly toiled hard, that is spent each and every split of a second, changing the Indian and Western religion and also to some extent to channelize their thoughts. Before stepping into or penning down the life of Abh. the silken thread of his personal life along with the thread of history should be woven together. The establishment of the Hindu college in 1817 was the second birth place of some of the excellent and dignified personalities of Bengal. There were persons who excelled in the intellectual and social reformation leaders like Rajaram Mohan Roy, Raja Ratha Kanto Deb, Dewan Ramkamal Sen etc. These personalities were practical to the core, substantial, self-made humans without knowing their own powers which they had gathered from the limited facilities which they had in their native land but their religious impressions is beyond expression. 39 The state of Bengal soon imbibed the novel ideas and thoughts which marked a new era in the fields of spirituality, politics and religion.
    [Show full text]
  • YOGANANDA with Personal Reflections & Reminiscences
    YOGANANDA WITH PERSONAL REFLECTIONS & REMINISCENCES A Biography swami kriyananda 2 PRAISE FOR Paramhansa Yogananda, A Biography 2 “ This new biography of Paramhansa Yogananda will pave the path to perfection in the spiritual journey of each individual. It is a masterpiece that serves as a guide in daily life. Through the stories of his life and the unfolding of his destiny, Yogananda’s life story will inspire the reader and flower a spiritual awakening in every heart.” —Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, Ayurvedic Physician, author of Ayurveda: Science of Self-Healing, Textbook of Ayurveda series, and more “ Through this biography of Paramhansa Yogananda, people will discover their divine nature and potential.” —Bikram Choudhury, Founder of Bikram’s Yoga College of India, author of Bikram Yoga “ A deeply insightful look into the life of one of the greatest spiritual figures of our time, by one of his most accomplished, yet last-remaining living disciples. Like the life it depicts, this book is a gem!” —Walter Cruttenden, author of Lost Star of Myth and Time “ Swami Kriyananda’s biography is a welcome addition to the growing literature on Paramhansa Yogananda. Yogananda was a true seer and indeed, his words ‘shall not die.’” —Amit Goswami, PhD, quantum physicist and author of The Self-Aware Universe, Creative Evolution, and How Quantum Activism can Save Civilization “ In this wonderful new work, we are treated to an intimate portrait of Yogananda’s quick wit and profound wisdom, his challenges and his triumphs. We see his indomitable spirit dealing with shattering betrayals and his perseverance in his goal of establishing a spiritual mission that has enriched the world.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
    THE GOSPEL OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA “SRI SRI RAMAKRISHNA KATHAMRITA” By Mahendranath Gupta (“M”), His Disciple Translated from the Bengali by Swami Nikhilananda Reproduced from the webpage of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission http://www.belurmath.org/gospel/index.htm 1 FOREWORD by Aldous Huxley IN THE HISTORY of the arts, genius is a thing of very rare occurrence. Rarer still, however, are the competent reporters and recorders of that genius. The world has had many hundreds of admirable poets and philosophers; but of these hundreds only a very few have had the fortune to attract a Boswell or an Eckermann. When we leave the field of art for that of spiritual religion, the scarcity of competent reporters becomes even more strongly marked. Of the day-to-day life of the great theocentric saints and contemplatives we know, in the great majority of cases, nothing whatever. Many, it is true, have recorded their doctrines in writing, and a few, such as St. Augustine, Suso and St. Teresa, have left us autobiographies of the greatest value. But, all doctrinal writing is in some measure formal and impersonal, while the autobiographer tends to omit what he regards as trifling matters and suffers from the further disadvantage of being unable to say how he strikes other people and in what way he affects their lives. Moreover, most saints have left neither writings nor self-portraits, and for knowledge of their lives, their characters and their teachings, we are forced to rely upon the records made by their disciples who, in most cases, have proved themselves singularly incompetent as reporters and biographers.
    [Show full text]
  • Sri Ramakrishna the New Man of The
    Sri Ramakrishna: The ‘New Man’ of the Age by Swami Bhajanananda (The author is Assistant-Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.) Published in Prabuddha Bharata January 2011 thru May 2012 Table of Contents SECTION I....................................................................................................... 3 PB January 2011............................................................................................... 3 The Epochs.............................................................................................. 3 Paradigm Shifts.........................................................................................4 The Power of Ideas....................................................................................5 Swamiji’s Concept of Epochal Ideas.................................................................6 Role of the Prophet....................................................................................7 The Epochal ‘New Man’...............................................................................8 PB February 2011............................................................................................12 Significance of Sri Ramakrishna’s Avatarahood...................................................12 Avatara as Kapāla-mocana..........................................................................12 The Avatara as the Door to the Infinite...........................................................13 The Avatara as the Revelation of the Noumenon................................................14
    [Show full text]
  • Gaud Vaish Ach.A-Y
    NAME SOURCE A. 1. ABHAYACARAN DE, BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA A. 2. ABHAYA DEVI GVA A. 3. ABHIMANYU SAMANTA SINGARA MAHAPATRA GVA A. 4. ABHIRAMA DASA GVA A. 5. ABHIRAMA DASA GVA A. 6. ABHIRAMA GOSVAMI, ABHIRAMA GOPAL THAKURA GPC,CCU,GVA A. 7. ABDUR RAHIM KHAN GVA A. 8. ACARYA CANDRA CCU,GVA A. 9. ACARYA RATNA CCU,GVA A.10. ACYUTA GVA A.11. ACYUTA GVA A.12. ACYUTA PANDITA GVA A.13. ACYUTANANDA PATTANAYAKA GVA A.14. ACYUTANANDA GPC,CCU,GVA A.15. ACYUTANANDA CCU,BMO A.16. ACYUTANANDA RAJA GVA A.17. ADVAITA (ACARYA PRABHU) GPC,CCU,GVA A.18. ADVAITADASA BABAJI GVJ A.19. AFJAL ALI GVA A.20. AGALA PAGALA GVA A.21. AGARWALI GVA A.22. AGATA GVA A.23. AGRADASA GVA A.24. AHAMMAD BEG GVA A.25. AKINCANA DASA GVA A.26. AKINCANA DASA GVA A.27. AKINCANA KRSNADASA GVA A.28. AKRURA CCU,GVA A.29. AKRURA GVA A.30. AKRURA GVA A.31. AKRURA GVA A.32. AKRURA GVA A.33. AKRURA GVA A.34. AKRURA GVA A.35. AKBAR SHAH GVA A.36. ALAM GVA A.37. ALAOL SAHEB, SAIYAD GVA A.38. ALI MAHAMMAD GVA A.39. ALI RAJA GVA A.40. AMOGHA PANDITA BMO,CCU,GVA A.41. AMAN GVA A.42. AMULYADHANA RAYA BHATTA GVA A.43. ANANDA GVA A.44. ANANDACAND GVA A.45. ANANDACANDRA VIDYAVAGISA GVA A.46. ANANDA DASA GVA A.47. ANANDA DASA GVA A.48. ANANDA PURI GVA A.49. ANANDANANDA GVA A.50. ANANDARAMA LALA GVA A.51. ANANDI GVA A.52.
    [Show full text]
  • Swami Vivekananda Vivekananda
    Swami Vivekananda HIS LIFE AND WORKS VHPA Camp SWAMI VIVEKANANDA HIS LIFE AND WORKS With excerpts from “The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda” - 1 - SWAMI VIVEKANANDA His Life and Works The Vision of Vivekananda and the Hindu Renaissa nce The Importance of the Vision: In December, 1892, after two years of wandering as a homeless Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda found himself in Kanyakumari, the extreme southern tip of India. After darshan of the goddess in the temple, he swam to a large rock in the Indian Ocean, a few hundred yards from the shore. There, Vivekananda meditated long on the fallen condition of the Indian nation, the poverty, the misery, and the ignorance of the masses. There he had a vision in which he clearly saw the past glory of his motherland, the present fallen state, and the future greatness. In this vision, his own mission was made clear to him. He would dedicate his life to the service of his poor and ignorant countrymen. He had become a monk in the pursuit of personal salvation, to have a vision of the Lord. But his own, personal salvation will have to wait. He saw the Lord in the suffering people. The service of these people will be his service to the Lord. He would inspire others, especially the youth of India to take up service of the poor. His goal would be nothing less than the all round renaissance of Bharath; physical, mental, social, and spiritual. At that time, he was all of 28 years of age. He clearly saw how immense the task would be of resurrecting the wounded physical body of Bharath.
    [Show full text]
  • Paramhansa Yogananda
    Paramhansa Yogananda ~~~ History, Life, Mission Introduction This book is fruit of a lifelong dedication as a disciple of Yogananda. It is lovingly offered by a devotee to devotees: to those who might be interested in detailed insider-information about Yogananda's life, and about the history of his work. It might be described as unorthodox, as it doesn't follow any particular party line. Every topic has been diligently researched. Of course errors and misunderstandings are bound to be found: perfection is not of this world, and has certainly not been attained by the author. The texts are not written in scientific fashion, but are meant to read easily. Please forgive any inevitable inaccuracies in the English language: though the author has been speaking English daily for many years, it's not his mother tongue. Most of these chapters have earlier been published in a raw form on another site, which is now regretted, since that site is uncharitable. But back then the author didn't know where else to place them. If you should happen to find yourself in disagreement with any statements in the book, please take it as an opportunity to strengthen your "harmony-muscle." The book's intention is simply to describe Yogananda's history as accurately as possible. It doesn't claim to be always right, and presents the understanding of just one person. All quotations and photos are in public domain. A lot of work went into this book. If you find yourself being grateful for it, you might want to say thank you through a donation.
    [Show full text]