Guruji was once asked as to how he did not get tired, in spite of taking on so much work. Guruji said that he did everything with interest. He also said that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
So, one can work without tiredness if the work is done with interest, enthusiasm and intensity.

Source: Question-Answer Session by Swami Shuddhanandaji
At Dakshineswar Janmotsav 2012

An excerpt:

Brother Anandamoy led the service. Here he is speaking of Mokshanandaji. “Let me reminisce a little about Brother Mokshananda: as a monk, as a minister of Self-Realization Fellowship, and as an exemplary disciple of our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda. Mokshananda was 24 years old when he entered the Self-Realization ashram on March 3, 1952, just 4 days before Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi. His name then was Leland Standing…..

I remember very well the day Mokshananda came into the ashram, because I was assigned to welcome him. I watched him walking slowly toward the Administration Building, then up the steps to the entrance. His whole body, all his gestures, his eyes, his face, expressed the one thought: “I have come to dedicate my life to God, to Guru, to Their work.” And he did say: “I have come to stay.” After he had signed the entrance papers and put his things away in his room, he changed straight away into his work clothes and said, “I am ready to work.” That spirit of service remained a dominant characteristic in his nature to his last days.

Hard work was not new to Mokshananda. He told us later that he had grown up on a farm. Before he went to school in the morning, there were chores to do, such as feeding the cows and milking the cows. When he returned home from school, there were more farm chores to be done before he could start his homework.

So we put him right to work……..

While working, he heard another monk call from the outside: “Master is going out!” So I said, “Come let’s go; let’s hurry.” We ran to the side entrance of the Administration Building, where Master’s car was ready. Guruji was standing there. Though Mokshananda came from a strict Quaker background, and had probably never knelt before anyone, he humbly knelt before his Guru. Master very kindly, and respectfully, welcomed Mokshananda into the ashram. It was a very touching picture–I can still see it as if it has happened just this morning. Gently patting the new monk’s head in blessing, Master said to him, “Loyalty is the highest law.” Guruji often said this, but usually it was to impress on us the importance of that truth. But when he said it then to Mokshananda, it was different. It was like an approval. I had the very strong impression that he was praising him; the very strong impression that the Guru was welcoming an old disciple from the past, one who had always been totally loyal.

Much later, Mokshananda told us that just as he had been getting ready to enter the ashram, his father suffered a broken leg. It happened at a time when crops should be planted on the family farm, so it was only logical to his father to ask Mokshananda, who knew all the work, to help out for a month or two. But Mokshananda had written that he was coming on March 3. He later told us, “I felt that the Guru had called me. I had given my word, and I had to keep my word, and I came.” It was not an easy decision to make in that situation. But this gives us a glimpse of the kind of person that he was–one of utter integrity and truthfulness. Above all, he had that discrimination which puts God and Guru above self, above family, above everything else. We find this law in the scriptures: God first. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Later Anandamoyji quotes from a personal letter Mokshanandaji wrote to Daya Mataji after he’d been ill for several months.

“Beloved Daya Ma:

Mokshananda”

Anandamoyji continues. “On Christmas morning we took him up in his wheelchair for the last time to pray in Master’s room. Then we took him to the room where Guruji used to receive members and guests. Daya Mata met him in the hall and they conversed for a few minutes; then Mataji invited him into the reception room where some of the other directors were waiting to greet him. I wish I could convey to you the feeling of that meeting. The presence of Master was so powerful–the whole room was filled with tremendous love. It was a deeply moving experience–utterly overwhelming–not only for Mokshananda, but for all who were there. I thought, “This is the crowning experience of a life of service, of loyalty, of dedication.” Tears of joy and gratitude streamed down Mokshananda’s face, and with the humility so characteristic of him, he said to Daya Mataji, “I wish I had something to offer you.” Almost as one voice, Daya Ma and the other directors assured him, “You have already given everything.”

After that, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away last Wednesday morning. The passing was, as one of the monks who were present expressed it, “as if a mother were holding a little baby in her arms as she slowly, tenderly, gently puts it down on the pillow.” That is how the mortal life left that body and went into the higher realm….. We had no doubt that Master had taken him across. Afterwards, the monks came one by one to pray and pay their respects to a beloved brother disciple. I looked at a large picture of Master that was next to Mokshananda’s bed. I felt such unspeakable joy expressed in Master’s eyes and face, as if to say, “He is with me–all is well.”

The following tribute came from a member of SRF’s Phoenix temple, where Mokshanandji served as minister for five years.

“My heart is full with thoughts about our beloved Brother Mokshananda….I have learned more from him than from any other soul. It was not only from his talks and instructions, so full of wisdom and inspiration, but most of all he demonstrated that he had made Sri Yukteswar’s counsel his own: Learn to behave. His behavior was perfect in every way; he never became folksy or familiar with the devotees, rather he emanated dignity and steadiness, but behind these you always felt his great kindness and warmth. Some of the devotees here called him “our gentle giant”….Brother hardly ever talked about himself; there was no ego in his consciousness. Quietly he turned the attention away from himself–He was grateful for any act of kindness as long as it was directed toward Master or to support his work.

I can hardly think of any good quality that was not evident in our dear Brother Mokshananda’s life. Unassuming, quiet, utterly reliable, punctual to the second, always pushing himself but never others unless they volunteered–his life was a perfect example of what one can become who totally surrenders himself to the guidance of our blessed Guru. I will take inspiration from having known him as long as I live, and will be ever grateful for having learned from him what a perfect SRF monk, minister, and devotee should be.”

by Paramahansa Yogananda

Through tests we learn life’s lessons. Tests are not meant to crush us: They are to develop our powers. They come through the natural law of progress and are necessary for us to advance from lower to higher steps. Mind is the source of all your troubles and all your happiness. You really are stronger than all your tests. If you don’t realize it now, you will have to realize it later. God has given you the power to control your mind and body and thus be free from pain and sorrow. Never say, “I am through.” Do not poison your mind by thinking that if you walk a little more you will over-exert yourself, or if you cannot get certain foods you will suffer, and so on.

Never allow your mind to entertain thoughts of illness or limitation: You will see your body change for the better. Remember that mind is the power that is creating this body, and if the mind is weak, the body becomes weak. Don’t grieve or worry about anything.

If you strengthen your mind, you will not feel bodily pains. No matter what happens, you must be absolutely free in your mind. As in a dream, you may think that you are ill but, awakened by a slap, you see it is not true. So in the state of wakefulness you must know that this life is also nothing but a dream. Mind has no connection with the body apart from what connection you give it. When your mind can completely remain apart from the body at will, you will be free. Remember that you are immortal.

In order to pass life’s tests, you will need rejuvenation in both body and mind. You will need to develop elasticity of the mind. If you can’t meet life’s tests, you will be helpless when trials and tribulations come.

At times life seems to be a cruel game. The only justification for it is that in reality it is only a dream. You have had many experiences through many incarnations and you will have others in future incarnations, but they should not frighten you. You must play all parts in the motion picture of life, inwardly saying, “I am Spirit.” This is the great consolation that wisdom gives us.

Realize the presence of the Infinite. Behold God, your own Father, your own Spirit, behind the shadows. In your heart of hearts realize this, no matter what your impulses dictate. Let nothing sit on the throne of your heart but God. If you love God’s creation more than God, you will be disillusioned. God must be first, last, and always. Do not follow the dictates of this earthly dreamland, for dreams sometimes turn into nightmares. Break this dream delusion by waking in God, and you will be safe forever.

Inner Culture Magazine April 1941

Jai Guru!

A friend recently emailed this to me. We can all be so very thankful that our Guru Sri Sri Paramahansa Yoganandaji is so full of love for each one of us! Such a powerful example of forgiveness.

The following inspiring excerpt is from the Fall 2008 Self Realization Magazine, taken from a talk given by Paramahansa Yogananda in Encinitas, California

I remember one boy in my school was accused of some wrong act. The teachers felt it was sufficiently serious that they wanted me to expel him. That would have meant that for four years he could not get into any other school.

I said, “I won’t do that to him; I cannot sponsor such an idea. He may have done wrong, but I shall reason with him and forgive him.” There was a big commotion of disagreement. So I said to the teachers: “Remember all the things that you have done during and since your childhood. Can you tell me you have never done anything reprehensibly wrong?” They all hung their heads. “If that boy were your son, would you send him out?”

No one spoke. I said, “He is my son, and I will hear him.”

So I called this boy to me; he came in very defiant: “Go ahead, I know you are going to throw me out.”

“What makes you think so?” I replied. Again he challenged me rebelliously: “Go ahead.” I replied, “How Childish of you. You have done wrong, and you are proud of it. What is the matter with you? Suppose you did do wrong, that doesn’t mean you have to do wrong again.”

He hung his head. “Don’t do it again,” I said. He looked at me like the little child that he was. “You mean you won’t send me away?”

“You know that what you did was wrong, don’t you?”

He said, “Yes.”

“Isn’t that enough?” I said. “Don’t repeat it.”

Tears came in his eyes and he told me, “You know, I had made up my mind that if you sent me away, I would use my life to do all the evil things that I could.” Then he went on, “I am sorry for what I have done, and promise you that I will never do it again.”

Years later when I went to India, I learned that he had gone to England to further his education and opportunities. He now had a successful career, was very spiritual, and had a wonderful family. He came to me in tears and said, “Do you remember me?” I greeted him lovingly. He said, “That day that you forgave me made me what I am today. It is all due to your faith in me.” He embraced me and cried like a child.

If I had sent that young boy away from my school, he would not have become the remarkable man his is. He would have been nothing today. So remember, love changes people; their part is to repent of their wrongdoing and cultivate discrimination and won’t power to guide their future behavior.

(A devotee’s notes - Talk given by Swami Suddhanandaji at Dakshineswar Ashram, May 2009)

We get three types of blessing:

1. Physical – Here we feel peaceful and comfortable and are at ease. This blessing is limited in capacity.

2. Mental – In this we form ideas and get inspirations. This blessing is better than the physical one.

3. Spiritual -  Here we enjoy spiritual vibrations, and we get more out of this kind of blessing as it helps to quieten the body and mind.

Bhagavan Sri Krishna says that a person who has pragya or wisdom is neither excited by good things nor depressed by unpleasant things.

The sages call that man wise who has no desire for results, nor does he think or plan for one. If we act according to the Divine plan, then we will succeed in everything we do.

If we work with selfish desire we find no joy at the completion of that action. So we have to go to the root of that action. If the motive is to please the ego then we get misery. For example, if I cook to get praise then I shall get praise as karmaphal. If I cook with prayerful consciousness so that the people who eat the food should get God’s Blessings – I will get better results.

The formula to get joy and peace is to work to please God and Guru. Daya Mataji says that beloved Gurudeva, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, gave us the key to keep the mind peaceful. We cannot change the outside world but we can change the inside world. We can do this by meditating and gradually we will learn to internalize and be filled with peace and joy through Guru’s kripa.

So perseverance is necessary and then vivekshakti is developed. This helps us to focus and to do the right things and to direct our lives.

At first Guruji’s sayings may not be comprehensible, but perseverance helps. We should keep trying. As Lahiri Mahasaya used to say ‘banat banat ban jaye”.

There are three laws of success:

1. Conscious Law – when we try to achieve something through action.

2. Subconscious Law – Here all the past impressions of our thoughts and actions are stored. We have to remove bad thoughts by putting in good ones. Affirmations and Cosmic chants are very helpful in this.

3. Super Conscious law – According to the Superconscious law we must not go into the subconscious mind but keep our minds focused on the kutastha. Slowly we will be able to commune with God. When we have a problem we keep thinking about it all the time. Guruji says we must give it a rest. Problems sometimes solve themselves.

Firstly our minds will become peaceful. Secondly our minds will become more understanding. Then we will feel love. Lastly, we will feel joy. This is what we meditate for.

For example when we meditate on Om and become one with it and we will become successful. We have to tell God that we are doing everything for him. We have to be in tune with Him and His laws. Daya Mataji says focus on the inner world, because the outer world will not give us happiness.

(A devotee’s notes - Talk given by Swami Satyananda ji at Pasadena Temple)

Paramahansa Yogananda: Meditation is the most important action we perform.
–Even highest aspirations are hindered by lack of good habits.

(Instead of a “list of habits,” Swami Satyananda ji chose to speak on
a particular one, “Titiksha” or “Even-mindedness”, on the lines of cultivating a life skill than just a good habit).

Sri Uma Mata, a senior disciple of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, was quoted as being a legend where even-mindedness is concerned. An example was given, when some years ago, Swami Satyananda ji was returning from India to Los Angeles with Sri Uma Mata ji. Aboard the flight, there was much disturbance wherein some passengers were consuming alcohol and eventually when some of it was spilt on Sri Uma Mata, Swami Satyananda took a firm stand with the cabin crew. When he returned to his seat, Sri Uma Mata simply asked him: “Brother Satyananda, is everything alright?” She was not in the least perturbed by the incident.

(Bhagwad Gita quote: Chapter 2, verse 38 on even-mindedness. Guru’s commentary: Even-mindedness = basic principle of yoga; it neutralizes the effects of maya / delusion.)

– One who is free from effects of elation [or any extreme emotion] is able to perceive the reflection of Divine within.

– Mind pushes the emotional panic button; we tend to think that’s the way we feel and we have no control.

– Transmute reaction into response

– Response should be regulated = even-mindedness [the need to slow down]

– Restrain the emotions; feel the emotions, then take a deep breath, relax, perceive & not react. Things have a way of resolving themselves, even if they seem hopeless.

– Our emotional state of mind = maya & prevents right response and so we tend to react.

– Stillness / silence is useful in sticky situations

– Controlling reactions = self-governing of ourselves; this requires will power, a command so to speak. In this way we can become effective channels for God.

– Practice cultivating “spaces of calmness” in thought processes / during activities.

– Controlling the need to react often helps in diffusing situations.

– Fear destroys faith [stay calm!]

– Paramahansa Yogananda: even a yogi nearing his goal may be hindered by sense addictions - willful intervention is necessary.

– Make a conscious effort to cultivate even-mindedness, even by praying for opportunities to perceive instead of reacting.

– Keep out thoughts of hatred / negativity from the chamber of peace and God will visit.

Jai Guru!

(A devotee’s notes on a class given in Ranchi at Sarad Sangham 2008
- talk given by Swami Smarananadaji)

Difficulties do not come just because you were bad in another life or in the past. There is something between you and God. There are 3 ways karma can be worked out: a) Suffering, b) Service and c) Meditation.

1. Suffering can be a way to work things out. The soul chooses with God and Guru how to work out what needs done to draw closer to God. So, suffering is not just a punishment. On a soul level these things are chosen. Just because you suffer do not think you are a bad person. You are a brave soul! The soul for some reason, in consultation with Guruji has chosen this, no room for guilt consciousness. Also, don’t have an inferiority complex. Don’t worry about image; as this is the ego. “It is not what happens to you – but the mind that makes you suffer.” “Let go, let God!”

Take heart. Don’t feel ashamed. Why so much suffering? What suffers? The ego only suffers. Not the soul! Everyone has difficulties.

2. Suffering and happiness can go together. If you are regularly meditating you can draw on that inner joy. It has nothing to do with what is happening around us. You can still have joy in the midst of troubles.

Swami Ananadmoyiji saw Guruji, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda in much physical pain and felt for Him but when he happened to touch Him so much joy came. Guruji was showing what He really is. Pain and joy can co-exist. “Joy is sweet, sorrow a dream, when Thy song flows through me.”

When we are in tune we can pass through sorrow as though it is a dream and it will not touch us. Suffering and happiness can go together. “Even a little practice of this religious rite will save you from dire fears.” It does not say it will save you from suffering but will save you from the fear of suffering. Suffering may be there but still I can be joyful, I only need to be in tune with God.

3. It is all a dream. One day we will wake up and realize it is a dream. Who is it that is dreaming? God is dreaming. Why get so emotionally involved? It will all be gone one day. It’s not real. It doesn’t have anything to do with my soul. This too will pass. Saints say God is goading us to put our attention on what is REAL.

4. How much joy will we have when we find God. My only ultimate happiness lies there. Nature is beautiful, but how much more beautiful is God? The good things in life should draw you to God, awaiting how much more goodness in God. The bad things, likewise, should push us towards God. Even pain is rooted in love. Pain is a gift to mankind. The pain reminds us something is wrong so we seek treatment. No pain; we will do nothing. Pain motivates us. There is a purpose. Do something to alleviate the pain. We scold our children to help them, to show the right path, for their understanding. Pain can be a gift if we have the right understanding.

5. Guru’s help is there. Babaji sitting at a fire with some devotees and He strikes one with a flame from the fire. This freed the devotee from a painful death by fire. We have some suffering but Guruji Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda is a partner in life and without Him my suffering would no doubt be much worse.

We go though trouble, ugliness, but then what we learn, one day we realize everything is taking place at the right time, for the right purpose. We will only be grateful to Guruji in the end when we look back. The end is so beautiful.

6. We should have right understanding also. “Lighting a candle is good, but cursing the darkness is fun.” How empty our lives would be if we had nothing to resent. Is it a genuine trouble we are facing or is it just a desire that is not being fulfilled? No point in brooding over what you are denied. Your attitude when it is right can bring you so much joy, no matter what troubles may be there. Appreciation, gratitude. If you really want to rid yourself of bad habits and the cause of suffering you have no better recourse than meditation. Do not blame others for your suffering.

So, do not have a guilt complex. You are a brave soul. Suffering and joy can go together. Understand that this is a cosmic dream and one day we will wake from it. It is all God’s law at work. Even suffering is His love for me. Guru’s help is always there. If not for Him it would be much worse. Our lives would be empty if there are no troubles. Knowing you are a soul, smile away your troubles. Don’t make unimportant things important. It is only an entertaining drama. Smile a smile that cannot be destroyed.

(A devotee’s notes on a lecture class given by Swami Lalitanandaji
in Ranchi at Sarad Sangham 2008)

Devotional definition of depth in meditation is when you feel God and Guru’s presence and nearness during and after meditation.

Deep meditation
All space is alive with God’s flowing presence. Many think absence of body consciousness means a void, nothingness. This is not so. In deep meditation all space can be felt as one’s body. The greater the depth of meditation the greater the spread of consciousness in space. Health prosperity and complete fulfillment of all desires comes with deep meditation.

How to go deep?
First, one must desire to go deep; then how?
Elimination of all restlessness of body and mind.
Deep meditation leads to stillness of mind.

Posture is first:
Head and neck and spine must be straight, without movement.
Eyes at the kutastha (in the middle of your forehead).
Mentally check posture intermittently.
Drowsiness and bad habits can effect posture. Be careful about not getting drowsy in meditation. You must get sufficient amount of sleep.

For a good sleep practice the following:
Give God your deepest attention before going to sleep.
Do Hong-Sau for 1 or 2 minutes.
Do 6 kriyas and then mentally give all the day’s activities to God.
While lying down tense and relax several times before sleeping. Surrender all to God and Guru.

Check where the eyes are:
If you are feeling drowsy in your meditation: Is the body holding tension? Shoulders, neck, stomach; mentally check body; where the eyes are focused and posture. Maintain good posture throughout the day and try to be tension free as well.

Often when we meditate we think of something we need to be
doing next instead of letting go in meditation.

It is our duty to God and Guru to go deep in meditation first and develop attunement. Everything else should go out of your mind.
Then whatever you do next, whether fun or difficult you can enjoy more. All belongs to Divine Mother. My work is only to do my best in meditation; the results are up to God and Guru. So relax and do not try to force results. When we struggle against what we want to experience it is counterproductive. Relax and results come.

Story:
There was a devotee who was told of a village where a temple had sunk into the sea. It was said that those who were blessed could still hear the bells of the temple ringing if they stood on the shore. So he travelled to this place and wanted this blessing. He sat for many days and nights listening for the bells. He strained to hear them over the crash of the waves but all he could hear were the waves. He became frustrated, as he strained to hear them. In his effort he never looked around him to see the beauty of the place he was in. After a long time, he became disheartened. Then he began to relax and see the beauty of the sea and the village and the coast. This beauty took his breath away and uplifted his heart and mind. It was in this joy he felt the blessings come of the temple bells.

Unconditional love
Devotion, love, yearning for God must be there. Unconditional love brings God’s response immediately. All our meditations are only a means to this end. Raja Yoga is characterized by the practice of the techniques. Correct practice is important. Don’t change or modify them.

Quality is first, the quantity second:
“Long meditation is not an endurance test.” Practice the techniques intensely but this does not mean strain. There should be loving absorption in what you are doing and a lack of strain. Push yourself to go further but keep in mind the importance of quality. After practice of the techniques sit in the stillness. Concentrate on God only when thoughts are still. “As soon as you tune out restlessness with these scientific techniques the personal aspect of God will come to you.”
This is why we must sit in stillness for some time. Very important!

What is the personal aspect of God?
This depends completely on the individual. Have a definite aspect of God and build on it. We become more focused and efficient in our daily lives when we practice the presence of God. Regularity is very important also.
“The only way to become regular in meditation is to meditate regularly.”

Motivate yourself!
Whatever you want, desire or crave, the answer will be found in meditation. Some difficulty comes after long practice so be frank and open and know that unconditional love is there. Give it to Gurudeva and it will be resolved. Face yourself in this way and give it to God. And then it will go.