A Touch of Light Podcast

Yet each lifetime has certain major transition points—moments when life takes on an entirely new direction and meaning. Some of these are biologically determined and apply to everyone; others are more individual and often more transformative. Let's look at some of these transitions, noticing common threads and learning from them. I'll use my own life as an example.

The message that Yogananda brought to the world was one of unity: the unity of all religions; the unity of science and religion; the unity of East and West; and the unity of all people: “world brotherhood.” His message is especially relevant today, as we see divisiveness—the spirit of “us against them”—dominating global politics and economics. Yet the light of Yogananda and this line of masters is not dimmed by human ignorance. In fact, it can shine even more brightly for those who try to live by it.

Here are some parts of the chapter, “The Science Behind Service,” a subject of interest to many. It's remarkable how often the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda anticipated scientific discoveries made decades later.

Each of us must ascend our own stairway, which we ourselves have shaped by past thoughts and actions. Rather than wondering who we were in the past, it is far better to look at what challenges lie before us due to old karmic patterns. On every step of the stairway, we should ask: “What are the lessons I need to learn now in this lifetime?” Perhaps it's softening a judgmental nature, or quieting reactive tendencies, or overcoming anger when things don't go our way.

Imagine that we're caught at sea with a hurricane approaching, and we can't reach the shore in time. What should we do? The best course of action would be to race toward the eye of the storm.

In that moment we also understood that there is no real need for feelings of longing, regret, or grief. God's love for us is eternal and can reach us in unforeseen ways.

So, if we know that we want happiness, and even know where to look for it, why does it remain so elusive? One simple reason is that when we try to clutch happiness for ourselves, it slips—like water—through our fingers. But ironically, when we seek to give happiness to others, we find it growing in our own hearts.

In essence, what we call “time” is dependent on the movement of material objects through space. The teachings of India tell us that time and space are both part of maya, or delusion, and have no ultimate reality. The seemingly objective thing we call “time” is, in truth, subjective, a mirage. True reality transcends time—it is eternal.

An experiment for us in the year ahead. How making a monthly sacred contract can help you to advance on the spiritual path.

For Jyotish and me, Ananda has been our home for all of our adult life—a place where we have sought God and served Him alongside our ever-growing spiritual family.

This has truly been an inspiring, even life-changing pilgrimage to sacred places in Italy, Spain, and India. And yet, travel also brings its challenges. During this time, we've given more than a hundred classes and satsangs, spent countless hours in cars and airplanes, and eaten—since we're among friends here, I'll be candid, overeaten—countless meals.

Like the mother squirrel, when we put determination, compassion, and service to others at the forefront of our life, miracles can happen.

Recently, we were blessed to go on pilgrimage to the sacred places of several such saints in Europe. On the surface, all these saints may seem separated by time and place, but as the pilgrimage unfolded, we began to perceive a deeper, repeating pattern.

During our time in Seville, Spain, we were asked to speak about “How to Live Autobiography of a Yogi.” Here are a few lessons from Yoganandaji's life that can guide our own journey.

This age is badly out of balance. The angry, divisive, power-mad energy needs to be replaced with unconditional love. One of the best ways each of us can help the world is to open our hearts to Divine Mother in meditation and offer Her love, friendship, and support to everyone we meet.

Patient acceptance of oneself and others is the key to true happiness and ego-transcendence. In today's turbulent times, patience brings strength to endure as well as hope for the future.

As for many at Ananda, Self-realization has become my personal life goal. But how do we achieve so lofty a purpose? Here are four steps to use as a guide.

My friends, every day we face choices—to take the path that brings us closer to God, or the one that seems easier, safer, or more rewarding in worldly terms.

We recently heard a beautiful example of how God responds to a sincere soul-call.

If you are reading this blog—whether you are a member of a spiritual community or meditation group or simply long for a better world—you are helping to bring about the future envisioned by great saints like Yoganandaji.

In this life, we incarnate not only with the influences of our personal karma, but also with the confining mindset of the age we live in, the family we are born into, and the country and culture we inhabit. If we are seeking freedom, we need wise guides to help us navigate delusion's labyrinth.

Transcendence and self-forgetfulness are the answers to every problem that life presents us. Blame, self-pity, and anger only deepen our suffering. How often do we think, “This isn't fair. Why do I need to suffer like this?” But if we ask, as Uma did, “What can I do to help?” then we break the hold that darkness and suffering have on us.

But I believe the real power of the one-minute solution lies in applying it to our inner lives.

If we tie our joy to a particular event or experience, when that ends we inevitably slide down the slope of sadness. Yogananda explained that most people live in an endless cycle: happiness when desires are fulfilled, sadness when those desires aren't met or stop bringing satisfaction, and boredom in between. This is a roller coaster that we definitely want to avoid.

We live in a world that values effort, but often overlooks the importance of relaxation. We count our steps, track our workouts, and even “work” at our tennis games. Where is the element of fun in all this? Where is the relaxation? While discipline is essential, too much effort—especially if it becomes tense or joyless—can be counterproductive. This is true not only in our outer lives, but in our spiritual practices as well.

Many friends from around the world have been writing Ananda asking for prayers, guidance, and words of comfort. To offer hope and an understanding of what's happening, we've chosen as the focus this year for our annual Spiritual Renewal Week “The Time for Knowing God Has Come.”

For the small things in life, follow the advice in one of Swami's books: Do It NOW! Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink. Try answering all your emails before going to bed. You'll be amazed at how much freer your mind will feel. For larger tasks, don't let them languish on a shelf. Leaving something unfinished is like leaving a faucet dripping: It drains your energy. I've had this lesson brought home to me recently.

This little incident totally changed my experience of being in India. I realized that I could either “hold my breath” and live in fear, or follow reasonable precautions and enjoy the trip. I chose the latter. We traveled throughout the country, visited holy shrines, and fell in love with the spiritual depth and beauty of India and her people. None of our group ever got so much as a sniffle. Our minds are powerful receiving stations, and we're constantly being bombarded by thoughts vibrating in the ether. Love, compassion, fear, anger—they're all out there, waiting to be picked up by minds receptive to their vibration. It's up to us to choose.

We need more stillness in our lives. Stillness—and silence. In our overstimulated world, nearly everyone lives amid a constant barrage of noise, distraction, and overstimulation. Periods of deep silence are not just a luxury; they are essential. Silence allows us not just to relax, but to reset our nervous system, and reconnect with our inner peace. Here's how.

Embarking on the journey of life is also like creating a garden. You need to start with a vision.

Paramhansa Yogananda tells us that there is no one whose prayers haven't been answered in some way. But he warns us that God listens to our hearts, not just our words. The little wishes that loop quietly in the background of our thoughts—those are our real prayers.

If, when in the face of difficulties, we choose to be positive, undaunted, and filled with hope, then little by little, we're transformed into a person of such strength and courage that nothing can defeat. That is the opportunity that obstacles offer us: to become our own highest self.

Fear of the unknown is deeply ingrained in human nature. But for the spiritual aspirant, fear becomes not an enemy, but a valuable teacher. I'd like to share three stories—each one illuminating a reason why it's important to face our fears with courage and faith.

Why do thousands of people come each year to visit the tulips?

The key takeaway is clear: Each of us can, and must, become agents of the light.

How do I maintain my peace amidst all the struggles and demands of my daily life?

Nervousness, worry, and anxiety each have distinct different causes and cures. Worry usually involves a specific situation and is generally temporary. Anxiety is a persistent, generalized state of unease or fear that may not have any specialized trigger. Nervousness, however, arises from overstimulation of the nerves. Let's focus on this, because strengthening our nervous system can lead to permanent improvements in our well-being on all levels—body, mind, and soul.

Since Jyotish and I just celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary, and have both written blogs about it, I thought I'd play a little joke on you. The “I do” that I'm talking about today is not the one that the bride and groom say to each other as they stand before the altar during a wedding ceremony. Nor is the “dilemma” the sometimes difficult choice as to whether a person is the right one for you.

All of us live out the pattern of our nature. Our choices—thoughts, words, deeds, and feelings—when added up and averaged, create a tapestry of tendencies. Over time these tendencies form our personality. The pattern is formed by the magnetic pull of our likes and dislikes.

This was the beginning of a lifelong relationship that started as only a tiny ember of love, but over the years has grown into a beautiful flame which illumines both of our lives, and perhaps the lives of others as well. As we approach the celebration of our fiftieth anniversary, Jyotish recently wrote a blog about what he has learned through our five decades together. I thought I'd follow his lead and share a few thoughts as well.

One of the loveliest aspects of selfless service is its power to expand the heart. Love is an aspect of God that can be found everywhere. Some of its most touching expressions appear in the deep care and affection of parents toward their children. Not only people, but animals as well will sacrifice their own lives in order to protect their young.

t's important to take time out to experience our own nature—not as defined by our body, mind, or personality; nor by our desires and attachments; nor yet by socially accepted goals and personas. This search is aided by using the dictum of gyana yoga, the yoga of discrimination: “Neti, neti,” or “Not this, not that.” We must make an effort to discover who we really are, apart from outer self-definitions, until we begin to feel like our authentic self.

With our anniversary approaching, I've been reflecting on what has made our marriage so harmonious, successful, and fulfilling. Here are a few elements that come to mind...

Here are some of Master's techniques for healing and strengthening the light in our body, our mind, and our soul.

When we ask, “How do I need to change myself?” we are really asking, “What deep-seated mental/emotional patterns do I need to break?” Pulverizing these patterns is not always easy, especially those repeated patterns that follow from place to place and person to person.

I suggest that you give this a try: Make waking from the dream your first priority. Then act immediately on the whispers from your conscience.

There are no shortcuts on the spiritual path. God cannot be deceived by outward gestures when the heart remains entangled in worldly attachments. A sincere seeker must strive to rise above external distractions and desires, placing God at the center of their life.

The story of how Jyotish began painting.

Once we've found our guru, the next stage in the journey is to develop deeper self-offering and attunement to him.

A single theme runs through spiritual teachings like a string that connects the beads of a mala. That theme is: Pay attention, focus on what you are doing, be here now. At this time of year many people make resolutions for the new year. Generally, these are about creating new, healthy habits or leaving behind harmful ones. They're typically about something on the physical plane—diet, say, or exercise. A few people may resolve to improve mental or emotional habits: changing attitudes or controlling emotions. Fewer still make resolutions about their spiritual lives. All of these are helpful, especially the spiritual resolutions. These help us transcend the endless dualities of maya rather than, as Swami Kriyananda occasionally put it, “trying to improve the mud puddle we're sitting in.”

We are all “works in progress,” and while we need to build on our successes, let's not be discouraged about where we fell short. Take some time now to introspect and see in what ways you have succeeded; analyze where you could have done better; and decide on the goals you want to set for 2025. Let's look at these three components.