A Touch of Light Podcast

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.

The Christmas season is an ideal time of year to expand our hearts and minds. As Paramhansa Yogananda wrote, “This Christmas morning we invoke the spirit of Jesus, the spirit of Christ to descend upon our consciousness and give us the realization of infinity.”

Recently after meditation I found myself grappling with such discouraging thoughts about my own progress. At that moment an uplifting realization entered my mind and changed my perspective: “Once you realize that the material world can never provide the happiness you seek, you have crossed a threshold that inevitably leads to soul freedom.” Yoganandaji talks about the “anguishing monotony” we experience after countless incarnations of thwarted attempts to find lasting happiness in the world. Once we sincerely begin to seek higher realities and remain steadfast, our goal of finding God will itself help guide us toward fulfillment. Though we may not perceive any progress or changes in ourself, every effort we make breaks down inner barriers and moves us closer to God.

During this holy season, take time to reflect on the attributes of Christ that have touched your life. If you feel inspired, share with the other readers one of his qualities, along with some practical tips for becoming a channel of Christ Consciousness.

One of the most useful truths taught by Paramhansa Yogananda is: “The greater the will, the greater the flow of energy.” By pouring our energy into everything we do, we draw even more energy to accomplish it. Over time we discover that this increased energy flow comes from a higher source and enables us to succeed at whatever we're doing.

Most of us have family, job, and social responsibilities. If we perform these in a dharmic and non-attached way, they will lead us toward our soul's destined freedom from the dream-world of maya. We have, after all, incarnated at the exact time and place that gives us the opportunity to evolve toward the final goal of Self-realization.

Now is the time to remember our innate power to rise above whatever challenges lie before us. Perhaps we can't change the world, but then again, united in faith in God, perhaps we can. Swami Kriyananda said that those seeking God have chosen to incarnate at this time for a purpose—to balance the downward-flowing energy around us with light and faith in a higher reality.

Let us not limit our vision to our individual spiritual search, or to the challenges in our daily life. We are a part of a great family of God, come together to help others, too, to find their way to truth. Master closed his Autobiography of a Yogi with these words: “Lord, Thou hast given this monk a large family!” United in his love, let us carry his banner forward.

During our travels in India over the past two months, we've been launching the latest compilation of our blogs, A Touch of Inner Power. Recently at the Ananda center in Pune, Jyotish and I spoke about different expressions of inner power and how they can uplift our life. Here are a few of the thoughts that we shared.

uring our recent travels, I've come across some quotes on the internet credited to Abraham Lincoln. None of them, as it happens, can be reliably, or for the most part even plausibly, attributed to that great man. Such is the age we live in. A lot of what we read or hear these days is of questionable reliability, and we need to use our own discrimination and common sense. There is a difference, however, between fact and truth. Regardless of who first uttered these quotes, they each contain a kernel of truth, which is eternal and can never be created but only perceived. Here are a few of them, both witty and wise, along with my comments.

I felt to share with you my journey with forgiveness in the hope that it will help you, too, to experience the release of subconscious negative feelings. The goal of life is to find freedom from every pattern of action or thought that keeps us in bondage.

How can we know whether or not we've led a victorious life? Generally, victory implies a comparison—one team outscores the other; one party or country wins a battle; someone rises to the top of the corporate ladder and becomes wealthy. But when it comes to the battle of life, it is fruitless to compare one person's life against another's. Does material wealth, high position, or an easy existence mean that you have led a victorious life?

How do we please God and Gurus? Swamiji's life and service to his master, Paramhansa Yogananda, is an example of discipleship for us all.

Is there anything that we can do to quicken the ripening of the fruit of Self-realization? While faith and patience are the most important attitudes, self-effort is also needed. There is, in nature, a wonderful symbol of the balance between the effort and the patience that are required. In Italian, the sunflower is called “girasole,” or “sun-turner.” While a plant cannot force its seeds to ripen, the humble sunflower can turn itself to keep facing the sun. Here are a few ways we can stay turned toward the Divine Light.

What is the story behind this holy place L'Ermo?

It is not enough, of course, just to receive this grace in the form of a golden cord. We must also pass it on to all those we meet during the day. Whether through visualization, or simply an inner sense of connection, we should see ourselves as both recipients and channels of a golden cord of Divine Grace. The world needs channels for this light now more than ever.

Here are five practical ways to express this key concept, Crystal Clarity, which is at the heart of Ananda communities.

Wouldn't we all like to be able to be happy whenever we chose? Here are some keys to bringing that power under the control of your will.

Swami Kriyananda once shared a remarkable experience he'd had while giving a Kriya Yoga initiation. After the ceremony he told a small group of us who had gathered around him, “As each one of you came up for the blessing, I could feel your unique path to God.” His words were thrilling on two levels: first, that we would find God; and secondly, that our path to soul freedom lay before us and could be seen by one with higher awareness.

What can we do to help overcome darkness? Let's become lighthouses of uplifted thoughts and actions. Here are some suggestions.

Swami Kriyananda lived with his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, for the last three and a half years of the great master's life. The teachings and training that Swamiji received from him during that time have inspired and guided the work of Ananda, which now reaches countless souls throughout the world. Here are two stories from Swamiji's early days with his guru that can help us in our spiritual as well as our everyday life.

The phrase “God is watching” often comes across as a stern warning, an admonition that any misstep will be punished by an ever-alert, ever-vengeful Divine Judge. This perspective can fill us with a sense of dread. But let's flip it around and view it as it truly is. God is our Father/Mother, ever ready to help when we need it. This idea sounds simple, and it is. Yet, until we truly accept this on all levels—body, mind, heart, and soul—we will find it hard to open ourselves to God. Hearing simple stories of divine intervention can help. Here is one that was sent to us by Rima, the manager of Ananda's award-winning café in Mumbai, just last week...

What had happened? I believe that there were two factors at work in this healing: the blessings of a saint and the healing power of positive thoughts. Swamiji could have said, “You'll feel better in the morning,” and then silently prayed for my healing. Instead, by asking me what was going to happen, he elicited my active, positive affirmation that I would be well. Add to that the power of his blessings, and I received a permanent healing.

I recently found out that Yogananda visited Padre Pio while in Europe in 1936, but kept his visit secret because Padre Pio was being persecuted by the Church at that time. Devi and I have recently been reading a very inspiring book, Padre Pio and I, by Adolfo Affattato, one of Padre Pio's “spiritual children”—disciples, in our terminology. This is one of the few books I've read that gets into the heart and spiritual essence of a saint, rather than viewing saints and their miracles from the outside.

Master said, “As long as you question if you will win or lose, you will lose.” This is a daunting statement, but one that motivates us to develop the firm conviction that we will succeed. He suggested that we keep a mental diary, and every night before sleep analyze how we fared on life's battlefield that day. Figure out how you can improve your efforts, then act on that understanding.

How much happier we would be if we could throw ourselves into life?

One of Yogananda's most important teachings was how to use the power of will to draw success in any undertaking. Many religions have taught that we are weak sinners, passive and incapable of helping ourselves. But understanding how to use will power to draw energy from a cosmic source is the key to accomplishing our goals—both in the world and in our spiritual search.

We recently did an interview with Richard Dugan for a program called Tell Me Your Story. At the end of his interviews, he asks his guests these three questions: Who are you? What gets you up in the morning? What was your best day? What interesting and deeply spiritual questions! Of course, everyone will answer in their own way, and we answered them spontaneously at the end of the program. But since then, I've thought about them more deeply. You, too, might benefit if you ponder them, and discover what emerges from your heart and soul.

With an outpouring of wisdom and compassion, Paramhansa Yogananda gave us a sure, do-able path to soul freedom. “If you practice even 1/100th of what I teach, you will find God,” he told his disciples. Add to these techniques and many others, the practice of meditation and Kriya Yoga, and we have all that we need to achieve our spiritual goals.

Every day we're faced with dozens of choices. Some are large ones requiring thoughtful decisions, but many are so small they never even register on a conscious level, but come more as feelings and reactions. In all of these choices, be they mental or emotional, there is an option that expands and lifts us, and one that contracts us into greater self-centeredness. When our reactive processes get aroused, they block our ability to make any choice, let alone the right one. At these times the best strategy is to do a reset: take a few deep breaths, step away from the problem for a bit, or even get a night's sleep.