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November 5
2009

Will Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Religion) survive?

K
india

Question

Will sanatana dharma survive in the coming 100 years?Because of some extrimist and violent religions and declining rate of hinduism it appears sanatana dharma would not last long.I am very afraid.Please answer my question

Gyandev McCord

Answer

Dear K,

When one looks at what is happening in this world, it’s easy to understand why one might ask this question!

We must realize, however, that "sanatana" means what it says: "Eternal." It’s eternal because it is based, not on theology, but on the nature of reality, which is not likely to change in the coming 100 years. :-)

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November 4
2009

How to become a minister

India Alexis
USA

Question

I am a long time devotee and kriyaban with Ananda. I lived in Ananda Sacramento for four years. In all these years, I never really knew the requirements for becoming an Ananda minister. I am only curious. I do NOT feel qualified to be on any of your levels :-). I started an Ananda meditation group in Brooklyn and people have asked this question. I do remember the commitment to meditating three hours per day but what are the other requirements? Does Swami Kriyananda have to recommend you? Thanks!

Savitri Simpson

Answer

Dear India,

The root of the word "minister" means "to serve", and in that sense, all those who wish to serve God are ministers, whether they have a formal title or affiliation with Ananda (or any other organization), or not.

This attitude of service has always been emphasized strongly to us by Swami Kriyananda, concerning those who might want to become Ananda ministers.

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November 3
2009

Feeling light-headed after meditation

Jason
Los Angeles

Question

Sometimes after meditation (not kriya yoga), I will get up to stretch my back. Then I feel supremely light-headed and I feel inner sensations all over my body. Is this normal? What is this?

Thank you.

Savitri Simpson

Answer

Dear Jason,

To answer your question better, I’d need to know what sort of meditation techniques you are using (you say "not kriya yoga") and for how long you have been sitting in meditation, when these sensations happen to you.

Some breathing exercises can make you light-headed if not practiced correctly. Or perhaps your posture needs some modification.

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November 2
2009

When you are ready to follow one teacher

vinay
India

Question

I was following the lessons from YSS, but due to circumstancial reason, i made another guru and his beahaviour,affected my mind and i lost interest in every thing and the lessons from yss,can any body help me to revive my lost treasure,which i gained from those lessons>

Seva Wiberg

Answer

Dear Vinay,

When you are ready to follow ONE teacher, ask God to direct you to him.

The teachings of YSS and of Ananda Sangha are from our guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. He is a Self-realized master--one with God. His teachings can help you clarify your mind, direct your devotion, and bring you happiness.

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November 2
2009

Kriya Yoga and Buddhism

avin
india

Question

i am a buddhist, i have complete faith in the buddha and his dharma. moreover i am also attracted to yoga as it is explained by yoganada in his classic autobiography. i want to be clear if i will be welcome when i approach ananda to learn kriya yoga. will my buddhist faith be a disqualification for initiation into the method of kriya yoga? does your community insist on converting to hinduism or sanathan dharma before any real empowerment can be given?

Bharat Cornell

Answer

Dear Avin,


Your Buddhist faith does not disqualify you from Kriya Yoga initiation.

However, the Kriya Yoga technique does require on the meditator’s part a receptive openness and love for Paramhansa Yogananda and our other lineage of gurus.

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November 2
2009

Speaking in tongues

J
Brisbane

Question

Hi,

I find your lessons intrguing. I am considering converting to Christianity, but like Yogananda mentioned, am afraid I might be responding to churchianity. I feel that I shoud uncover divinty in life, in each moment. I also feel that Jesus and Buddha have been pivotal figures in modern spirituality. However, they are probably misunderstood.

Seeing as Yogananda has written about Jesus as a person’s personal saviour, I would like to know what is his view on Tongues? Thanks,J

Gyandev McCord

Answer

Certainly the goal of life is to realize our own divinity, and as you say, "uncover divinity in life, in each moment." Christianity is a valid and time-tested path for doing exactly that.

However, as you noted, not all of its manifestations share that validity; there are many by-paths that will not take you where you want to go. This is true of any spiritual tradition, so it’s important for the seeker to separate outward form (and "show") from inward essence (and "glow").

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November 2
2009

Is my Kudalini awakening?

Donald L. Smith
USA

Question

My question deals with meditation. I have been meditating for sometime using Masters teachings every day. However, in the recent past of approx. two months, during, and only in my very, very deepest concentration of God my hands, wrists, and forearms vibrate and I mean its very overt, meaning they really shake. I should also say my hands and fingers are interlocked when I meditate. Could this possibly be a sign of the kundalini beginning to awake or ? Thanks for your help!

Anandi Cornell

Answer

Dear Donald,

Thanks for writing. You mention the vibratiing of your hands and forearms. There are so many different kinds of things that can happen when we meditate, it’s difficult to know exactly what’s going on.

I’d recommend placing your hands as Yogananda suggests, not with hands interloced, but palms upward resting on the thighs near the juncture with the trunk of the body. You might also put a pillow or folded up blanket underneath the hands. This helps relieve pressure that sometimes builds up in the back.

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November 2
2009

Should God be feared?

Charles
USA

Question

3 questions

1. Should we fear GOD? I hear Christians say you should fear GOD. Why should I fear The Divine if he/she is the savior, the grace, the love, and joy of my life. That I should not fear I should embrace. Right or wrong?

2. I have been meditating for about 2 months now and I have seen am image of a beautiful golden female face. I call it divine mother. Is it too soon for me to be seeing this?

3. I have felt a presence of a spirit infront of me while meditating. What is this?

Anandi Cornell

Answer

Dear Charles,

The Indian teachings do not emphasize the concept of fearing God. Instead, as you say, they describe a God of love and joy. It is really important to cultivate love and devotion for God -- and not fear. Yogananda speaks of God as our Divine Mother, always loving us no matter how we err.

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