Ask Ananda’s Experts
Questions and answers about meditation, yoga, the spiritual life, and more

Tyagi Jayadev

Ananda Assisi, Italy

Answer

Hello A!

Yogananda wrote about Aurobindo, Anandamoyi Ma, Ramana Maharishi and other saints, but I can’t find a single mention of Krishnamurti in his talks and writings, even though they were almost exact contemporaries (Krishnamurti lived much longer, though).

Nayaswami Sabari

Ananda Sacramento

Answer

Dear Rekha,

Do you meditate? Meditation is a wonderful for helping with exactly this issue.

It helps you to actually feel other people at their center — in other words, what it feels like to be "in their shoes." Meditation helps you know also that who you are in your heart is the same as others. We are all seeking happiness, and to avoid pain.

Nayaswami Pranaba

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Aditi,

You might try shifting your focus to an uplifting chant or phrase which will help to draw more superconsciousness rather than subconsciousness. You can repeat this chant or phrase throughout the day, either out loud or just mentally, depending on your circumstances. This practice is really a form of “japa” which allows the awareness to be more uplifted.

The mind will tend to play back whatever exerts a strong influence on it. By setting up new habits that are uplifting to the mind, we can more readily expand our consciousness and change those influences. We then are more able to choose our thoughts rather than being subjected to downward or outward pulling thoughts and ideas.

A good book to gain more understanding of this is Awaken to Superconsciousness by Swami Kriyananda.

The practice of meditation is also an important key to helping to be more focused and not be caught by distractions. I would suggest learning to meditate if you don’t already do so. In India you can contact Ananda India at ananda@anandaindia.org for information about classes and locations.

In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Pranaba

Tyagi Jayadev

Ananda Assisi, Italy

Answer

Dear ZXZ,

I will answer your questions one by one, to the best of my ability:

How can i feel God ?

The best way to feel God is through silencing the body, the mind, and the heart. "Silence is the altar of Spirit," Yogananda taught. This is why great Masters teach meditation.

Tyagini Dharmadevi

Ananda Los Angeles

Answer

Dear Karin,

Thank you for your question. I believe it depends upon you and whether Energization Exercises leave you feeling more inward and ready for meditation — or yoga postures do.

Do the one that feels most inward right before you start your meditation. Either way, doing both Energization Exercises and Hatha Yoga before your meditation is incredibly beneficial! Great work!

Love,
Dharmadevi

Tyagi Jayadev

Ananda Assisi, Italy

Answer

Dear Parvathy,

What you are experiencing is an energy flow (prana) between the hands. It feels magnetic.

Energy flows through the body all the time, but correct pranayama practice increases that flow. Sincere prayer increases it more. And the palms are very sensitive; this is why you feel the magnetic flow there.

Mary Kretzmann

Ananda Village

Answer

Thank you for your question regarding healing. Yes — it is all right to attempt to heal someone; in fact, it is very good to have the compassion and empathy to want to do so.

Paramhansa Yogananda gave many Healing Prayer techniques for that purpose. As devotees it is paramount that we not seek God only for ourselves, but share His blessings with all, for He is in all.

Nayaswami Savitri

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Margaret,

Thank you for your excellent question. Vagueness is to be avoided wherever possible in everything related to the spiritual path. Clarity of thought is something which will come with time and with a regular practice of meditation.

The reason for this is that our minds are like a glass of water with dirt in it. If the glass is being constantly shaken up, the water remains muddy or unclear. If allowed to be still, the sediment sinks to the bottom of the glass and the water becomes completely clear.