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

Nayaswami Pranaba

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear friend,

It’s helpful to look at your life from the perspective of asking, “What will bring me fulfillment?” Another way of phrasing that question is, “What will bring me closer to the presence of God?”

Paramhansa Yogananda said that “environment is stronger than willpower," hence it is very important to look at the different parts of our lives and be aware of the influences of our environment — especially of other people and their energies.

Tyagini Dharmadevi

Ananda Los Angeles

Answer

Dear Shabu,

You are obviously on the right track because you asked "how to overcome through spirituality".

The only way we can really get through any crisis is through spiritual success and connecting with that Divine reality within us. Of course, we do this to varying degrees throughout our lives but the more we make our spiritual life the main priority, the more outward success we see as well.

Nayaswami Savitri

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Kumar,

Life often presents us with situations like the one in which you find yourself. There are several answers, the primary one being that you must lift your consciousness to a higher place through meditation.

With the bigger perspective offered through meditation, you'll see why your boss is behaving in this negative way and thereby, you can be more compassionate. Someone who behaves like this is often very unhappy for various unknown reasons.

Nayaswami Devi

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Friend,

One of my favorite quotes from Yoganandaji is: "Life is a battle for joy every step of the way. Let me win that battle on the very spot on which I now stand." What we do in life is less important than the inner environment that we create within ourselves by practicing meditation and right attitudes.

Puru (Joseph) Selbie

Ananda Village

Answer

Bhushan,

There is an old saying that "God watches the heart," meaning our motivation is more important than our action. Honestly and industriously earning money is a very positive action. Giving that money to worthy causes is better yet. But the mere act of giving money, however worthy the cause, does not necessarily indicate that the person is doing it for God.

Tyagi Jayadev

Ananda Assisi, Italy

Answer

Dear Maia,

I wouldn’t try a lot of things to find out your calling. There are better ways.

First of all, it is good that you say “I will be successful,” because without that thought success is impossible. Don’t lose that conviction, but strengthen it in every possible way.

Nayaswami Devi

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Cyril,

I’m sure that everyone faces the challenges in life that you describe in one way or another — how to keep our minds focused and uplifted in midst of demanding activities.

First, as you mention, a deep, daily practice of meditation raises both our level of energy and our consciousness. Meditation fills our minds with calm, refreshing energy that enhances everything we do.

Nayaswami Jaya

Ananda India

Answer

Dear Ab,

I sympathize with your desire to be a cricketer but I suspect your parents realize your chances of reaching the top ranks are heavily against you. That’s why they want you to be a doctor.

Their wish is rooted in their desire for you to pursue a path more likely, in their minds, to bring you success and long-term happiness. Becoming a doctor is difficult but less risky than pursuing the path of a sportsman because the former can be attained through your own study and hard work whereas success in sport depends not only upon your personal efforts but also upon your natural, God-given talent measured against very stiff competition.