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October 20
2011
Jilam
Sweden
Did Jesus forgive Judas for Betraying him?
Dear Friend,
A disciple who was reprimanded by Paramhansa Yogananda once asked, "Will you forgive me, Sir?" The Master replied, "What else can I do?" In that loving spirit, certainly Jesus forgave Judas and included him in his statement on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
October 7
2011
T.GEETHALAKSHMI
INDIA
I would like to know how to invoke Babaji’s blessing and presence with me to reach the level of samadhi in meditation. Can I repeat his name as a mantra to invite him?
Dear friend,
Paramhansa Yogananda answers this very question in his Autobiography of a Yogi in the chapter, Babaji, Yogi-Christ of Modern India. He quotes Lahiri Mahasaya as saying, "Whenever anyone utters with reverence the name of Babaji, that devotee attracts an instant spritual blessing."
July 11
2011
Jala
India
How should I communicate with my Guru? and How can I make relationship with my Guru stronger?
Dear Jala,
When you do find your guru, this question is age-old for the disciple. The process of attuning yourself to the Guru is an ever creative adventure.
If your Guru is in his body, then the adventure is simplier. You need to be with him as much as possible. In seeing him interact with his disciples, in listening to him lecture on spiritual topics, and in just meditating in his presence, you will be blessed and changed.
May 27
2011
Susan
US
How do I know which Guru is right for me?
Dear Susan,
From our own perspective, it looks like it is up to us to FIND our Guru. Yogananda tells us that God leads us to our true Guru. It might help you to think of your search in this way. Swami Kriyananda has encouraged people to focus on their love for God, first. As you deepen your devotion, your willingness to change yourself, and your eagerness to be free from ego limitations, God sees that you ar ready for a Guru and will guide you to him/her.
April 20
2011
Kerey
USA
It is said that the disciple needs at least one physical contact with the Guru (or guru’s earthly representative), Is it possible that one could have had this contact in a previous incarnation and would that count for the current incarnation? I ask for those that are not able to travel to Ananda centers or otherwise are unable to receive this.
Yours is a most interesting question and I thank you for asking it. Swami Kriyananda has written and spoken extensively on this issue and yet I don’t recall his commenting on this subject in quite the way you have done so here.
I will go out on a limb, therefore, and say that the term "physical contact" could include a "virtual" contact through the mail, telephone, email and internet. I believe that contact with other disciples in these forms would constitute "contact" for the purposes of the truth behind the teaching.
March 21
2011
A
India
Is it necessary for a Guru to be a Jivan mukta? How can a person, who is not free himself, liberate others from bondage? How do you identify such great souls?
In the broadest sense of the word, it is not necessary for a guru to be a jivan mukta (one who has overcome all ego-sense, and therefore no longer accrues personal karma). “Guru” simply means dispeller of darkness.
However, one who is not a jivan mukta will not have the same power to uplift disciples as would a jivan mukta. Such a person can certainly help others, but may not be able to lift them into final freedom. The true guru is one who knows God and has the power to help others to know God. Final freedom is beyond knowing God; it is merging into God.
March 8
2011
A
India
I was given kundalini diksha by the disciples of a master who has left his body many years back; I have not seen the master in person but only through videos & photos. I dont know much about him much. His disciples SOMETIMES fail to deliver what they are supposed to. So,I doubt my master;my mind starts to waver; I dont know whether I am at the guidance of the right Guru.But sometimes I feel that he’s my guru.What should I do now? Why am I finding it hard to accept him as my guru?
Dear A,
You are asking a very natural question, and there is much that could be said about it. Here a few thoughts:
1. If you expect perfection from any guru’s disciples, you are guaranteed to be disappointed. Like you, they are “saints in training.” A better measure is to look at his disciples and ask yourself, “Do they seem to be sincere? On the whole, even with their failings, do they seem to have what I’m looking for, or at least be moving clearly and steadily in that direction?” If the answer is “Yes,” then it may well be that this is your guru.
February 28
2011
Bhushan
India
I have seen many times that in chruch there is one box type cabin where father listen to the confession of sin of person who wish to do so and thus he is relieved from the burden of his misdeed in this process nor father knows who came for confession nor the confessor knows who was the father.I want to know whether this custom is still there in West? Did master advocated this? As per law of cause and effect how can such person be relieved from his misdeed? Or it is assurance he wont do it again?
Dear Bhushan,
My name is Nayaswami Hriman. I was born and raised a Catholic and once studied for the Catholic priesthood before coming to the path of Self-realization.
In Yoganandaji’s many years in America he became familiar with the sacrament of (Catholic) confession. He asked the same questions you did. Not all priests have attained the same level of God-realization and therefore not the same level of spiritual power to help others.
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