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Category: Spiritual Path

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November 20
2009

Too much information

warren wagner
us

Question

I thought I was practicing meditation until I started the Meditation course. There is so much information here on this sight that I FIND my head spinning . I am like so many that I let my thoughts control me. Amazing what the mind can come up with. I like the thought that the breath is like the ocean waves going in and out. Amazing thought. from warren

Seva Wiberg

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Warren,

You can have a lot of fun with the images produced by your thoughts derived from new information and broader visions. It’s OK to explore them for a short time.

But know that the purpose of meditation is to always bring you to the center of your own being, to the point of reality that you are one with the Infinite consciousness.

This is where you will find true happiness and joy.

Joy to you, Seva

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November 17
2009

Fear of others' opinions

Ashwin
India

Question

Hello,I am struggling with the fear of dealing with disapproval from others, particularly those people at my work place. I have been practicing Kriya yoga and meditation for almost three years now, and still I have not yet succeeded in overcoming this paralyzing Fear! In fact I am terribly afraid to even slightly reveal my spiritual side to my co workers, for they strongly believe that people who engage in such spiritual pursuits are "Guillible, weak and foolish people'. I need some guidance

Anandi Cornell

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Ashwin,

If your co-workers have such strong negative opinions about spiritual pursuits, I think you are wise not to mention anything about what you are doing. Naturally, feeling terribly fearful is not a good thing.

A strong antidote to fear is love. Perhaps it would help you to end your Kriya practice by focusing on your love for God and God’s love for you. Then imagine that love flowing out from you to embrace your co-workers and others.

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November 17
2009

Energization Exercises

Sandy Walker
USA

Question

My husband and I were doing the Energization Exercises until we went to a Ananda service. We knew a lot of the exercises, was wondering if there is a CD to show how to do these.?

Seva Wiberg

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Sandy,

We sell a DVD showing the Energization Exercises.

These exercises were created by Paramhansa Yogananda to bring more energy into body and mind. With more energy, you can cope with life’s tests and can direct your life better.

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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

Ananda Village

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 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

Ananda Village

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

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

Ananda Village

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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October 13
2009

Are there Avatars among us?

jon
norway

Question

dear friends

is there any Avatars on earth to day ?i know Mahavatar Babaji is ever with us but is there others i know many say they are this and that ,but how can we know?Thank u

Anandi Cornell

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Jon,

I don’t know if there are any avatars on earth with us today. Souls of that great stature are not common. Usually they come with a special assignment from God, though that assignment, as the case with Babaji, may not involve them in day-to-day affairs with people.

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September 16
2009

Being Alone

tanya
poland

Question

I do not know who to ask, but I am so lost in this world as never before. Today I have found myself in a big fear of getting old alone without my own family, and my own children. And I have asked God, will I have childer? ... For a moment I felt very shocked and stressed by feeling of giant fear of living alone, as I am getting older and later on it will be harder to have a children, while other friend of my age already have 2 or 3 children, why not me? I feel so desperately lost and usuless,...

Seva Wiberg

Ananda Village

Answer

Dear Tanya,

I can understand your thoughts as I, too, am single. What I have come to realize is that you are never alone. If you believe in God, you will see that He is always with you. Any fears you may have dissolve before this one Truth.

You should develop a strong spiritual life with meditation to realize that you are never alone. It would also be good to find a community of like-minded people to live with or near, so that you all can work and live together. In this way you are forgetting yourself and thinking and working on how to help others.

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