For any army to achieve victory, the gathering of its many soldiers into one unified force is essential. This also holds true for success in meditation. To meditate effectively, our thoughts—like undisciplined soldiers—need to be focused one-pointedly. Devotional chanting before you meditate can greatly enhance your practice because it helps to command the attention of your thought-soldiers and direct them dynamically towards God.
Yogananda introduced a new kind of chanting in the West that is based on the repetition of meaningful phrases, such as:
Door of my heart, open wide I keep for Thee. Wilt Thou come, wilt Thou come, just for once come to me? Will my days fly away without seeing Thee, my Lord? Night and day, night and day, I look for Thee night and day.
In this kind of chanting, you are singing to God in a deeply intimate and loving way—which is the most magnetic way of all if we are to draw His response.
Ananda Meditation App
A free app with guided meditations and techniques, based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Go deeper in the joy of your own Self.
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The 10-week Ananda Course in Meditation online course is designed to provide in-depth instruction in scientific meditation techniques that bring more peace, deeper relaxation, and focused concentration to every area of your life, regardless of outer conditions.
These techniques are based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi.
