Since great yogis say that the soul never dies, how can I stay connected with the soul of my loved one? And how do I ensure that both of us will born again in the same family? Does mediation help me to bring me (or my soul) close to the soul of the loved one? Are conversations done in dreams actual conversations with the soul?
—Tina , India
Dear Tina,
Yes, on a deep inner level you can maintain inner contact with the soul of the beloved one. During meditation try to feel the presence of God and then apply the technique Yogananda describes:
Send your thoughts of love and goodwill to your loved ones as often as you feel inclined to do so, but at least once a year — perhaps on some special anniversary. Mentally tell them, “We will meet again sometime and continue to develop our divine love and friendship with one another.” If you send them your loving thoughts continuously now, someday you will surely meet them again. You will know that this life is not the end but merely one link in the eternal chain of your relationship with your loved ones.
To send your thoughts to loved ones who have passed on, sit quietly in your room and meditate upon God. When you feel His peace within you, concentrate deeply at the Christ center, the center of will at the point between the two eyebrows, and broadcast your love to those dear ones who are gone.
Visualize at the Christ center the person you wish to contact. Send to that soul your vibrations of love, and of strength and courage. If you do this continuously, and if you don’t lose the intensity of your interest in that loved one, that soul will definitely receive your vibrations. Such thoughts give your loved ones a sense of well-being, a sense of being loved. They have not forgotten you any more than you have forgotten them.
For your other question: No, you can’t ensure that you will be born again in the same family. Try to give this decision into God’s hands, trusting that what He gives you will be best for you. But love is a magnet that draws souls together, again and again. You will meet again! But it might not be in the same family.
Last question: Conversations in dreams are usually a subconscious matter. It might be, in superconscious dreams, that two souls actually communicate. But those are rare.
All the best, may your love be pure,
Jayadev
