Hello and a very Happy New Year to all the 1,000 or more saints at Ananda! My question is what is the best way to offer everything I do at the feet of God and Master this year (and all years)? How can I be more devotional in thought as well as action? What should I do to stay focused on this resolution without falling into moods and tamasic character despite “the crash of the breaking worlds” and pour out the energy I need to stay closer to my Beloved Lord? A Great year to all there!
—Kailash, India
Dear Kailash,
Thank you for writing — your enthusiasm and energy are evident in your question itself! The practices and attitudes you list are crucial to spiritual growth: self-offering, devotion in thought, devotion in action, focus, and energy. In a way you’ve answered the question: developing these qualities in yourself more. As Sister Gyanamata (Yogananda’s most advanced woman disciple) said, when asked what she would have done differently in her life: “More and better.”
You’ve made reference to Master (Yogananda), and I assume you are his student or disciple. You’ve asked, “What is the best way?” The best question is — as I think you understand — “What is the best way for you?” Without knowing you better, I couldn’t make any specific suggestions. But Master can! I would say the best way to accomplished your goals above is to deepen your attunement with Yogananda, so that you hear God’s voice whispering him to you, guiding you. As Master taught us to pray to God: “I will reason, I will will, I will act, but guide Thou my reason, will, and activity to the right course in everything.”
Grow in your ability to hear Master whispering to you through your thoughts and feelings. In a way this is like cheating: whenever you’re stuck on a tough question, just ask him to give you the answer! How to hear Master better? Maintain, and deepen, your meditation and devotion.
God bless you, Kailash, and good luck!
Nayaswami Dharmarajan
