Living the Spiritual Life

Question

Beloved Guru’s, I am a Kriyaban and big follower of Paramhansa Yogananda. Despite the spiritual nectar, I am still inclined and grossly engaged to worldly affairs and do not attempt to seek God and don’t have peace of mind. I love Yogananda very much but do not follow what he preaches. I am not too sure what blocks me, perhaps my bad Karma’s in the past. How can I lead a meaningful and happy life successful in both spiritual and material life.

Jai Gurudev !!!

—Rajesh, India

Answer

Thank you for your truthfulness. Your answer lies within your vow as a disciple and kriyaban and your underlying soul desire to know Him. This is a conversation you need to have daily with Master. It can be as simple as: “Beloved Guru, please help me to live my life as a disciple and as a kriyaban in deepest attunement with your teachings and your will for me.”

This need not exclude success, nor enjoyment of life and, rather, will help you to live your life as it is and not be attached. Do all that you do with Master at your side and in your heart, even if you think he would not be pleased. If you sincerely want to work through it, he will help you to do so. If you want the world more, he will let you do that too! Oftentimes people fear that by placing God first, they will not have the world to enjoy! This is nonsense. In fact, you will be able to enjoy it more because you will be free to enjoy it.

I’ve seen it happen again and again. Your karma is not holding you back nor does it have the power to hold you back unless you give it that power. Remember, your karma, your very good karma, has brought you again to your guru in this life. If you had it all figured out and in order, there would be no growth. Your challenges, such as they are, can and will bring you closer to Master and to God. Never take the spiritual nectar for granted. It is a priceless gift.

Boundless blessings,
nayaswami maria